Since 1998, I have been regularly studying, both in the UK and Holland, under Stephen Birch, one of the most articulate exponents of acupuncture in the West,and his wife Junko Ida, both of whom are recognised authorities on Japanese methods. This training has enabled me to become a member of the Toyohari Association. This has given me the opportunity to study with some of the gifted senior (blind) Toyohari practitioners in Japan itself, a true privilege since they are undoubtedly masters of their art. I am also now a registered "academic" member of the Association having completed extra study of the theories and techniques.

It's probably worth mentioning, of course, that Japanese acupuncture, if it can be authentically practised at all, is practised by Japanese practitioners on Japanese patients most probably in Japan! And here I am, a European, practising in the UK on anyone who walks through my door.... Well, I am still delighting in finding how well these methods flourish in the modern western world. Whilst both European and Japanese contemporary societies can boast similar marvels in terms of technological progress, they also share its consequences (consequences which traditional medicines never had to contend with - including insidious environmental pollution, modern diet and lifestyle, and illnesses arising from allopathic medication and modern surgery). The contemporary masters in Japan have embraced these challenges by painstakingly and practically investigating and synthesising what works best in their treatment rooms. This is my challenge too, and its an ongoing one!

Both inside and outside of my treatment room, the care, comfort and well-being of my patients is paramount to me. I only use the finest quality and thinnest pre-sterilised and disposable stainless-steel, silver or gold-plated needles. I abide by the codes of ethics and practice laid down by the British Acupuncture Council, of which I am a member, and through which I am fully insured.

Since 2007, with my friend and colleague Jenny Craig, I have been investigating the possibility that moxa might possibly help combat the deadly scourge of TB in the developing world. To this end we have co-founded "Moxafrica" a charity with the aim of appropriately investigating this using action research.