Each week, on “Therapist Thursday” we’ll be introducing one of our amazing therapists who practice from the centre, and explaining a bit more about what they do.
So firstly, let's explain a bit more about Acupuncture, what it actually is and how it works? Acupuncture treatment stems from an ancient Chinese medicine where fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. It works by stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or "life force", flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). Practitioners who use acupuncture in the traditional way believe that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health. Many people have acupuncture to relieve specific aches and pains or for common health problems. Some people choose acupuncture when they feel their bodily functions are out of balance, but they have no specific diagnosis. There are also a lot of people who will go for regular treatment because they find it beneficial and relaxing. Acupuncture can be used to help with:
· Pain relief
· Reducing muscle spasm
· Reducing joint stiffness
· Increasing muscle length
· Reducing swelling
· Promoting the release of endorphins
· Relaxation
It can be used to treat a number of conditions including but not limited to…
· Lower Back Pain
· Migraines/headaches
· Osteoarthritis
· Anxiety & Depression
For Annie, an Axminster resident, it is all about Healing of the Mind, Body and Spirit.
Although she is an Axminster resident she originally hails from Stourport in the West Midlands.
Annie graduated from the College of Traditional Acupuncture with an Honours degree and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. And she has studied and taught Chinese Yoga and Tai Chi for around 23 years and worked with massage and energy work for around 15 years. She has also published four books on alternative health care, Insomnia and Migraine, which have also been translated into a number of languages, Rivers of Light, an esoteric guide to how the five elements shape our lives and her most recent book Heart light is available to buy in Kindle version with hardcopy coming soon.
She has studied for 7 years under a Tibetan Meditation teacher and healer, giving her profound insights into the world of health from an energetic perspective, including forays into the world of the ancient Mystery Schools and the rituals and journeying of Shamanism. More recently she trained in Glastonbury as a Soul Healer, which has both deepened her perspective and helped her to work with people at a more profound level.
Together, this training has informed her way of working as an Elemental Soul Healer. She now runs a busy clinic as an acupuncture practitioner at the Centre, which has also developed into a rich spiritual healing practice.
In her book “Rivers of Light” Annie says…
"When I answered a deep calling of my soul to study acupuncture, I was introduced to a hidden and, to my mind, magical world. This world has its own language and tools of discovery. Its language is of the five elements, and I was taken down an extraordinary path. At first this seemed complex to my untrained senses, but now it is as natural as life itself; indeed, to this way of being it is life itself. I would like to simplify the theoretical side and show you how each of the five elements arises and in you, blending and weaving to create the beautiful and incredible authentic individual that is you. My deepest hope is that this way of knowing will bring you to the same point that it has brought me to, a place of profound acceptance of who I am." To work with Annie, or find out more, you can contact her directly via the Therapies section of this site, or by calling Tel: 07981 780698 or emailing annredfearn@gmail.com.