I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine after a long period of interest in nutrition and eastern philosophy, qualifying in 1998. My teacher, Dr John Heptonstall, at the Morley Clinic of Acupuncture near Leeds, is a well-known and respected teacher both in England and Hong Kong. John's teaching was inspirational and a solid foundation on which to base my clinical practice.

I continue my studies to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of Chinese medicine, to include herbal medicine and Tuina (Chinese massage) at The AcuMedic Foundation in Camden, London (please read below for further information on AcuMedic). I cannot say "thank you" enough to the wonderful Chinese doctors who teach there and to their patients who allow me to question them in order to understand the complexities of Chinese syndrome diagnosis and gain valuable clinical experience. I feel humbled by the willingness of the teachers (especially Dr Lily, Dr Chen, Dr Yu, Professor Mei - apologies to all the other doctors if I don't mention you all) who give their time so generously.

I discovered NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques) whilst on holiday in Los Angeles 15 years ago and read Dr Devi Nambudripad's first edition of her book "Say Good-bye to Illness."

She tells us of how difficult her life was growing up with multiple allergies, so that for years all she could eat was broccoli and rice. In her pursuit of healing herself, she studied Chinese Medicine and became an acupuncturist.

Her remarkable discovery of how the brain can be reprogrammed to recognize an allergen as beneficial and no longer a threat to the body, came by accident one day when she suffered an anaphylactic shock from something she had eaten. Before she passed out she had quickly inserted some acupuncture needles to revive her and when she came round she found she was no longer allergic to that substance. From that day forward she studied and experimented with muscle response testing (kinesiology) to find out how this had happened.

Now after more than twenty years the protocol for testing and treating allergies has been advanced and refined so that many substances can be treated, including emotions. Her remarkable story inspired me to become an acupuncture practitioner so that I would be able in time to practice her NAET technique here in the UK.

NAET Practitioner Seminars are now taught in Europe. You can find out more by reading "Say Good-bye to Illness" by Dr Devi Nambudripad or by accessing www.naeteurope.com or www.naet.com

A further important part of my practice is nutrition, yoga and lifestyle coaching. I have studied nutrition and yoga since my twenties and practice what I preach. You too can look younger and have more energy with Cosmetic Acupuncture which can give you a more youthful appearance and a fresher-look without surgery.

For people who work in offices, or who spend a long time on their feet or sitting at a desk, you may have a wonderful Japanese acupressure chair massage or Tuina (Chinese massage).

If you are feeling overwhelmed, tired all the time, and stressed by your work then you may benefit from work related stress treatment. This is more than a counselling treatment and uses Traditional Chinese Medicine to help you regain control of your life and put you back on track.

My practice is based at my clinic in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The address is on the home page of this web site.

Further information on AcuMedic

AcuMedic is the oldest (established in 1972) and largest Chinese medical organization in Europe. Their prestigious clinics successfully treat thousands of patients every year. AcuMedic is also the world's leading name in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine research and development. Visit www.acumedic.com

All the courses and CPD days have the full academic collaboration of the teaching and research faculty of the Beijing University and affiliated hospitals. The team is selected from the university and from the clinical consultants at AcuMedic. All the teachers are trained as doctors in Chinese medicine with extensive knowledge of Western medicine. AcuMedic courses gain full accreditation to the CMIR (Chinese Medical Institute and Register). The CMIR is dedicated to the modernization of Chinese medicine and its proper integration in to Western medical practice and maintains a well respected register of properly qualified practitioners who abide by a set code of practice. The CMIR also provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge in Chinese medicine research and to increase public awareness of the benefits of Chinese medicine. The CMIR is an influential organization which has been actively advising government bodies (e.g. MCA, the House of Lords select committee) as to the future prospects and legislation for Chinese medicine in Europe.

For information on AcuMedic access: www.acumedic.com

Rita is a member of The Royal Society of Medicine
Rita is a member of the Complementary Medical Association