From the manual to new horizons: Pursuing your passion in Chinese medicine

Speakers: Mazin Al-Khafaji FRCHM and Peter Deadman FBAcC. Chair: Felicity Moir FBAcC

Watch the authors of the world-famous A Manual of Acupuncture, Mazin Al-Khafaji MRCHM and Peter Deadman FBAcC, as they share their stories of the development of the book, the careers that led them to that point and their subsequent careers.

An important landmark in the development of acupuncture in the West, the manual was only a starting point for both Mazin and Peter, as they went on to pursue their own passions and reach great heights in their own domains. Mazin decided to focus on Chinese herbal treatment for dermatological conditions and develop a very successful herbal clinic in the UK.

Peter developed the beloved Journal of Chinese Medicine and went on to be a leading global teacher in both yangsheng and qigong. One thing that unites them is their passion and dedication to excellence and self-development. This is a rare opportunity to see the pair together and find inspiration to develop your own passion, and chart your own course through the landscape of your career.

"What comes through your door you may never see in a book, and what you see in a book may never come through your door." – Paul Johnson FBAcC

Every now and then a conversation comes along that captures what it's really like to become an acupuncturist.

In this beautifully honest episode of Cultivating Tradition, experienced practitioner and teacher Paul Johnson reflects on more than 25 years in practice, why studying acupuncture is one of the hardest things you'll ever do, why it's also one of the most rewarding, and how the journey never really ends.

Paul's reflections beautifully illustrate why becoming an acupuncturist is about so much more than learning theory. It takes time to absorb the medicine, develop practical skills, refine your touch, and learn to understand the person in front of you—not just the condition described in a textbook.

That depth of learning is why accredited, degree-level acupuncture courses are designed to give students the time, support and clinical experience needed to grow into safe, confident and compassionate practitioners. It's a journey that simply can't be rushed.

Whether you're thinking about studying acupuncture, are just beginning your training, or have been in practice for decades, this is a conversation that will leave you inspired.

🎧 Watch or listen now.

Considering studying acupuncture?

The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) accredits degree-level acupuncture courses that meet the highest standards of education and professional training in the UK. Explore accredited colleges and discover where your own journey could begin.

#StudyAcupuncture #Acupuncture #ChineseMedicine #HealthcareCareers #NaturalHealthcare #BAAB #BAcC#CareerChange

What role do academic journals play in shaping the future of Traditional East Asian Medicine? Why do they matter to practitioners, researchers and, ultimately, our patients?

In this unique and fascinating conference panel discussion, editors from some of the profession’s leading journals share the stage together — a rare opportunity to hear these voices in conversation at the same time. Bringing together perspectives from different publications, traditions and editorial approaches, they explore the challenges and opportunities facing academic publishing today. From peer review and research quality to AI, digital publishing and the future of print, they offer an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring trusted knowledge into the hands of practitioners.

More importantly, the conversation highlights how journals do far more than publish articles. They preserve clinical wisdom, encourage innovation, strengthen professional identity, inspire new authors, and provide a platform for sharing the evidence, ideas and experiences that help Traditional East Asian Medicine continue to evolve.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner, a researcher, a student, or someone who’s never considered writing for a journal, this discussion is an inspiring reminder that every published article helps build the profession’s collective knowledge and raises its profile on the world stage.

Featuring:

Chaired by Daniel Maxwell MBAcC MRCHM – Journal of Chinese Medicine

• Dr Mike Cummings – Acupuncture in Medicine (British Medical Acupuncture Society)
• Jasmine Uddin FBAcC – European Journal of Oriental Medicine (BAcC)

• Wu Di PhD MBAcC – Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Journal
• Steve Woodley MBAcC MRCHM – Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine Journal

If you’ve ever wondered how knowledge becomes evidence, how ideas become published, or why professional journals remain as important as ever in the age of AI, this is a conversation well worth watching.

#ChineseMedicine #Acupuncture #TraditionalEastAsianMedicine #Research #Podcast #ProfessionalDevelopment