UP CLOSE CARING AND PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL How do you differ from other acupuncturists? Training and experience is the key to effective TCM treatment. I completed a five year degree through UTS university in Sydney and then a hospital internship in Guangzhou, China. Following this I was fortunate enough to apprentice under a Korean master for eight years (in my own clinic) during which time I learnt the techniques I needed to fulfil the potential that I knew TCM possessed. Even as a student I was never intimidated by complex difficult conditions, rather I was challenged to find effective treatments, to experiment and never accept the status quo, and as such have based my practice on treating these cases. As a result I have become specialised and a leader in the fields of oncology support, auto immune disease, serious internal disorders e.g. Crohn’s ulcerative colitis, arthritis, paediatrics and infertility among others. Musculoskeletal conditions are treated mainly by my colleagues at Ponsonby Acupuncture Clinic (PAC) these days due to high demand. What do you do to stay at the top of your field? Continuing education is vital in any field. I attend a number of selected international research-based conferences every year, some medical and some Chinese medicine based. Interestingly, much of the recent research conducted in the fields of epigenetics, biochemistry and medicine are confirming the ideas and approach TCM has used for thousands of years. Most importantly much of the new research is suggesting a movement towards a new holistic approach to healthcare. I have a regular stream of students and apprentices through the PAC which stimulates my own thoughts and promotes discussion and development. At PAC we conduct clinical reviews, internal clinical research and record statistics on an ongoing basis in an attempt to continually improve the service that we provide.
DAVID CRADDOCK Acupuncturist David Craddock has been practising Chinese medicine and acupuncture (TCM) for 23 years and is currently the director and owner of the Ponsonby Acupuncture clinic, where three acupuncturists work full time. “I am blessed with four children and a wonderful partner and mother to my children, Faith,” says David. How did you come to be an acupuncturist? I have always had a passion for medicine. I attended Otago University but soon decided that Chinese medicine appealed to me more as a truly holistic approach to medicine. It satisfied my philosophical views, stimulated me intellectually and provided me with the vehicle to practice holistically, in a general practice. What do you love about your job? The community we develop from providing a family oriented general practice. The satisfaction in observing the positive influence on that community and the development of well-being within that group. I love people, I love their stories, I love the influence they have on my own development as a person - but most of all I love that I have something positive to offer them. To see significant change in a condition that is otherwise deemed untreatable or beyond treatment brings me great satisfaction (not to mention the joy that it brings the patient). What do you find challenging? Practicing medicine is challenging full stop. I am never satisfied with the status quo and strive to continually improve the treatments that I administer. TCM is a true “practice”. Your patients are your teachers. Every patient that you see should teach you and improve your understanding of disease and health, the causes of disease and therefore the cures. Certain conditions are more challenging than others such as cancer, genetic disorders, degenerative disorders such as Parkinsons, motor neuron disease, etc.
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
Can you tell us about a standout ‘case’? There is one case of a young male (17 years) who had a recent case of rheumatic fever which led to severe damage to one of the valves in his heart. The damage was significant enough for him to be placed on an urgent wait list for surgery. Within three months of treatment his blood pressure had normalised, his ECGs were much improved and he was removed from the surgical list and placed on three-monthly checkup ECGs. He has since been moved out to six-monthly checkups and is living life normally. He continues to visit us for checkups and heart strengthening treatment. What do you do to care for yourself? Balance is everything, particularly in our fast-paced 21st century lifestyles. For me running a busy practice requires that I keep my lifestyle well tuned. One of the most important issues we face is how to work hard, stress free. Studies have shown that under stress a task can require up to three times more energy. Our capacity for hard work therefore increases if we remain stress-free and relaxed, not only in work but every day life. I use Qi gung practices that I integrate with my clinical work to help maintain an adrenaline-free relaxed mindset. Our bodies regenerate and repair at the greatest rate when we are asleep and as such I try to achieve at least eight hours per night, remembering that hours before midnight are the most beneficial. Exercise and fitness is vital: I mountain bike, surf, climb, ski tour and walk regularly. I maintain a diet high in green and seasonal vegetables - organic when possible - protein and seasonal fruit with very low carbohydrate and very little wheat if any (the recent evidence is overwhelmingly negative regarding our ability to digest this food). A healthy loving family life promotes a healthy work life and as such I place a great deal of emphasis on home life. What’s your advice to people seeking acupuncture? Acupuncture/Chinese medicine is a truly dynamic holistic modality. There are very few conditions that will not benefit from treatment. The key to finding a good practitioner is to ask for referrals. Modern marketing can be misleading but my experience is that the best practitioners are the ones most talked about. Referring professionals quickly establish who in their community is achieving the best results, as do the public. Ring or enquire through websites, ask specific questions about treating your condition and their approach to treatment. Knowledgeable people stand out. PN PONSONBY ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC, 5 Cowan Street, T: 09 360 5999 www.ponsonbyacupunctureclinic.co.nz
DEADLINE - 20TH OF THE MONTH
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