This month we ask CompMed Owner John Deare to answer a few common questions about his journey.

What led you to acupuncture?

John: As a child I had rheumatic fever three times and was hospitalised and in pain for extended periods of my teenage years. This led to my interest in pain and helping others. The two main things that sparked my curiosity in acupuncture were my training in Qi gong and reading the book The Tao of Pooh about the balances and harmonies of my favourite character Winnie the Pooh Bear's life.

What are your favourite things about your job as an acupuncturist?

John: My favourite thing is the challenge of trying to establish what's happening at the root of the patient's system, i.e. what imbalance is sitting underneath the visible symptoms, similar to the idea that you can treat the leaves and trunk of the tree but if you don't treat the roots it ultimately won't become well.

What do you do for fun?

John: I read books -murder mysteries, soak in a hot spa, get my hands and feet dirty in the garden growing vegetables and dabble in some 'left footed' salsa dancing.

What does a day in your life look like?

John: I wake at 6am and practice Qi Gong, I get to work by 7:30, breakfast is porridge and berries. I treat patients until lunchtime when I have bone broth with vegetables and a half hour nap to nourish my heart. Then I have my cup of tea, and treat patients for the afternoon and evening stopping for a small light dinner of fish or soup usually before 7pm. Depending on appointments I return home by 8pm at the latest and finish my days with a bit of reading followed by 20 minutes of relaxation yoga and a cup of passionflower tea before going to bed.

What would you do if you won the lotto?

John: To some degree I have won the lotto being an acupuncturist. Every day my job brings me great joy to be able to help others and practice my art. So if I ever came into sufficient funds I would still do what I do -just for free.

And finally...How is your mother?

John: She continues to teach me daily the importance of self-discipline and strength of will and that no matter how hard things get you must push on with life.

And your father?

John: He's a box of fluffy ducks.

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know John a little better. See you next month with our CompMed blog. Thanks so much for reading.

Nancy @CompMed.