I graduated from The College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, UK in 1996. I am a Member of the British Acupuncture Council MBAaC and am listed on their website list of members. I chose to do my training at Reading because the course incorporated both 'Five Element' acupuncture and the acupuncture-based approaches of Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM]. Traditional acupuncture enables the body / mind / spirit to heal itself insofar as nature will allow. Treatment is useful for physical problems, stress-related disorders and the effects of mental and emotional conflict. A particularly important area of my practice is the treatment of couples who are experiencing fertility-related difficulties, where treatment would extend through and beyond pregnancy. I practice in Manchester and Bramhall, Cheshire. In special circumstances and by arrangement, treatment in the patient's own home can be arranged.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

I studied the Alexander Technique at the Alexander Technique Training Centre in Dartington, Devon and qualified in 1985. I am a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique promotes the unity of mind and body. With over 18 years of experience behind me, I have come more and more to seeing the Technique as a 'healing art', affecting the individual at the core level of any physical, emotional and spiritual disharmony via a process that involves pattern recognition and resolution of past trauma. In practical terms, the Technique involves the practitioner providing the student/patient with an experience and helping her/him to understand it on her/his own.

I have been a practitioner in the Manchester area since qualifying in 1985 and have also taught students of the Technique in Alexander Technique Training Centres throughout Europe. I offer individual and group work and also professional supervision sessions for other practitioners of the Technique. As well as my private practice, I have also worked with individuals and groups in a variety of organisational settings, including the BBC, Granada TV, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Halle Orchestra, the BBC Orchestra and with groups of actors, circus performers, athletes and many others from all walks of life.

'When you clean out, repair and generally tidy up the basic fabric of the person, they will experience some quite basic changes in their perception of themselves and their circumstances. When old tapes are wiped off, they can no longer be replayed. It may seem amazing to find yourself suddenly free from the little automatic responses, but it is only the application of a very simple dynamic, using laws that are not generally understood or even known about. Clean off the programme, straighten up the threads, shake out the debris - you will be able to be more present in your day-to-day reality, less constricted emotionally, mentally free from clutter, more likely to see yourself, your situation and your direction.' Isobel McGilvray, Melbourne Australia

Available on the phone 0161-434 0195 and 0161 440 0298