I have lost count of the amount of patients who ask me, “what made you decide to be an acupuncturist?” I’ve been an acupuncturist for over 15 years – but the path that led me here wasn’t straightforward.
Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do. I ended up studying molecular biology (random, I know!) at Manchester University, but quickly realised that lab work wasn’t for me. It felt solitary and repetitive, and I craved something more connected to people.
After graduating, I worked in various office-based roles, all revolving around healthcare. These included a medical devices company, a university technology transfer, a medical websites agency and medical marketing recruitment. But none of them felt fulfilling. I knew deep down I wanted to help people in a more direct, meaningful way, I just didn’t know how.
That all changed when I had acupuncture for the first time. After I suffered a nasty bout of glandular fever, a friend recommended acupuncture, and it really helped my recovery. In addition, I was struggling with long-term sinusitis and hay fever – issues I’d learned to live with. To my surprise, acupuncture didn’t just help—it completely turned things around. I was hooked. All the pieces of the puzzle fell into place: I had finally found my true calling with real human connection, something that combined my love of science and medicine with a more holistic, therapeutic and caring approach.
I find that one of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping couples understand why they’re not conceiving. I guide them toward natural conception, recommending overlooked tests and supporting them through IVF or clinic decisions. I’m not just a practitioner – I’m a partner, educator, support system and sounding board on their journey to parenthood.
Not only that, but I also Iove that a patient can come to me with something like nagging tennis elbow or recurrent headaches and after just a few sessions, their quality of life can completely change. Even after 15 years in practice, I’m still amazed by how powerful acupuncture is. Sometimes it only takes a few needles to make a real difference—and seeing that transformation never gets old.
Now, I can finally say that I honestly love my job. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a career that’s both meaningful and fulfilling. Helping people feel better, heal and reconnect with their bodies is a true privilege. Acupuncture isn’t just my work – it’s what I was meant to do.
