Karen Jeffery is an experienced, highly qualified acupuncturist. She provides acupuncture, Tuina massage, cupping, moxa and Chinese herbal medicine advice from her treatment room in Colchester city centre. Her specialisms are fertility and pain management, but she can help with a variety of issues including migraines and pregnancy.
What does it mean to be a fully qualified acupuncturist?
It’s worth explaining what it takes and means to be a fully qualified acupuncturist registered with the British acupuncture council (BAcC).
A three year degree course is the normal route for an acupuncturist
Initial training begins with a three year degree course. To be accepted on to the course, students have to have a basic qualification in anatomy and physiology (A&P). In other words, they need to know where everything is in the human body and how it works!
Students learn about traditional Chinese medicine in a modern context
The first year of an acupuncture degree focuses on understanding the concepts and philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine and using it in a modern context. Training in Western medicine pathology and pharmacology is also included in the course, as is basic bodywork and understanding the channels. Then begins the gruelling task of learning point location. (There are 360 basic points in the human body). Students also complete ongoing modules on active listening/basic counselling skills.
A student clinic is included in the 2nd and 3rd years of an acupuncture degree
As the course moves on into second and third years, students attend the student clinic, initially as observers. They then move on to treating patients under the supervision of a tutor. Specific needling techniques are taught with increasing complexity and a particular emphasis on safe treatment. Cupping, moxa and understanding how to implement dietary and lifestyle changes are also covered at this stage of an acupuncture degree.
Karen Jeffery also has further qualifications
After Karen completed her initial training she went on to complete a Masters research degree in acupuncture. Her focus was on how acupuncture can treat facial pain, specifically Trigeminal neuralgia.
Further training in Tuina massage
Karen then completed a year of training in Tuina massage and a number of specialist fertility courses. She began treating patients with complex pain conditions and fertility problems, so these were necessary tools.
Further training in Chinese herbal medicine
Karen also completed a two year course in Chinese herbal medicine to complement her knowledge of acupuncture, tuina massage, cupping and moxa. This also complements her specialisms in fertility and facial pain treatments.
Karen has a total of eight years formal training plus CPD training
Karen’s formal training has spanned eight years but hasn’t stopped there as most acupuncturist need to complete a certain number of CPD hours (Continuing Professional Development) if they are members of the BAcC as she is. She also completes a first aid course every three years and looks after her own health, as this is encouraged by the BAcC.