My 19-year-old granddaughter who has deep seated fear of being alone with a man spends happily two…read morehours with Andre. My daughter and son-in-law have benefited from his treatments, and so I found myself at his door Thursday morning after 18 hours travelling the previous day. Why was I there? Where did it hurt? I had hardly landed and am in general a fairly healthy 75-year-old, but my daughter thought it a good pick me up after a strenuous journey. So, I imagined I would lie for an hour and a half with needles sticking out of me, bored as I am usually with acupuncture. But not this time, a treatment so unexpected, so different, and a therapist so disarming, kind, peaceful and yet surprisingly present. A few needles, frequent pulse checking, slight adjustment of the needles, nothing to write home about. But my experience of Andre's treatment was so unexpected, and his accepting almost healing presence removed my sense of embarrassment. So, I left after 2 hours and found to my surprise that all the usual anxiety about my dealings with my family and friends and theirs with me had disappeared and I was left feeling lighter and more open and positive than I had felt in a long time in company with others (I spend at least half a year alone). Tomorrow I am seeing Andre again. No expectations, just a trust that the right things will happen. I went for a 2nd treatment, this time with a really bad back with pain going through my buttock and thighs as well. He massaged my back and treated me with needles. I left pain free, although still with stiffness. He is not a complete miracle worker, YET!

My health troubles started about six months ago during the winter months. I just didn't feel well…read more I had difficulty in swallowing, my breathing was uncomfortable, my chest felt tight and I developed a cough. I felt miserable and depressed. My cough got worse and eventually I couldn't talk without coughing. I had a lot of stress in my life, but at the time I didn't consider that my mind was in some way driving my physical illness. My GP referred me to an ENT specialist who diagnosed silent reflux who prescribed lansoprazole and Gaviscon to inhibit my stomach acid. I didn't improve so I was then referred to a chest specialist who prescribed anti-asthma drugs that included an inhaled steroid. I still didn't get better and then I had a chest X-ray (clear). In desperation I saw a Chinese Doctor (I am Chinese) who administered traditional acupuncture. She prescribed an array of Chinese herbs, each time I visited her. I was not getting any better. She suggested that I have thyroid tests. The results came back as normal. My mood was very low and I was getting no better. Because I had to travel to London to see the Chinese Doctor, I looked for an Acupuncturist who was local (I live near Watford). I discovered Andre. Andre is advertised as a practitioner of both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture. However, as I discovered, Andre offers so much more than acupuncture. He training and background include a degree in nutrition and he is skilled in communication techniques that include behavioural cognitive therapy (CBT). And so much more. But most of all he quietly listens and watches. When I walked into his home clinic I met this quietly spoken, gentle and calm man. It was this calmness that immediately relaxed me. During my sessions with Andre (I have now visited him six times) he patiently and quietly listened to my story. I felt at ease and told him about the stress in my life, that included several difficult personal relationships. As we had more sessions, he showed me how my mind and body must be allowed to work in harmony. He opened my mind and my heart and through his calm listening and gentle advice showed me how to take control of my life and become less angry and more forgiving while at the same time learning how to cherish myself (something I never did before). He gave me advice on herbs and flowers that when used in tea for example, help to calm and relax (he doesn't sell these preparations but just passes on his vast knowledge). He taught me how to breathe, and how to use simple physical and mind techniques to help me relax and stay calm when dark thoughts try to take over. When I first went to visit Andre, I had just expected acupuncture. I had no idea of his vast training, skills, experience and patience, and that his methods would reach into my heart and mind and show me how to manage the stress in my life. Above all he taught me how I was letting my stress destroy my health. Before I met Andre, there were many times when if I spoke, this would spark an uncontrollable coughing attack. Now, I can talk normally without triggering a cough! I am so much better. But above all, I feel in control of who I am. I am not suggesting that Andre is an alternative to mainstream medicine. Andre is a Holistic therapist who has skills and training that are complementary, and that should be used alongside traditional Western medical practice. I recommend Andre wholeheartedly.