Student testimonials on Bodyharmonics courses

John F. Pfaff, AB, MBA, PhD, CFP, Acupuncture Diploma
Professor Emeritus
Acupunturisto, Canary Islands

Great teacher, great teaching technique, and tremendous individual support are just a few of the key to take of Maria Mercati’s acupuncture course. From the first session you develop your confidence with hands on practical clinical training. You not only acquire the skill to use acupuncture needling effectively to help others but master the ability to diagnose the appropriate treatment within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework through case work ups on real people.

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 very teacher and program could be as effective, supportive and successful in preparing students to function in the work environment. Her books are an excellent indication of the clarity of her teaching methodology. If you have enjoyed the books, you will enjoy her in person even more.

The other students were mature, motivated people who were serious, dedicated and willing to acquiring as much knowledge and skill as they could as quickly as they could. They were willing to share there experiences and supported each other in class and between class sessions. If you are prepared to make the commitment and do the assignments, you will have an excellent, practical TCM and acupuncture education and prepare a solid foundation of a successful practice.

I have retired and used the skills acquired in Maria’s program to develop a practice that has meet my very expectation … personal satisfaction, confident and effective care of others, and financial income.

Stephen Johnston:
(Stephen has qualified in all our courses)
“When I started training with Maria and her team at The Bodyharmonics Center I was both a graduate and a former college lecturer who had become quite cynical about the way in which education is delivered.

If only all educational places could adopt this approach to teaching and learning!

• With a genuine love and enthusiasm for the subjects and skills that
  are taught.
• Substantial practical clinical experience informing knowledge of which
  interventions will bring effective results.
• Class sizes that are small enough to get personal attention at all
  aspects of the learning and a real transfer of that knowledge.
  What is taught and how it is taught is foremost in the approach here, not the confusion and unreality of bureaucracy, politics, and impersonal targets.
  Alas Maria's approach of providing quality education in an honest way is rare, and all the more valuable because of that!

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.

My only regret is that now that I have completed all of the courses on offer I will not be exposed to the inspirational atmosphere that is Bodyharmonics, anything like as often. Thank you all for giving me so much that works, and for doing so with real integrity.”

Tony Wright Bsc:
Several years ago I attended both the Foundation and Master Practitioner Tuina courses at the Bodyharmonics centre in Cheltenham. My interest in Tuina started when I had some treatment for a back problem. I really did not know what to expect.

From day one of the course, taught by Maria, Trevor and Graham Mercati, I was captivated by the knowledge, skill and love of their work. The training was intense and a lot was expected of students - mainly to work very hard and learn. The first time Maria demonstrated a technique on me I knew I was in the right school.

You have to feel the Tuina that is taught at Bodyharmonics. Language will not describe its unique flavour. Since having a successful practise for the past few years I have experienced other massage systems including Tuina practitioners trained elsewhere. None so far have had this unique approach to Tuina, an approach my clients come back for again and again (even when they are better). I am working hard to develop and maintain the very high standards that I was taught. Long may the Mercati family continue to teach this very special work.

Edward Clarke:
i have spent the last year going to and from Thailand studying thai massage in many different types of schools some of them highley goverment accredited institutes and others no more than a master and his living room, but no where have i come accross the teaching and course standards i found at body harmonics, they are a well organised inspirational group of people with the perfect etiqute, knowledge, humour and passion to provide a unique and un matchable learning experience.

the body of knowledge i recived in the short time of attending the centre has continued to shock me throught all my related studies, at its seemingly endless usefullness and its aplyabilty to not only my practice but every day life. i would recomend the centre to anyone as i doubt you will find a more redilly exsessible source of information un such a relaxed and caring enviroment
no matter how far you travelled. im not great with gramma
( exactly as edward wrote it )

Dave Sowden:
(Dave has qualified as a Thai Master Practitioner)
"As a Tai Chi Instructor and Complementary Therapist with 10 years experience, I found studying Thai massage at the Bodyharmonics Centre has expanded my therapeutic skills and knowledge. Maria and her team of tutors, in a fun and professional way, provided excellent tuition and deep insight into the potential of Thai massage for the treatment of musculo-skeletal problems. I would recommend this course to anyone desiring to become a professional practitioner of Thai massage".

Elizabeth Cave
(Elizabeth has qualified in acupuncture)

When I began my training in acupuncture with Bodyharmonics I was already a qualified Shiatsu therapist. After a number of years I found myself less enthused to practice, not because of the therapy itself but simply by the strain it was putting on my own energy (and my knees!).

During my initial training I developed a great interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine and so decided that acupuncture was the way forward. Having researched many other courses at universities and specialist schools, I eventually spoke to Maria to discover that this course provided a very natural progression from one therapy to the next while not presuming to take over as a form of therapy. The use of tui na or shiatsu alongside the acupuncture in clinical practice is actively encouraged, where appropriate.

TCM and traditional needling techniques are paramount in Maria’s teaching. The course is structured in such a way that the learning from both an academic and a practical perspective consistently builds upon strong, repeatedly reinforced foundations. With each weekend the students’ knowledge and needling skills are gradually expanded. Having progressed through the usual academic route of school examinations and degrees, I can confirm that the teaching is to a very high standard. The learning environment is relaxed yet lively and all the teachers clearly have so much enthusiasm and genuine love for their subjects that this is one of the best courses I have ever attended in terms of sheer fun!

While a grounding in TCM is undoubtedly an advantage it is not an absolute pre-requisite. Although passionate about oriental medicine in its many forms, Maria is very open to other areas of expertise and my course found a healthy mix of medical professionals from many different backgrounds.

Alan Orr:
(Alan has qualified in our Tui Na Foundation & Masters & Acupuncture courses)
A life changing experience! The skills I learnt at the Bodyharmonics Centre have allowed me to build a very successful practice in London. I could have never achieved this without the excellent teaching I received on the courses. Maria Mercati is truly an inspiration!

Liz Cunningham:
I would like to say to both yourself and Trevor how grateful I am to have received my Tui Na, Thai and Indonesian massage training within the Mercati family. I think you're a shining light to us all not only in the way you conduct your business, but the care you take of your own. You are the most selfless person I have ever had the privilege to have met, and I will always be proud to say who trained me.