Richard Agnew

As an acupuncturist, my job is to help people restore their health. Since I first encountered acupuncture, I’ve found it to be a fascinating discipline. Developed before blood tests, X-rays and MRI scans, there’s an entire system of medicine based on skilful observation and treatment. This medicine has developed a detailed understanding of the effects of food, climate, emotions and other factors on the body and mind. Through careful observation, you notice the patterns of disharmony affecting a person and identify how things need to change to restore balance. You then use a few tiny needles, inserted skilfully into very specific points to encourage their body to heal itself. It is a medicine of gentle cooperation, and yet the results can be profound. 

My training

I trained at the College of Integrated Chinese medicine, where we spent the first three years learning Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture point locations and functions, needling techniques, other methods like cupping and moxibustion, and Qigong as well as conventional medical science and anatomy. After three years we finally started in the student clinic, and spent 9 months treating patients under close supervision before qualifying.

Over the next few years, I trained in Qigong with a few other teachers including my current teacher, Damo Mitchell and was encouraged to teach my own classes. Training in Qigong involves deepening your awareness of your internal state and learning how to change your posture, breathing and movement to change the quality of your experience. By choosing the appropriate exercises and techniques we can restore balance in the same way we would with acupuncture, but can also develop the kind of relaxed power used in the internal martial arts.

My further training has been primarily focused on developing greater needling skill, massage techniques, and the treatment of pain. I tend to use relatively few needles, quite a lot of massage and sometimes use other techniques such as cupping, moxa and gua sha. I often give tailored lifestyle advice or exercises to help patients make changes that will support their treatment.

My qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology – University of Sheffield

BSc (Hons) Acupuncture – College of Integrated Chinese Medicine / Kingston University

Licentiate in Acupuncture – College of Integrated Chinese Medicine

Member of the British Acupuncture Council