On Saturday, 16th November, our community gathered for the much-anticipated AAC annual conference at the charming and historic Mary Ward House in central London. The day was nothing short of inspiring, packed with enlightening presentations, valuable networking opportunities, and the shared passion for advancing our field. As Graham Steele beautifully summarized: *”Last Saturday, 28th October, saw the annual conference of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians in central London at Mary Ward House, a charming, historical, and atmospheric building, once a former school.The MC for the conference was Kevin, who was well supported by his technical team, and by hospitality and catering. Kevin is a consummate professional who kept the programme to time. He has a natural ability to make people feel welcome and at ease with his enthusiasm and positive energy. Not only was it a great opportunity to meet up with fellow practitioners and old friends to network and share ideas, but the programme for the day was action-packed and filled with interesting and current presentations on a variety of themes, either from leaders in their fields or else specialist practitioners. Supporting the conference this year were several exhibitors with a variety of acupuncture and other clinic products on display, some on sale and some free samples. In addition, other exhibitors were there to share information on evidence-based acupuncture and volunteer opportunities overseas. The conference was a great success due to the preparation and diligence of the in-house team. Well done, team! The AAC continues to work tirelessly on several fronts, thanks to Chris and Clare, to keep it well positioned and impactful in the wider acupuncture arena, and equally serious about its helpful, friendly, and personable approach to be engaging with, and helping, members. It was sad to leave just before the end of the conference to catch my train because it was like leaving family behind.” A Day of Connection and Learning The conference provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and forge new relationships with fellow practitioners. Sharing ideas and experiences is always a highlight of such gatherings, and this year was no exception. The AAC has truly cultivated a community that feels like family. The program was a standout feature, offering a wealth of knowledge across a variety of topics. Esteemed speakers captivated audiences with their insights, showcasing the breadth and depth of acupuncture as a practice. Meanwhile, exhibitors brought a range of exciting products, samples, and resources to the event, alongside information on evidence-based acupuncture and volunteer opportunities abroad. Highlights from the Conference Clare Ward provided a heartfelt reflection on the joys and challenges of being an acupuncturist. She celebrated the profound impact acupuncture has on patients’ lives while acknowledging the importance of staying grounded and balanced as practitioners. Her talk was both uplifting and relatable, reminding everyone why they chose this meaningful path. Lara McClure held a captivating session about transforming research into actionable clinical guidelines. Her presentation delved into the challenges of integrating evidence-based acupuncture into practice and offered practical strategies to overcome barriers. Attendees found her insights invaluable, with one remarking, “Lara’s presentation was eye-opening, as always” Paul Hougham took us on a deeper journey into the philosophy of acupuncture, describing it as an act of empowerment and embodiment. He emphasized the importance of grounding and presence—not just for patients, but for practitioners too. His talk was a beautiful reminder that intentionality is at the heart of effective practice, resonating with everyone in the room. Naava Carman brought a fresh perspective to tackling complex cases. In her interactive session, she demonstrated how to simplify intricate presentations into manageable steps, helping attendees feel more confident in handling challenging cases. Her focus on creating clear treatment plans and managing client expectations was both practical and inspiring. Chris Davies added a touch of innovation with his engaging talk on incorporating magnets into acupuncture treatments. He demonstrated how magnets can be used alongside or instead of needles, offering attendees practical skills they could start using right away. His generous giveaway of free magnets was a hit, and his expertise left many eager to explore this new approach. One attendee added ‘Listening to Chris’s clinical views and experience – I get the impression he has a very impressive brain that needs it’s clinical experience to be extracted and put into a more easily accessible format!’ Sarah Budd shared her inspiring account of her humanitarian work on the Greek island of Lesvos. Sarah shared her experiences providing acupuncture to refugees and asylum seekers, showcasing the profound role acupuncture can play in crisis settings. Her dedication moved everyone in attendance and highlighted opportunities for acupuncturists to contribute to global humanitarian efforts. The day concluded with Robin Sunley and a fascinating look at his work in the NHS, where he uses acupuncture to support cancer patients and those undergoing thoracic surgery. Robin’s expertise shone as he shared real-life examples of how acupuncture can help manage the side effects of cancer treatments and aid recovery from major surgeries. His session highlighted the significant potential for acupuncture in mainstream healthcare, leaving attendees both inspired and hopeful. One member has commented that “hearing about the work being done in humanitarian crisis spots and Robin’s work were very inspiring” and another member commented the best thing about the conference was ‘the range of interesting speakers and the positive and supportive atmosphere”. Celebrating Our Impact The AAC’s commitment to supporting its members and advancing the profession was evident throughout the day. From addressing licensing challenges to advocating for acupuncture within the broader medical community, the association’s efforts were widely appreciated. Members spoke highly of AAC’s no-nonsense approach to regulation and its focus on providing practical support, whether through articles in The Clinician, resources on the website, or direct guidance on legal and professional matters. Looking Ahead As the day drew to a close, many attendees expressed gratitude for the AAC team’s hard work and dedication. The conference was a testament to the association’s vision and commitment to fostering a thriving acupuncture community. Reflecting on the event, one
