ABOUT

About Mairi Caughey, Root & Branch Acupuncture

I first became curious about acupuncture in 1987 when I was treated with great success. At the time, I had completed a degree in Zoology and was undertaking a post graduate in Town & Country Planning, so it didn’t occur to me then that I might someday want to study Chinese medicine. After finishing my post graduate I went on to work as a Planner for some 20 years.

But the interest in Chinese Medicine remained, and when the opportunity came to change direction in life I decided to study it at the Acupuncture Foundation Ireland. I finished my Diploma with a month of practice in China to obtain my Licentiate. There I spent my time in two of Nanjing's specialist hospitals where I saw acupuncture used for stroke rehabilitation, and the innovative technique of Abdominal Acupuncture.

As with any profession, learning never stops and I continue to undertake courses, seminars and workshops to expand and refine my understanding and skills. The main subjects I have chosen to concentrate on over the last few years include fertility and gynaecology, and pain management.

In 2012 I am looking forward to adding the practice of Tuina to my skill set. Tui Na is a hands-on Chinese therapy, guided by the same theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine that inform the practice of acupuncture. The practitioner uses their fingers and hands to activate the circulation of Qi and Blood in the channels (or meridians), thereby balancing Yin and Yang, and harmonising the functions of the internal organs. Tuina therapy is most commonly used to treat internal or external conditions, including traumatic injury and muscular-skeletal conditions.

However, I firmly believe that the ideal healthcare service is an integrated approach combining the best of eastern and western medicine. So, it is in the patient’s best interests, I will refer a patient back to their own doctor, or recommend other sources of assistance e.g. by referral to professionally qualified practitioners of counselling, yoga, tai chi, personal training, physiotherapy or nutrition.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Acupuncture.Diploma in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation Ireland (AFI). The AFI’s educational standards are consistent with European learning standards in terms of hours and course duration e.g. Best Practice.
• Licentiate from Nanjing, China.Graduates of the AF undertake 1 month of practical experience in Chinese hospitals under the supervision of experienced Chinese Doctors of Acupuncture. Completion of this experience results in the award of a Licentiate. Mairi worked in both the First and Second Affiliated Hospitals in Nanjing, China with doctors specialising in stroke and the use of ‘Abdominal Acupuncture‘.
• BSc in Zoology from Aberdeen University. This degree provides Mairi with a solid understanding of western science.

Memberships

• Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA). Mairi is a member of the AFPA, which has been representing practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and providing information to the public about acupuncture since 1987. All Members comply with the Professional Association’s Code of Ethics and Best Practice.