Richard writes: ‘I am constantly amazed at how easily the body will heal itself, if given a chance. I trained initially in acupuncture from Jack Worsley in Leamington Spa in the 1980’s. But well before that I had an interest in Chinese thinking and natural forms....right back to my philosophy degree (University of York 1971) , and to a fascination with cloud forms, water, pendulums, tops and
strings which must go back to my early childhood. I also worked in primary education in the seventies, reading Chinese philosophy, trained in London with the Gestalt Institute during 1973-4, coming across such legends as Larry (Ischa) Bloomberg, playing in a band and practicing Tai-chi in my spare time. This all came to a head when I met Gia-fu Feng a Chinese/Ameri
can translator and part-time Taoist sage in 1974. Gia-fu had also trained with the founder of Gestalt Therapy, Fritz Perls - and I think my Swiss ancestery somehow resonated with these distant Germanic roots, refracted through his Chinese lens. I subsequently studied with Gia-fu at Stillpoint Foundation in Colorado, USA, returning three times in as many years and beginning my I Ching studies in earnest. Returning to the UK I began teaching Tai-chi and meditation, eventually settling in Somerset after gaining my acupuncture qualification, and working with Jane Robinson and Lesley Jenkins – in the first acupuncture clinic in Yeovil. And we are still all there together. The clinic has moved twice and metamorphosed into
Nine Springs Natural Health Centre, which houses nearly thirty therapist.
I have also taught at Yeovil College, Dartington College of Arts (sadly no more) and lectured at Bristol University (adult education) on Taoism and Chinese Philosophy.
At present I am leading the MA module on Classical Chinese Medical Texts at the
College of Traditional Acupuncture, Hatton, Warwick. Previously I have worked ten years in Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton, in an NHS Pain Clinic promoting Traditional Acupuncture. I am a member of the
British Acupuncture Council and also of SWARG our local research group, conducting research into the constellation of an acupuncture consultation.
After meeting Giafu I began to read Chinese and over the years, turned myself into a Chinese translator. My published work includes:
The Golden Needle, (Churchill Livingstone 1991) and
The Secret of Everlasting Life, (Element 1994), early alchemical and medical texts. I also began self-publishing, mainly self-help booklets for patients in the clinic –
Taoist Yoga for Home Use, The Eighteen Therapies ,
The Old Man's Breathing and latterly
The Book of Changes (The I Ching), a fresh translation of the Confucian c
lassic and earliest Shamanic teachings from China, along with my own commentary based upon the Kangxi imperial edition. This latter work was the fulfillment of a dept to Gia-fu Feng as he and I worked on this project for ten years until his death in 1985.
I have a strong commitment to integrated medicine and opening up communication with all medical professionals. At present I teach
Tai-chi for Seniors (Monday 9.30-10.30) at Nine Springs Clinic, aiming to allow each individual to learn at their own rate, and meditation in The Studio, also at Nine Springs. I also am a bee-keeper and avid musician, enjoying walking and, when not at work, wrestling with my young family of four boys.
NEWS:
Tai Chi, Meditation, Daoyin and general Taoist lore
A hours class open to all, £7/session
9.30 am Mondays.
Drop in please!