Duncan McGechie, Member of the BAcC, RCHM and ISRM
BA MSc G.Dip MBAcC MRCHM MISRM FHEA
Duncan is available in Holborn on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and in Grove Park on Mondays & Fridays.
I have been interested in the body and eastern philosophy for as long as I can remember, which has led me to study taiji chuan, qigong, yoga and martial arts and a BA degree in philosophy and religious studies from Lancaster University before undertaking the journey into healing professions.
All of what follows has been motivated by a strong desire to help people find the root causes of and solve their problems. To restore health and balance and improve quality of life. Everyone deserves hope, and there is always something you can do to improve your situation.
Degree Training in Acupuncture
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 Duncan to practice in 2003. He has been a member of the British Acupuncture Council ever since.
The training included:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Differential Diagnosis
- Chinese Nutritional Therapy
- Swedish massage
- Reflective Practice
- Cupping
- Electro-Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Gua Sha
- Extensive supervised clinical training.
“Acupuncture is not just one thing that treats X, Y, or Z. It is a complex system for helping organise your body’s healing responses. This is why one set of points might treat migraine, and a different combination can help depression, or IBS, or period pain.
The point prescription used is tailored to your precise presentation, so also two people with the same medical diagnosis might need different sets of points to balance their healing”
Degree level training in Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy & Sports Therapy
After initial qualification, Duncan took the postgraduate opportunity to study acupuncture and moxibustion in China in 2004. The training was at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Sichuan province. This included intensive training in tui na acupressure massage in their outpatient clinic.
In 2006 Duncan completed a graduate diploma in Therapeutic Bodywork with Skills covered included:
- Neuromuscular Techniques (NMT)
- Myofascial Release (MFR)
- Positional Release Techniques (PRT)
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
- Sports Therapy massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Craniosacral therapy
“Training in myofascial and neuromuscular therapy when already a qualified and practising acupuncturist ws a fascinating experience. It highlighted the connection and overlap between the channels of acupuncture and the fascial planes in the body.
The locations of acupuncture points are often the same as where trigger points tend to form. And they are often where multiple fascial planes and lines meet and connect.
This is how integrating fascial bodywork and traditional acupuncture became central to my approach to understanding and treating peoples.”
Masters in Chinese Medicine & Further Professional Development & Experience
The next stage in his development was the study of Chinese Herbal Medicine, in which he have gained a Master of Science with distinction for research on how practitioners are informed in their clinical use of a Chinese herbal formula. Studying Chinese herbal medicine deepens the understanding of different medical currents of tradition. This helps a practitioner understand a patient more completely and sharpens the diagnostic skills.
Duncan also completed a postgraduate diploma in Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Chinese medicine with Dr Trevor Wing’s next step medicine. I an associate of natural gynae and a member of the acupuncture fertility network. This has knowledge and skills in the treatment of the special interest area of fertility, treatment and menstrual disorders.
Lecturer and Published Writer
From 2009 to 2013 Duncan was a clinical supervisor and lecturer at the University of East London (UEL) in Stratford on their Acupuncture BSc course. MSc research on the relationship between acupuncture channels and fascial anatomy was published in the Journal of Chinese medicine (JCM) here, and research into herbal medicine is published in the Lantern journal of Chinese medicine.
Pro Sport Go-To Therapy Mentorship
Ever motivated to fill in the gaps where complex and persistent pain patients stop progressing, Duncan then looked into rehabilitation planning and completed the Go-To therapist mentorship program in 2020. This is a detailed system for identifying the hidden drivers of musculoskeletal and persistent pain issues, and how to construct a rehab exercise program that fits a persons specific needs, goals and history. Exercises that get the desired effects, are activity specific and not a hassle to do.
Certified GMB Trainer
The next stage in his journey was to look at bringing some services online which took in training as in coaching to help people identify their why, and help them make the changes they need. After this Duncan turned a hobby into another skill by completing the GMB fitness trainer certification. He has been using the GMB method for years as a supplement to other training and to develop more strength and control. It was a logical next step to be qualified to bring this movement and exercise system to others.
Professional Memberships- Safety, Accountability, Standards
Duncan is a Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (MRCHM) and the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (MISRM). 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 BAcC is the only professional register for acupuncture that is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). The PSA do important work to ensure high standards and public safety.
If you have any questions please email me
Duncan McGechie
BA, BSc, MSc, G.Dip, CertAc (Chengdu), Dip CHM (OB/GYN)
MBAcC, MRCHM, MISRM, FHEA
For more information about the British Acupuncture Council or the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine click the links above.
I work by appointment at London Natural Health in the region of, Holborn, Bloomsbury & Covent Garden: Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Also from our studio in London Grove Park, SE12 (serving Hither Green, Lee, Blackheath & Chislehurst) Mondays and Fridays.
