About Paloma
I became interested in acupuncture through finding it an extremely effective therapy personally. I completed both an honours degree in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture at the University of Westminster, which also included a training in massage (although I already had a qualification in massage at this point). An education in the principles and practice of Chinese Medicine, this training also gave me a thorough grounding in science and equipped students to practise within the context of Western medicine.
I completed post-graduate training and practice in acupuncture at Szechuan University Hospital in China. Back in London I worked in the only NHS Chinese Medicine clinic at the time (The Gateway Cinic) as well as on the teaching on the Acupuncture BSc that I trained on at the University of Westminster, at the Rainer Foundation in South East London, providing acupuncture to vulnerable young people and in private practice, particularly with pregnancy.
Since then I have treated a wide range on conditions. My massage experience has allowed me to attention to posture and alignment, where this is a component of musculo-skeletal problems. My areas of particular interest and experience are women's health, pregnancy, fertility and treating children - completing a one year Paediatric Acupuncture training. I enjoy providing a relaxing treatment space and and helping clients to support their own health through self-care. I have clinics in Stroud and Nailsworth.
Qualifications and Training
My ongoing study and training has included the following:
Immunity and Autoimmunity - course, January 2021
Acupuncture for Fertility and IVF support course London College of Acupuncture, October 2020
Diploma in Paediatric Acupuncture (Dip Paeds Acu) College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, Reading, October 2019 to September 2020
Enhancing the Immune System with Acupuncture - Data from Scientific Research - course, June 2020
Strengthening the Immune System with Chinese Medicine - course, June 2020
Massage Training Institute Skin Cancer Awareness Training for Massage Therapists June 2017
Pregnancy Massage Training with Well Mother, Bristol, April 2017
Unified Acupuncture Theory Clinical Applications seminar, November 2016
Pregnancy Massage Foundation with Well Mother, Bristol, September 2015
Side-lying Massage, Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork, October 2015
The Treatment of Menopausal Problems with Chinese Medicine – Giovanni Macioca, webinar, November 2014
Clinical Internship, Szechuan University Hospital, China, September 2001
BSc Honours – Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, University of Westminster, 2001
ITEC Level 3 Diploma – Swedish Massage, City Literary Institute London, 1998
Teaching
When I lived in London I was part of the teaching team for the Acupuncture BSc at the University of Westminster, working in class and in the university teaching clinic.
Awards
University of Westminster – Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture BSc – Final year undergraduate prize winner
I am a fully insured member of both the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ATCM) and the Massage Training Institute (MTI) and abide by their respective Codes of Safe Practice and of Professional Conduct.
Areas of Interest
I work with a wide range of conditions, both chronic and acute, particularly with women’s health – from fertility to pregnancy, post-natal restoration to menopause - and children.
I enjoy understanding how the body functions from both Chinese and Western medical perspectives and using this knowledge to help my clients.