Louise Stevens
Director, Acupuncturist & Herbalist
BSc(Hons) EHS, BSc (Hons) Ac, PG Dip CHM, MBAcC MRCHM Clin Ac(Hangzhou) Clin CHM(Chengdu)
Louise completed a 3 year honours degree in Health Sciences at the University of Northumbria, followed by a 3 year honours degree in Acupuncture at the University of Westminster. She then completed a 2 year post graduate diploma in Chinese Herbal medicine, with distinction.
In 2002/03 Louise undertook clinical study at the teaching hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The work involved studying Rheumatology & Auto-immune disorders, Gynaecology, Dermatology, Respiratory, ENT, Neurology, Paediatrics etc. The study was primarily with Chinese Herbal Medicine.
In 1999 Louise went to Hangzhou, China, which included clinical instruction in acupuncture in the areas of Gynaecology, Dermatology, Gastro-Intestinal diseases, Respiratory diseases.
EXPERIENCE
She has been in practice since 1999. Louise works in general practice but has particular interests in women’s health. This can range from menstrual complaints, infertility, treating alongside IVF procedures, breech presentation, induction of babies and menopause.
Recently, since the pandemic, Louise has been a volunteer practitioner in the Jade Screen Project. A charity that offers free consultations and Chinese Herbal medicine support to frontline health workers.
https://jadescreen.co.uk
In her early career she worked as a volunteer at the Gateway clinic (NHS trust) and at the London Lighthouse, part of the Terrence Higgins Trust. Both centres were set up primarily to treat HIV/AIDS patients but treatments at the Gateway have extended to treat more general complaints. Louise used the NADA protocol (ear acupuncture), a well recognised treatment to help alleviate the symptoms of alcohol and drug addictions/withdrawal.
CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Dermatology: This course looked at Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis primarily. Commonly encountered in the clinic and generally with good results. I make my own range of herbal skin creams to address the above and also applications for boils, herpes outbreaks and itchy skin rashes etc.
Mushroom Therapy can be a helpful adjunct in managing any chronic conditions, autoimmune disorders and support through Cancer treatment. Mushrooms have the ability to regulate and harmonise the immune system. They are all immunomodulatory but the weirder the mushroom the better! But even the common button mushroom contains the powerful properties of Beta glucans and polyphenols.
Chinese Medicine and Cancer Support. This fascinating weekend gave a great insight into the supportive action of herbs. Whether its support during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or respite care, it can be a useful tool for patients undergoing Cancer treatments.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Urinary Tract Infections, an alternative to Antibiotics. With the overuse of antibiotics in our society, western medicine is turning to herbs to help with the issues of antibiotic resistance. There are some well documented herbal medicines that have been used for thousands of years to combat 'pestilence' in the past. When these herbs are combined together, as traditionally they are used, they have a more profound effect that being used in isolation. Research has been very positive and in fact a trial was conducted asking GP's to use a herbal formula for UTI's instead of antibiotics. We are still waiting for the results. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6481503/
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions. This course was called 'Hidden Heat' which is the terminology we use to describe inflammation. The heat causes physiological symptoms to over react, then we can end up with auto immune conditions which can difficult to manage.
Chinese Medicine and Gynaecology with the well respected Michael McIntyre. The first topic included Fertility, male and female. Did you know that 40% of infertility issues are male orientated and treating both partners is an essential part of the fertility journal.
We also looked at endometriosis, Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and menstrual problems. These conditions are commonly encountered in the clinic and Chinese Medicine has so much to offer these women. I think hormones, painkillers and surgery are generally not good options for many women.
Chinese medicine always looks to the root of the problem and treats both the cause and the symptoms. It can enhance blood circulation, stop pain, encourage ovulation, regulate hormones, nourish blood and calm the mind. It allows patients to have a deep understanding of their situation and encourages them to make other appropriate changes if necessary.
Chinese Medicine and Gastrointestinal Disorders
The old adage 'Your are What you Eat' really applies in Chinese Medicine. We covered topics including GERD, Reflux, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Ulcerative Colitis, Chrohns, IBS and Epigastric/Abdominal Pain. Commonly and generally well treated in the clinic.
Acupuncture and Autism in Paediatrics
I have recently attended a fascinating course with Julian Scott on whether Acupuncture can be useful in treating autism. The simple answer is that it is possible to help but as always it depends on the reasons why the child has the diagnosis in the first place. Every child needs to be assessed as an individual and if its possible to diagnose some physical symptoms in Chinese Medicine, then the chances are you can make a difference. These could include symptoms of excess Heat, Phlegm, Qi stagnation or Deficiency.
Past medical history is important including any trauma during birth, disease or ill health. Whether they have had immunisations and what their digestive function and diet are like.
Plenty of food for thought, and perhaps a paediatric course sometime next year!
Chinese Medicine and Mento-Emotional Disorders
This enlightening course gave some great insight into how to deal with common illness like anxiety and depression. It touched on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and OCD. Chinese medicine is always looking for patterns of disharmony and this is the same in mento-emotional illnesses. Many of the herbs we use can calm the mind, lift the spirits, clear heat and agitation, promote sleep. There is often a pattern of stress associated with it too as we live in a very fast paced world. We tend to have high expectations of ourselves but never seem to be able to fulfil them, we are often too self critical.
It is helpful to focus on the joy of the small things in life, aim for more achievable goals and take pleasure in doing less. Spend more time with those we love and who have a positive impact on our wellbeing.
I have recently listened to seminars on:
Pulse Concepts,
Vagus Nerve Stimulation,
Covid 19 - Prevention, Active and Long Covid protocols, also Covid-somnia.
Pain management and herbal medicine,
Migraines and headaches,
Menopause and
Vaccination issues.