What others say about the acupuncture training

Carl Cieka - 2011
Having spent almost a year studying acupuncture at a major UK University, it was a welcome relief to find there is an alternative to vast lecture theatres, oversized classes and impersonal teaching staff obsessed with the Harvard Referencing System and SPSS statistical analysis!
The Bodyharmonics Centre is a small, friendly, intimate college, set in a peaceful, tranquil setting where staff and students mix freely and openly. The course is hands-on from day one and although the theory is comprehensive and in-depth, it always relates to the clinical practice of acupuncture. The college principle, Maria Mercati is tireless in her quest to train students to become excellent, safe and caring practitioners. Her passion and enthusiasm for acupuncture knows no bounds.
The workload is immense and the course highly challenging, however, the rewards are equally immense and the results achieved in clinical practice, can be simply amazing! It's been a privilige to train with you........
I now stand at the start of a lifelong learning process and I hope I'm as passionate about TCM in twenty years as you are..........

Zena Farrington - 2009
My story studying Acupuncture how it has changed my life. It all started in Nov 06 when I enrolled in a 3-year degree course part time and working fulltime. I did my first year and was lucky to be in a class with wonderfully students all-enthusiastic about TCM.
After the first year I thought how will I carry on for another 2 years plus. The more I study I realised TCM (British Acupuncture – Western) with 5 Elements was not doing it for me. The course spent a lot of time on 5 Elements, but for me – it is part of a combination of Chinese Medicine, but not the main focus of TCM. Many years ago, Westerners went to China, brought Acupuncture back to the UK, and developed it into Western Chinese Medicine. Which is fine and good if that is your path in life for TCM?
But after a year with no needling and asking questions – just to be told “well that is Chinese medicine to an answer” Also the teachers had different view points which is good but not consistent with the over all product of a course.
I was brought up in Singapore with Chinese people and knew that the philosophy and way of working in a Western style was not gelling for me. Therefore, it was with a heavy heart, that I decided to find another course with TCM.
I found Maria Mercati and went for a look to see if I would like it. It was cold dark rainy afternoon and a long journey to her. I thought what was I going into. I could not have been more wrong. The first moment I walked into the teaching room it was busy with trainee acupuncturists all at work and needling the back shu points under the strict supervision of this educated lady who I believe to this day has eyes in the back of her head. I talked to the students some of whom had similar experiences and many already professional therapists who wanted to learn how to needle even after doing a 3-year degree course.
I met one gentleman who had finished his degree and then went to Maria to understand needle technique the Chinese way.
I enrolled and did another year of Tuina which I personally believe is a very good starting block for learning Chinese Medicine – you work with your hands first. I then went on to Module 3 to study Acupuncture and qualified. I have never looked back. Acupuncture is a way of life and it does change your whole perception on life. However, I am very gratefully for the experience. To all that are think of studying TCM I wish you good luck and enjoy the journey that you are about to embark upon.

Stephen Johnston - 2004
"When it came to learning acupuncture I could have opted to study to degree level. However I was clear that what I wanted was to learn to do acupuncture, and do it effectively, not to talk, write or theorise about it as an academic subject. So I studied here. Maria's course surpassed my expectations."

Alan Orr - 1997
"I have been teaching martial arts for many years & have travelled the world to find the right teachers in the time. You really cannot miss the opportunity to study with the right teachers when you find them.
Having access to the years of knowledge that Maria holds and shares is a true gift!"

John Pfaff - 2007
"Maria’s personal commitment to TCM and acupuncture, her willingness to share her personal successful techniques with her students, and the needling homework assignments that you work on under individual supervision in class before doing on your own ensure that that you can begin to build a successful practice while studying. I know of no other program that permits you to develop your practice while studying.
Having been a professor and dean for over 30 years, I wish every teacher and program could be as effective, supportive and successful in preparing students to function in the work environment."

Fiona Hurlock - 2008
Maria Mercati’s acupuncture course is a real hands-on experience. As a shiatsu practitioner I truly value the emphasis she has placed upon the practical application of acupuncture as the main focus for her course. I was able to integrate acupuncture into my shiatsu practice with immediate and positive effect. Maria’s enthusiasm and love of real Chinese acupuncture as practiced right now in Chinese hospitals is inspiring, and her belief in the efficacy of this dynamic style of acupuncture is extremely motivating. The intense nature of the course creates a wonderful opportunity to develop strong, supportive friendships and provides a network for continued development and support post graduation.

Elizabeth Cave - 2007
TCM and traditional needling techniques are paramount in Maria’s teaching. As a qualified Shiatsu practitioner, I found the course structured in such a way that the learning from both an academic & a practical perspective consistently builds upon strong, repeatedly reinforced foundations. With each weekend the students’ knowledge & needling skills are gradually expanded. Having progressed through the usual academic route of school examinations & degrees, I can confirm that the teaching is to a very high standard. This is one of the best courses I have ever attended in terms of sheer fun!

Dr Nudrat Jabeen
"Being a medical doctor, I had my reservations about how I would cope with this new system of treatment. But hats off to Maria she made it so simple & easy to learn. You can blend acupuncture with western medicine because we do not have treatment option for everything in Western medicine plus there are horrifying side effects in medicine "

Romana Philips - 2009
This course was great for me because as a qualified nurse I didn’t have to do the foundation modules but could go straight to the acupuncture module, which made the course affordable for me. The part time nature of the course meant that I could fit it around my full time job. Undertaking this course was a big time commitment for the year, but it was definitely worth it. I have now reduced my NHS hours and I’m doing one day per week acupuncture privately, which I hope to increase until I can leave the NHS behind me!
I would definitely recommend this course to any other nurses who want to branch out into private practice, but don’t underestimate the amount of time and study that is needed to achieve it.

Joe Cockburn
Registered with Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists ( AACP ) The course has exceeded all my expectations and I really appreciate the one to one practical aspects of the course