Katie Powell, RGN, BA(Hons) English Literature, Bsc (Hons) Acupuncture, Member of the British Acupuncture Council.

I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1987 and worked for six years within the areas of acute and accident and emergency medicine both in St Richard’s hospital in Chichester and Queen Alexandra hospital in Cosham, Portsmouth.

My interest in acupuncture and Chinese medicine developed from years of nursing care, where I increasingly noticed how modern life with all its emotional and physical stresses and strains impacts on people’s health. My background in nursing and strong understanding of illness from a Western medical point of view allows me to have a foot in both camps. My knowledge of Western and Chinese views of health and illness is used to approach your health problem in a sensitive yet pragmatic way.

The two systems are highly complementary. I would not expect you to see me to help you to set a broken bone, or in the acute stage of illness such as a heart attack. Clearly both these problems are best suited to be treated by my medical colleagues. What I can help with, using the above example of the broken bone, is to help maintain and promote a good blood supply to the injured area to facilitate good healing, and, after healing of the fracture has taken place, promote mobility.

The core philosophy and major strength of Chinese medicine and acupuncture is that its aims are to to treat the person on all levels (mind, body & spirit), not just the physical problem.

I studied Traditional Chinese medicine and Five Element Acupuncture for 4 years, including 12 months clinical practice at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading.

At the heart of my practice is the ethos of informed choice, supportive care and safe practice. I am passionately interested in all that Chinese medicine and acupuncture have to offer, and it is important to me to always be developing and deepening my understanding of this enormous subject. I regularly attend Continuing Professional Development seminars to enhance my practical and theoretical skills. I have recently attended postgraduate courses on topics such as gynaecology and obstetrics, infertility, and musculoskeletal pain.

I am also a member of the Acupuncture Fertiity Network (AFN). The AFN is a group of acupuncturists with a special interest in supporting couples with fertility issues. This group are all members of the British  Acupuncture Council,  who have also undertaken post graduate training in the fields of gynaecology and fertility.

As a full member of the British Acupuncture Council, I adhere to the British Acupuncture Council’s Code of Safe Practice and Code of Professional Conduct at all times. I am also covered by full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

I also enjoy cycling, sailing and I practice Tai Chi and Qi Gong. This is the website of my teacher, Gareth Davy at  www.qifitness.co.uk .   Tai Chi and Qi Gong are wonderful for building your qi and internal energy. Many people just use this type of exercise to relax.