About Matthew

matthew_ ackroyd_dsc_1867

I grew up in North London in the late 70’s. I was born with serious eczema which continued into my early teens and this meant that I spent many hours in hospital and tried a wide variety of treatments. Many of these helped with symptoms but some also left me with other problems that made my condition even worse.

Luckily my mother was a nurse so I always felt very at home and at ease with a clinical environment. However it also became very clear to me from this early point that while Western medicine was incredibly important to address the very serious immediate consequences of illness, it was also limited in what it could offer in addressing the underlying causes of more complex conditions.

Before I was 10 my father decided it was important that I learned a martial art and I started training 3-4 times a week in Judo. It was my first exposure to the discipline and effectiveness of Asian perspectives on body movement and how small precise and skilful techniques can have incredibly effective results.

Ultimately, I found that the way I was practicing in Judo was too focused on competitions but I had caught the exciting hint of a different cultural perspective on health and movement. After a short break in my teenage years I returned to martial arts with Tai Chi & Qi gong.

I was fortunate to find a truly inspirational teacher and a wonderful school. I was amazed by the arts’ depth and clarity and as a result I began learning about the practical applications of Asian concepts of health such as Qi, the meridians, the organs, the 5 phases of change and a holistic approach to the underlying imbalances that lead to illness.

When I discovered these were the same theories that underly Acupuncture I was very excited. I already knew the very real results that could arise from movement and massage. The idea that a very precise, careful stimulation of exact points in the the body could transform a persons health was something I felt I couldn’t miss out learning and applying.

I trained for four years to gain my Acupuncture BSc graduating in 2010. In addition to Chinese medical theory and practice the training included western anatomy, physiology and biology which has been invaluable.

During my degree I found I had a particular interest in the treatment of life changing illnesses such as Addiction and Anxiety. As a recent graduate I was now keen to get as much experience as possible in practicing Acupuncture with a view to setting up multi-bed clinics in the future, focused on community provision.

Also during my time training I noticed that a great deal of acupuncture was not only down to an intelligent selection of points but also to the individual practitioners skill and sensitivity with needling. It was clear to me I would need to study under constant guidance of experienced practitioners even after I graduated.

As a result in addition to my continued study of Qi gong and Tai Chi I have also studied Tuina Massage, Musco-skeletal protocols, Auricular detox acupuncture, fertility treatments and most significantly the Japanese style's of Manaka and Toyohari Acupuncture.

I have worked extensively 1-to-1 with people from all backgrounds for the last 10 years. helping me to bring an openness and clarity to my treatments and interactions with patients. As a result I use several assessment and monitoring tools to ensure that patients can assess and measure their own progress following treatment.

EDUCATION

1996 - current date - London Academy of Tai Chi Ongoing Qi Gong & Taiji - student, Teacher and Senior Instructor.

1998-2001 - University of Warwick B.A (hons) in Philosophy and Politics 2:1

2006 – 2010 - London College of Traditional Acupuncture BSC in Acupuncture 2:1

2011 - Musculoskeletal Treatments & NICE guidelines. (JCM Workshop) Tui Na and Yi Yin Jing Qi Gong (Workshop with Zarig Cooper)

2013 - Completed National Acupuncture Detox Training (NADA)

2015 – Manaka Japanese Style Acupuncture Therapy with Marian Fixler

2016 – Acupuncture for Fertility & IVF with Paul Johnson

2018 – Year course in Toyohari Japanese style Acupuncture with Junko Ida & Stephen Birch

 

Clinic History

2021 to date – Established Studio 4 Acupuncture in Hackney Wick

2015 – 2019 - Helix clinic in Great Portland Street London

2014-2015 –Natural Health Camden Market.

2014 – 2015 – Work in Kentish Town Osteopathic clinic

2013 - 2014 –Highgate Community Acupuncture clinic