Philip Trubshaw Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

I remember going for a run with my dad when I was about 10. I’d got some new running shoes and was going to try to run with him. I ran for about 2 minutes, got stitch and then avoided running for 20 years, even telling myself things like “it’s not good to over exercise” as an excuse to not do any.

Turns out challenging yourself is good for you. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, right now and in later life. Potentially more effective than medications and therapy according to one 2023 systematic review

Here’s me running a 4 day event which consists of
Thursday night: 10k trail run
Friday night: 6 mile fell run
Saturday morning: 1/2 marathon
Sunday morning: 7 mile road run

My total time was just under 5 hours. Didn’t get stitch the whole time.

Just remember: it doesn’t matter how you move so long as you move. So find an activity you enjoy

You may have seen that a few weeks ago I was invited to studio to record and episode of Sliced Bread Podcast with on

I was there as an expert in acupuncture alongside my colleague Karen Charlesworth to discuss the benefits of acupressure and

The episode is now available on and usual platforms.

Have a listen and let me know what you think

“The mountains are calling and I must go..” John Muir

If you come to see me in clinic then you’ll probably know I like to get outside a bit. A couple of week back I headed out for a couple of multi pitch climbing days in the Glyderau range with

A 2019 study found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing..

Yi Jing hexagram 52 tell us:

Mountains standing close together:
The image of Keeping Still.
Thus the wise person does not permit thoughts to go beyond the present situation

I was invited to BBC sound studio this week to appear on Sliced Bread. The topic of discussion was Shakti mats (I’d never heard of them before the invite) and how acupuncture/acupressure theory is relevant to how they work. Keep your ears peeled

Acupuncture Traditional acupuncture* is one of the complementary practices that makes up the system of Chinese Medicine (CM). Members of the RCHM typically have a degree-level qualification in acupuncture, as well as a post-graduate qualification in Chinese herbal medicine.

Not sure if this meme exists in someone else’s reality..

The shady side of the slope exists on the same hill as the sunny side

The degree of anxiety I had when I finished my acupuncture degree in 2011 would have never allowed me to stand in front of a room full of people and give a speech on graduation day.. how things change

The winds of change rarely blow as a gentle breeze. Often they come like a sudden gust to shake us out of the pattern in which we have lingered for too long, a welcome change from what has gone stagnant

Small understanding is no match for great understanding. Small knowledge cannot understand what great knowledge knows

I chose this topic to confuse multiple people at the same time..

If you would like to know what any of these words mean then come along to the research conference on Friday 8th of April 2022 where I’ll be presenting

It’s odd to think I started my MSc 7 years ago, there’s been a fair few ups and downs in that time and it didn’t feel part time at all. I’m so grateful to all those who helped along the way and for the doors that have opened along the way

Her: Liver fire Him: qi and blood deficiency with stagnation… what do you think?

Also sell ice cream.. (borrowed this meme)

🔥

When people say there’s no evidence to support the use of Chinese Herbal Medicine I like to give examples of how that simply isn’t true. Here’s one.

When provided by a qualified professional it is both safe and highly effective for a whole host of conditions

RCHM member Lily Lai grew up knowing about the flavours and natures of foods to help with ailments she had as a child;

"My mum, like a lot of women growing up in Hong Kong, knew a lot about using food to look after her family and delicious herbal soups were an almost daily occurrence in our household. However, it wasn’t until my late father needed herbs himself that I saw real flower power in action. From that moment on, I was hooked!"

Lily went on to study acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine on a 5 year degree course at Middlesex University followed by a six month placement in Beijing. Following this in 2010 Lily became one of the first Chinese Medicine practitioners sponsored by the NHS to conduct PhD research into the use of Chinese Herbs in primary care, running the first herbal study in the UK in treating PCOS

"My research provided preliminary evidence that a 6-month course of Chinese herbs was safe and that, whilst standardised Chinese herbs could help regulate periods for women with PCOS, individualised herbs appeared to be more effective."

You can read more of Lily's research here: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/2/e011709

For more information about the RCHM visit www.rchm.co.uk

I recently record my first podcast with Sandi Ross at Her Earth Medicine. It’s a two parter discussing the Shen, the mind body connection and the application for treatment in clinical practice. Check it out!

Click this link for episode 1
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ITTWHLfc5rozAhWw9Kk3P?si=Qm1SYIXATS2JXS9kIg5tOg&dl_branch=1

Click this link for episode 2
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ITTWHLfc5rozAhWw9Kk3P?si=KlXmfZLVRGS9j83GSP8IzA&dl_branch=1

The man behind the memes (and mask)

I’m Phil. I’ve been in the acupuncture world now for 13 years. This June is 10 years since I qualified in TCM acupuncture at the Uni of Salford and started practicing.

I decided to study acupuncture after an enlightening meditative experience where all that was meaningful to me flashed across my mind and a voice said “Acupuncture”

In that 10 years I studied Jing Lou Tui Na with John Gradwell and then went on to study Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York and achieved an MSc in 2020 which focused upon the Psychopharmacology of Herbs which Calm the Shen.

I’m also a lecturer on the acupuncture and herbs courses at NCA including philosophy and context, clinical reality, herbs and formulas, managing diseases and conditions. I’m a BAcC and RCHM member

I’ve delved into 5E acupuncture, six stages, 4 levels. Favourite CM books include; Applied Channel Theory by Wang Ju Yi and Jason Robertson, lately Foundations of theory for Ancient Chinese Medicine by Guohui Liu. Special interest areas are psychology and conditions affecting the brain, trauma medicine, men’s health.

Other inspirations include; Alan Watts, Roger Ames, Robert Anton Wilson, Terrance McKenna, my Dad, Yi Jing, Dao De Jing, Tolkien, Star Wars, the Avengers, Mark Manson, Ryan Holiday and lately the angry therapist John Kim

That Friday Feeling

A light from the shadows shall spring..

Yes I’m open, yes I’m treating, yes I’m back in clinic now. Open for all whilst still wearing ppe to ensure your safety

I’m now based
You can contact me directly to book

This has been a long time in the making..

At the BAcC conference in 2013 after a chat with NCA principle Richard Blackwell, with a push from Deb Connor and Charlie Buck I decided to study Chinese Herbal Medicine.

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride personally and professionally but 6 years since starting, today I finally got my certificate. Thanks to the NCA teaching team and college staff & Trina Ward for being my supervisor and the friends I made along the way.

I’m eternally grateful to everyone, family, friends, patients, colleagues who helped and inspired me. From the late nights, extensions, break throughs, to the moment it all vanished the night before submission when my computer crashed, to the joy of handing in to the library in September. You mean the world to me x

It’s felt like my own Everest, but I got there

I'm happy to announce after an uncertain few weeks I've found new locations to practice from beginning the 17th of November.

I'll be working from Optimised Personal Wellness on Bridge Street in Manchester and increasing my days at the Manchester Movement Unit on the Manchester Metropolitan University campus.

I'm really excited about these new opportunities and can't wait to get started.

To book and for more details email me at [email protected] call/text 07970693827

October began as a month of optimism but there have been a few mishaps this past couple of weeks that weren’t anticipated.

In the next couple of weeks I’ll be moving myself and my practice to a new location.

members are part of the professional standards authority. Meaning currently I can continue to practice and provide medical and health support to those patients who really need it through the new lockdown measures. If there are any further changes I’ll be in touch as soon as I know more

Patient Testimonial

It’s a pleasure to be able to help on the road to recovery.

Acupuncture and herbs from trained professionals are safe and effective for many common health conditions you might be struggling with

This new work gear takes some getting used to but enjoying being back in clinic. Excuse me if I put on a Darth Vadar voice

Appointments are now available and

We’re all trying to hold on in different ways. For me the transition from lockdown to unlocked has been a gradual one. I have to admit I’ve really enjoyed time at home and stepping back from life. However, I can’t hold onto that forever, so I’m letting go of the life I’ve grown accustomed to since March..
🍂
With autumn comes the time of letting go. As the leaves dry, turn golden brown and fall from the trees, it’s a reminder that we can’t hold on to life. The cycles of nature grow, blossom, fruit, fall and decay. Recognising the things we have to let go of is a skill in itself.
🍂
This zen proverb is a reminder that when we hold on for too long and don’t allow for change we stagnate, and stagnation leads to pain
🍂
Letting go can feel painful and difficult but just like the golden leaves of autumn, it possesses a beauty of its own

🍁

Guess who’s back..

Looking forward to my first week back in my revamped clinic room next week

March seems like a lifetime ago. It’s been a really useful time for me as I’ve not really stopped since 2008 when I first began studying acupuncture. Plenty of reflection and self care.

I know many of you have missed treatment with all the enquiries over the past couple of months. I’m happy to pick up where we left off and to help you through the coming months

To book do drop me a dm, call or email and we can get you booked in, appointments available from the 13th of October

Look forward to seeing you soon

Eczema is a condition which can have such a great impact on someone’s life. Did you know that in many cases, eczema responds really well to Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment? Follow the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine this week for cases, articles and current research findings on the positive effects of CHM in the treatment of eczema

Getting to the Root - Eczema

Showcasing Chinese Herbal Medicine as an effective and safe treatment choice for skin conditions such as Eczema.

To read articles, patient success stories and research findings visit https://rchm.co.uk/-pages/getting-to-the-root-eczema

That’s a chapter of life complete. 6 years ago I began a part-time MSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine and I’m happy to say this is me submitting the hard copy to the college library last week.

As with anything worthwhile it was an immense challenge that has encouraged me to grow in many ways.

The NCA course involves 2 years of post graduate study including herbs and formulae, managing diseases and conditions, research, pharmacology and most importantly supervised clinical and dispensary skills to ensure the theory is put into practice safely and effectively. After that I took a year to develop my research project before officially beginning in 2017.

My topic was on the psychopharmacology of herbs which calm the shen. Exploring how herbs with traditional indications to help with mood, emotions, sleep and mental health can be understood through the lense of contemporary research methods with some fascinating findings around depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease and much more.

I’m super happy I’ve finally got this finished and can take a break before moving on to something new

Things are coming along nicely and I’m thrilled to show a sneak peak of the new clinic room.

Sadly I still can’t give a start date yet as there is still work to do which is beyond my control

I’ll be back in touch soon, hopefully with a date when I can announce the reopening and start taking bookings