Background

I first experienced acupuncture 10 years ago,
after developing severe stress-related symptoms brought on by a demanding job. The treatments immediately started helping my physical symptoms - panic attacks, headaches, exhaustion, backache, digestive problems, among others - but more significantly, they were instrumental in bringing me back in touch with my body's needs and instincts, and in helping me express my emotions more fluently. On a mental level, I also became clearer about my core values - what was important to me in my life, rather than allowing myself to be bogged down by chores, details and obligations.

Thus I experienced at first hand the power of acupuncture, and how this holistic system of medicine could tackle those problems for which conventional doctors don't have an answer or can only prescribe drugs to mask the symptoms. Acupuncture isn't constricted by western labels of disease, as it works on a root level. It treats the person rather than the disease, for everyone is unique.

I became so hooked that I was compelled to train to be an acupuncturist myself.
I wanted to help others as much as I had been helped myself. I have now been in practice for several years, and the rewards are immense. I treat people from all walks of life, and with all sorts of illnesses and complaints, and see them shrugging off their ill health and taking charge of their lives again - learning to tune into their needs and follow their instincts, and really flourishing as a result.

Face reading forms part of five-element acupuncture training, and I went on to hone my skills with the highly respected Lillian Bridges, completing an advanced apprenticeship with her (see Face Reading page).

Training and qualifications
I'm a fully qualified, registered acupuncturist (LicAc) and member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC). I am also qualified to prescribe patent herbal medicines, and administer tui na, or Chinese massage.

Having trained at the highly regarded College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (www.cicm.org.uk) in England, which combines the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine with five-element acupuncture, I practise an integrated style of acupuncture, focusing on rebalancing any underlying constitutional imbalances, as well as treating the main presenting condition.

Other disciplines
I am also a writer and journalist - apart from my monthly face-reading column in GQ magazine (see In the Media page), I have featured in, and written articles for The Sunday Times, Loaded and Fabulous magazine, among other publications, and been interviewed for radio. If you would like me to write a feature for you, or to interview me on any aspect of face reading, please contact me at saffron@saffronellidge.com or on 07810 864 320.