Introducing… Mark Taylor, Acupuncturist
Introducing… Mark Taylor, Acupuncturist
Mark Taylor has been with us since qualifying several years ago and we are very proud to work with him. His person-centred approach and application of Traditional Acupuncture is authentic and a joy to experience (the latter I can say as I have also been treated by Mark).
Why Traditional Acupuncture?
I was in my early 40s and had been through some tough years in my work and personal life. I was looking to leave behind a long career in farming, and to turn around newly and painfully acquired experiences of bereavement and counselling to forge a new life.
Around that time I met my wife who was immersed in complementary and alternative health, and became at first intrigued and then fascinated by this new world. I wanted something serious to get my teeth into; a vocation that would lead to a new profession and a means of helping others.
Well I certainly found that in bucket loads with the intensive and rigorous training at The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading! And it was not only a case of learning new skills, it also prompted an entire lifestyle change and revolution in my worldview, as I took on related practices such as Qi Gong and began to understand diet and nutrition very differently, too.
What does ‘health’ mean to you?
Perhaps on the face of it health seems to be chiefly about the physical and mental realms. However, for me emotional stability and peace, feeling right with the world and centred enough in myself to meet the challenges of being human with, if possible, a degree of calm and a gentle sense of humour is how I would now define health.
Good health does not necessarily mean having the perfectly functioning body (think of Paralympic athletes!), but having a healthy attitude towards our physical and mental challenges enables us to make the best of ourselves and to relish our lives
For at least 3,000 years, Chinese Medicine has recognised that emotional equilibrium is essential for good health.
‘Those who keep their hearts and minds unimpaired within, Externally keep their bodies unimpaired.’ Original Tao, 4th century BC.
Bonus Music Question: favourite song of all time?
‘Who knows where the time goes’, by Fairport Convention.
Why? The melody is hauntingly beautiful and the words are philosophical – a gentle and soothing view of cycles of life; the constant of change, the mystery of nature’s wisdom.
I didn’t analyse my feelings about it before and just loved it, but now reflecting on it I see so much in it that speaks of being in tune with Nature and life itself, with a gentle acceptance.
You can find out more about Mark and how to contact her by clicking here.
If you have any questions about Traditional Acupuncture, you are welcome to call us on 01359 408 011, contact us via our contact page or get in touch with Mark directly.
