My Journey to London

I'm originally from Portland, Oregon but decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee for university.  After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in education (Hons),   I decided to use my teaching career as an opportunity to travel the world.  Luckily, I managed to secure a teaching position in London and moved "across the pond". I loved teaching and taught for several years, even earning a Master's degree in education at UCL.   In my spare time, I travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Eventually, I met my husband, got married and started a family.  After having my first two children, I took a break from teaching to stay home with them.  This hiatus lasted longer than anticipated, as it was coupled with a move back to Portland, Oregon and the birth of three more children!!  Yes, that brings the number to 5 children in total.  We're a tribe!!

I always thought that once the kids were a bit older that I would head back into teaching; however, life had a different plan for me. 

The Power of Chinese Medicine

During my motherhood journey, I developed lower back pain that was progressively getting worse with each pregnancy.  I sought advice from several physiotherapists, doctors, personal trainers etc...and nothing seemed to really take the back pain away.  Additionally, I also developed post-natal depression which proved to be one of the most difficult battles I have had to face in my adult life.  This isn't a condition that women openly and willingly talk about, let alone even consciously understand that they're suffering from.  In fact, the more I opened up about my experience with post-natal depression,  the more I learned that this condition is much more common than one might think.  There are several women suffering in silence.  This simply shouldn't be the case. 

In early 2018 my husband and I decided to move back to London with our children.  At this point, I was still experiencing chronic lower back pain and depression.  I  was desperate for a solution and simply didn't want to continue feeling this way!   A close friend recommended acupuncture, as it had benefited her health in numerous ways.  Despite being a bit sceptical,  I listened to her advice, found a highly recommended local acupuncturist and booked the first appointment I could get.  I will never forget that day I walked into his clinic; barely able to stand upright, exhausted beyond belief, trying to share my story of pain and depression with a complete stranger.  After a few treatments, which included acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion and Tui Na massage, my back pain improved and I wasn't feeling so depressed.  It was as if my body had experienced a complete reset.  I was beginning to feel like my "old self" again; more optimistic, more energetic and almost completely pain free.  The power of Chinese Medicine shocked me.  I had never experienced anything like it before. 

No Pain...No Gain!

If I hadn't had the chronic back pain and post-natal depression, then I wouldn't be where I am today.  So, as the saying goes, "No pain...no gain."  I can honestly say that my experience with Chinese Medicine positively improved my health, my outlook on life and my overall happiness.  I know, this may seem extreme, but honestly, this is my truth.   This transformation didn't take place overnight and it wasn't just down to my acupuncturist's abilities.  I took ownership of my health and wellbeing by incorporating the lifestyle advice (Yang Sheng) that my acupuncturist offered in order to achieve results.   Chinese Medicine doesn't offer a quick fix, but rather it embraces a holistic approach that focuses on healing the whole person by getting to the root of the problem. 

As my fascination with acupuncture and interest in Chinese Medicine grew, I began asking my acupuncturist all sorts of questions...I mean, who wouldn't?  Chinese Medicine was actually working to heal my body and I wanted to know why!  The more I read, the more I wanted to know.  I soon realised that I wanted to study Chinese Medicine and become an acupuncturist.  So, I enrolled at the renowned City College of Acupuncture in London  and haven't looked back since.   

I hope you've enjoyed reading a little bit about why I changed career paths and decided to become a Chinese Medicine practitioner. 

Life's a journey...embrace it!