Meet the Experts

Biographies and topic of each presenter

Presenter Biography

Giovanni Maciocia is one of the most highly respected practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the West. Originally from a medical family in Italy, he trained in England at the International College of Oriental medicine graduating in acupuncture in 1974 after a three-year course.

In 1980, 1982 and 1987 he attended three postgraduate courses in acupuncture in China at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, gaining invaluable knowledge and clinical experience. He read Chinese and therefore had access to all the Chinese medicine textbooks, old and modern, published in China.Giovanni also studied Western herbalism and graduated from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in 1977.

In 1996, Giovanni Maciocia was appointed Visiting Professor of the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a foremost teaching institution in China.Giovanni is the author of many articles published in professional journals. His article on M.E. (post-viral fatigue syndrome) has been published in a Chinese medical journal, an honour rarely bestowed on foreign writers in China.

Giovanni Maciocia is the author of Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese MedicineThe Foundations of Chinese MedicineThe Practice of Chinese MedicineObstetrics and Gynaecology in Chinese MedicineDiagnosis in Chinese MedicineThe Channels of AcupunctureClinical Pearls and The Psyche in Chinese Medicine which have become textbooks for all major acupuncture colleges in the world.

Giovanni taught acupuncture and Chinese medicine in several schools all over the world. He is well known for his rigorous and meticulous style combining a thorough knowledge of Chinese medicine with 39-years clinical experience. While firmly rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, Giovanni’s ideas are often innovative as the theories of Chinese medicine need to be adapted to Western conditions and new Western diseases. For example, Giovanni formulated an innovative and original new theory on the aetiology and pathology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. He also formulated a theory on the aetiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of M.E. (Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome) entirely from scratch as this, being a new disease, did not exist in the Chinese literature.

Giovanni practicedTai Ji Chuan,Ba GuaandXing Yi.

Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Giovanni was honoured by his inclusion in the brochure celebrating the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (where Giovanni attended three courses). Giovanni is described in this brochure as the “Father of Chinese Medicine in Europe”.

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Presenter Biography

Professor Bruce H. Robinson M.D., FACS, MSOM (Hon)

Professor Bruce H. Robinson is a Medical Doctor who is passionate about integrating Traditional and Natural Medicines into mainstream treatment.

He is a retired professor of medicine from the University of Science and Technology Medical College and the Atlantic College of Oriental Medicine in Florida USA.

Professor Robinson was the president of AIMC Berkeley, an acupuncture college in the San Francisco Bay area, from 2007 to 2009. 

Professor Robinson is the author of two textbooks on the topic of integrating Western Medicine and Oriental Medicine.

Biomedicine: A Textbook for Practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Blue Poppy Press (2007).

Western Physical Exam Skills for Practitioners of Asian Medicine, which he co-authored with Honora Lee Wolfe Blue Poppy Press (2009).

Both of these textbooks are available at www.bluepoppy.com and also at www.amazon.com

A board certified general surgeon, he practiced medicine and surgery for 30 years, treating over 80,000 patients. 

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Presenter Biography

       

Dr Julian Scott (MA, PhD, Cert. Ac., Fellow BAcC) United Kingdom

Dr Julian Scott is the world's most eminent Paediatric Acupuncture Specialist. He has been treating children with acupuncture and Western herbs for more than 40 years after first studying under Dr. van Buren in the United Kingdom (UK).

He sought further study in Nanjing China where Dr. Jiang Caiyun taught him her uniquely skillful 'gentle needle' techniques. With this specialist training and a passion for acupuncture and natural medicine - including diet, this enabled him to open a special clinic for children in Brighton, UK.

He is author of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Children, Acupuncture in the Treatment of Eyes, Natural Medicine for Children and Natural Medicine for Women, as well as producing a n number of DVD’s, notably the ‘Gentle Needle’.

He has given courses in many countries. He now lives in Bath England UK, where he has a practice for children and adults.

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Presenter Biography

 

Anastacïa White - Personal message

Greetings dear colleagues, may I introduce myself- My name is Anastacia White.

I became acquainted with Chinese herbal medicine in 1984  which began 35 years of emersion into the Chinese Medical Sciences.

After completing 3 years apprenticeship  with Subuhti Dharmananda  at Institute of Oriental Medicine in 1984, I began my practice of Chinese herbal medicine in Santa Cruz, CA.  A few years on I was invited to work and study with Ted Kaptchuk on creating American manufactured Chinese herbal formulas.

The next decade I was asked to work and study  with Giovanni Maciocia on his herbal remedies. I then introduced Giovanni's formulas and extensive written material to the US acupuncturists. I give much gratitude to these western pioneers of Chinese medicine for teaching me so much on the methods of TCM.

The millennium brought to the cosmology, physiology, and history of the Chinese sciences and finally the art of Chinese astrology and Taoist self-cultivation with the revered ancestor Lui Ming.

As an international teacher of Chinese medicine for the past three decades, I am honored to continue sharing what I have integrated with practitioners around the world.  

With great respect, Anastacia

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Presenter Biography

Professional speaker and clinician Susan Kath, founder and director of About Nutrition is a passionate nutrition, health and lifestyle expert who loves life, cooking, food and fitness.  Susan offers clarity around health advice and educates on how to develop realistic, balanced and sensible eating and lifestyle plans, suited to the individual to ensure goals can be easily achieved.

 

Qualified as a Naturopathic Nutritionist after completing a Diploma of Nutrition and Bachelor of Health Science in complementary medicine, Susan provides nutrition and lifestyle advice to improve all aspects of your life.

 

Certified in education and training, Susan provides presentations to organizations and corporations throughout Australia and is invited to be a speaker at conferences.

As a practicing clinician, Susan’s knowledge remains fresh and current to the health and nutrition challenges of today.  Individual clients who are fortunate to have one on one consultations with Susan at the About Nutrition Clinic or in the corporate environment are offered personalized eating plans & lifestyle advice designed to suit their own specific goals, health and lifestyle.

Susan has also contributed articles and healthy recipes to lifestyle magazines and previously worked as the Body & Soul Editor for Dare Online Magazine.

Susan has mentored nutrition students, supervising student clinic and lecturing at Nature Care College, ensuring students have the skills to be excellent practitioners upon graduation.

In 2016 and 2017 Susan continued her training in supporting cognitive health and reversing cognitive decline through the Institute for Functional Medicine and with Dr Dale Bredesen, certified as a ReCODE practitioner.

As a company director, presenter, consultant, wife & mother, Susan understands the pressures experienced by busy people and the constant juggle it takes to maintain a lifestyle that optimizes health and wellbeing.

Promoting an 80/20 balance, Susan practices what she preaches, aiming for healthy habits 80% of the time and acknowledging that it’s ok to relax and enjoy the other 20% as well to maintain a healthy life balance.

Qualiifications: 

Bachelor of Health Science

Dip Nutrition

Dip Remedial Massage

BA design

Certificate IV in Training & Education

NET Basics, Xtra & Refresh

Professional Associations:  ATMS No. 16825, ANTA No. 10232

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Presenter Biography

Honora Lee Wolfe was founding director at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy 1976-1980, studied tuina at the Shanghai College of TCM 1984–1986, and received her Dipl.Ac. in 1988. She has taught extensively at acupuncture colleges and conferences throughout North America and Europe and is author/co-author of several books: Prince Wen Hui’s Cook: Chinese Dietary Therapy, How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy/Healthy Birth with CM, Managing Menopause Naturally, Better Breast Health NaturallyPoints for Profit: Essential Guide to Practice Success for Acupuncturists, The Successful Chinese, and most recently Western Physical Exam Skills for Practitioners of Asian Medicine.

 

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Presenter Biography

Peter Deadman

Peter Deadman is the founder of Infinity Foods, a natural health food store in the1970s. He studied acupuncture at The International College of Oriental Medicine in East Grinstead,England, graduating as a Bachelor of Acupuncture in 1978. Since1979 he has lectured on Chinese medicine and acupuncture throughout the world. Peter Deadman is the founder, editor and publisher of “The Journal of Chinese Medicine” which has been published continuously since 1979.

The JCM has played a vital role in raising the standards of education and practice in Chinese medicine throughout the English speaking world. In 1998, Peter co-authored of “A Manual ofAcupuncture” a textbook that is a compulsory requirement for nearly all acupuncture schools in the English-speaking world.

He has lectured internationally on Chinese medicine and related topics for the last thirty years. Moreover, Peter has practiced qigong for the last seventeen years. Peter’s interest in traditional health preservation practices is complemented by his study of more than fifteen years of modern lifestyle research.

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Presenter Biography

Rebecca Avern

BA (Hons), Lic Ac, Dip Paed Ac, MBAcC

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Acupuncture Training

Initial training

Licentiate in Acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine: a three and half year course from which I graduated in 2001.

Further training

Four years studying with and working alongside the late Giovanni Maciocia (one of the most eminent doctors of Chinese medicine in the West): I assisted him in the writing of a major text book for acupuncture students – Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine.

Paediatric training

Diploma in Paediatric Acupuncture (2012): I am one of only a small number of acupuncturists in the UK who have done post-graduate training in paediatric acupuncture with Julian Scott, author of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Children.  Julian is known worldwide as the leading expert in paediatric acupuncture, and I spent a year studying with him to Diploma level.

Training in paediatric tui na (2012): with Dr Hongchun Yin (specialist from the Shangdong University of TCM)

Training in Japanese paediatric acupuncture techniques (shonishin) (2013): with Stephen Birch (author of Shonishin: Japanese Paediatric Acupuncture).

Professional responsibilities

I am a long-standing, senior faculty member at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (www.acupuncturecollege.org.uk)  – the largest acupuncture college in Europe. My responsibilities there include:

  • Senior Lecturer: teaching undergraduate students various aspects of Chinese medicine on the acupuncture degree course
  • Special Guest Lecturer - Gyneacology
  • Director of teaching clinic: I am in charge of the clinical phase of the acupuncture degree course, where students treat in the college clinic under supervision.
  • Clinical supervisor: I supervise students in the clinical module of their degree course.  I am also a clinical supervisor at the college, which means I am responsible for supervising students during the clinical module of their course.
  • Paediatric diploma: I have put together a year-long paediatric acupuncture diploma, which I teach at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine.

Professional practice

I have run busy acupuncture practices since 2001.  Whilst I continue to treat some adults, my practice is now almost solely focussed on treating children.  I set up the Panda Clinic, an acupuncture clinic solely for the treatment of children, in Oxford in 2012.

Publications

I am the author of a major textbook on paediatric acupuncture Acupuncture for Babies, Children and Teenagers (Singing Dragon 2018), as well as several journal articles.  Please see Publications for further details.

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Presenter Biography

Kath Berry

Is a pioneer Australian Acupuncturist with over 20 years clinical experience, a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences (BHSc TCM) and a master’s degree in Science Research (MSc).

On completion of her four-year Health Science Bachelor degree in 2000, at age 23 Kath was one of the youngest candidates accepted into an international study program at an elite teaching hospital in China, where she was awarded advance qualifications after several months of intensive study.

She returned to Australia where she set up the country’s first hospital-based acupuncture clinical trial, for which she won the prestigious National Award from the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) in 2004.

After achieving Master’s Research qualifications in 2006, an initiative she developed to train General Practitioners in treating co-existing mental health and drug use issues was rolled out nationally across Australia, launched by the Health Minister in Parliament House. Because the program was implemented in all States and Territories, Kath was required to conduct intensive training across the country. This whetted her appetite for travel and she left Australia in 2007 on an around the world surfing expedition including remote islands of Indonesia, the USA and South and Central America including the Galapagos Islands.

Kath ended up in London where she settled in 2009, securing a teaching position at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine and practitioner support role with the Journal of Chinese Medicine.

Kath later developed an online education platform and to date has delivered over 250 webinars, with a reach into 70 countries and over 15,000 members on her personal database. Her podcast The Jolt Files has been downloaded over 35,000 times and held the unique position of Number 1 in iTunes both Health and Alternative Health categories on its release.

Kath moved to Ibiza with her husband, a Professor of Medicine, and two children in 2015 where she now runs a private women’s health practice.

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Presenter Biography

Natalie Saunders (LicAc)

 

Natalie graduated from the College of Traditional Acupuncture in 2007 and completed further study at Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012.

Following this, Natalie lived in China for three years, studying Mandarin, Chinese medicine, and Chinese culture.

It was during this time that she discovered her passion for writing, and she now works as a freelance writer and translator, specialising in acupuncture and TCM.

Natalie is the author of several published articles and her book The Qi of Tea, a discussion of the history and use of tea in traditional Chinese medicine which you can buy for $7.99 USD here >>