Testimonials
What Deborah teaches has been essential in deepening my understanding of Chinese Medicine. Deborah has the ability to unfold the complexity encoded in classical texts and transmit her knowledge to her students. In studying with Deborah, I have gained insight into the myriad connections embedded in the theory and practice of Chinese Medicine. This has brought to life the notion that Chinese Medicine is about the relationship between things, not just the things themselves.
Deborah has given me a preview into the depths and context of this medicine, beyond recipes for treatment. Glimpsing the cosmic significance of many of the concepts infused into Chinese medical theory has inspired me to embark of a lifelong quest to discover for myself what it means to be a living being in the universe.
As a newly graduated acupuncturist, I have come to understand that the quest for implicit understanding of theory is essential in being able to do justice to the practice of the Medicine.
A quote from Khalil Gibran summarizes well what you can expect from studying with Deborah: “The teacher who is indeed Wise does not bid you to enter the house of his Wisdom but rather leads you to the Threshold of your Mind“. Thank you, Deborah, for being this teacher to your students. – Sam A
I just wanted to send you a personal thank you – I really do think you are a brilliant teacher and I feel very lucky to have been taught by you. Your lectures are always great – never boring and as fellow swearer, I felt very at home!!! You restored my faith in trying to understand Chinese Medicine when others had completely blown my mind.
I hope to revisit Stems & Branches in the future and I really hope to see you for more fun and games! – Joanna W
Deborah’s teaching has been so valuable. She has been successful in passing on her passion of Stems and Branches to all her students. I particularly loved the podcasts that are very well referenced. Her teaching has inspired me to keep learning about Stems and Branches and apply this knowledge to enhance my practice. Thank you Deborah! – Marianne I
Before I joined ICOM I had heard about Stems and Branches, an approach to acupuncture rooted in ancient texts which is not widely practiced in the West and which takes the study of Chinese Medicine a step further than most UK colleges do within their undergraduate syllabuses. Teaching Stems and Branches requires special skills. The fact that it’s not widely taught in the West means that it’s not something that many acupuncturists really understand well and there are few texts to guide a teacher (or student). It also involves understanding the Chinese take on Astronomy and Numerology and overlaying Chinese Medicine philosophy. And to top it off you then need put this all into practice in the clinic.
Deborah’s background in mathematics, her studies in Chinese linguistics and the classics and her extensive experience in the clinic provide an excellent combination of skills for teaching Stems and Branches. In our lectures she built up the theory of Stems and Branches in a logical progression, overlaying philosophy as we went. Deborah interspersed practical examples as we went along, helping us to see that even some of the basics of Stems and Branches can be helpful in clinic.
Within her teaching Deborah was clear that to understand the working of Stems and Branches on a patient it is helpful to understand it’s working on yourself first. She oversaw a very useful project in which we each analysed our charts using the Stems and Branches techniques she taught, ending with some lifestyle and treatment hints for each of us to take away.
My only regret is that our ICOM training was too short. Deborah has helped to open my eyes to a wider world of practice and now, several years post qualification, I am still delving deeper into Stems and Branches. I’m grateful to Deborah for setting me off on this course. – Nicci vD
Deborah is a top-class academic who is extraordinarily knowledgeable in her specialisms. Her areas of passionate interest include Classical Sinology, Chinese medicine, Chinese numerology and the I Ching. She has a quick wit, a ready smile and a dry sense of humour to lighten dull topics. A mercurial polyglot with a sharp mind, she stretches students to aspire to a higher potential. Perhaps not as apparent are Deborah’s sensitivity and humanity. She gives time and energy to students and patients in need. Altogether, Deborah is an inspiring guide on your learning journey. – Paul H
Deborah’s approach to teaching is original and dynamic. Studying under her fundamentally deepened my understanding of material that had previously felt inaccessible. Her style of teaching and clear methodology is like the key to chest of treasure and a true gift. She has a unique ability to translate dense academic material in a manner that beautifully animates it in the most engaging and immersive way. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to train under her.
I think you’re the best teacher! – Bethan D
Deborah is a fantastic teacher. Rather than simply regurgitating points and prescriptions, she enables us to think for ourselves from a Classical Chinese Medicine perspective.
Her teaching is grounded in both a high level of scholarship and extensive clinical practice. Highly recommended for enquiring minds and those looking to deepen their studies. – Tom W