About Duncan McGechie


Duncan McGechieI have been interested in healing and eastern thought for as long as I can remember, which has led me to study Taiji Chuan, Yoga , martial arts and culminated in an honours degree in philosophy and religious studies from Lancaster University.

Further study in Chinese Medicine Acupuncture at the University of Westminster, School of integrated health, a BSc degree course endorsed by the BAcC (British Acupuncture Council) and the BAAB (British Acupuncture Accreditation Board) qualified me to practice in 2003.

The training included:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Differential diagnosis (to be able to identify serious conditions which require more conventional intervention)
  • Chinese nutritional theory
  • Swedish massage
  • Training in reflective practice

Since completing that qualification further development seemed of benefit to my clients. I have therefore also gained a graduate diploma in Therapeutic Bodywork (since retitled 'Remedial Massage and Neuromuscular techniques'). Skills developed included:

  • Neuromuscular Techniques (NMT)
  • Myofascial Release (MFR)
  • Positional Release Techniques (PRT)
  • Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
  • Sports Therapy massage
  • Traditional Thai Yoga massage
  • Introduction to Craniosacral therapy

This has been a fascinating and rewarding journey and has proven very useful in dealing with peoples physical problem's, as well as the mental and emotional issues often tied in with them.

After initial qualification, the opportunity to study acupuncture and moxibustion in China arose and was taken in 2004. The study was at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Sichuan province. I stayed on and also took intensive training in Tui Na Massage in their outpatient clinic.

The next stage in my development was the study of Chinese Herbal Medicine, in which I have gained a Master of Science with distinction for my research.

All this has now led recently to a role as a clinical supervisor and some lecture work at the University of East London in Stratford on their Acupuncture BSc course.

I am a Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (MRCHM) and the NHS register of complementary and alternative therapists: it is advised that you find a practitioner who is a member of the BAcC for acupuncture to ensure that they have completed the requisite training to be safe and effective, follow codes of practice and conduct and are committed to continuing professional development.

The RCHM plays this role for herbal medicines and members ensure that herbs are only obtained through an approved suppliers scheme where products are quality controlled and free of dangerous substitutions, adulterants and contaminants. This safeguards against people being made ill by Chinese medicine, which unfortunately still happens occasionally since the practice is not yet regulated in the UK and contaminated products still find their way into the market giving Chinese medicine a bad name.

I practice Qigong, Taiji Chuan, Jiu Jitsu and Pilates.

Duncan McGechie
BA, BSc, MSc, G.Dip, CertAc (Chengdu), MBAcC, MRCHM

For more information about the British Acupuncture Council see www.acupuncture.org.uk by clicking the logo alongside. I am listed in their directory for the practices at which I work: Theobalds Natural health in the Clerkenwell/ Holborn area, and the Fulham Clinic at Fulham and London Bridge locations.