A day in the life: Acupuncturist Kimberly Clark

I work from a peaceful clinic in Boughton, Chester. It’s a real sun trap and I feel calm and relaxed as soon as I walk through the door.

First thing, I get the treatment room organised for my first patient and get up to date with emails and social media.

My days vary a lot depending on when I have treatments booked in, sometimes I can be in the clinic until about 9pm and the first appointment is at 8am. The treatment begins with a consultation, I ask my patient all about their current health and medical history. After this a treatment plan is made and discussed with the client.

I use a number of different techniques alongside acupuncture including cupping therapy, massage and moxibustion which is a Chinese therapy using a herb to warm the point.

A day in the life: Kimberley Clark

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Treatments are always tailored to the client and are altered depending on what symptoms they may be showing at the time of the treatment. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that seeks to treat the root of the problem.

I treat a number of diverse conditions from back pain and headaches to women’s health to stress. Most people are amazed at how fine the acupuncture needles are and in some cases patients have immediate pain relief. Many find treatments very enjoyable and relaxing, some fall asleep during their treatment. I always take this as a compliment!

It’s great to be my own boss. I always make space for lunch, sometimes I go home for it and prepare the tea while I am there so I am all organised when I get home- my slow cooker gets used most days!

This year’s Acupuncture Awareness week (AAW) is from March 2-8 and the theme is stress. It is set up by the British Acupuncture Council and aims to inform and educate the public about acupuncture.

Dress:

I wear a tunic, comfy shoes and trousers to the clinic.

What is the favourite part of your job?

Seeing patients walk out of their treatment with a smile on their face, feeling relaxed and ready to take on life’s stresses. It’s really amazing being able to help patients and improve their health and well being. Also seeing how amazed some clients are by the effects of acupuncture.

What is the least favourite part of your job?

Honestly nothing! I’m so lucky that I really love my job.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now?

I absolutely love animals so a job in conservation and looking after poorly and injured animals would suit me.

How do you relax when you are not working?

I love spending time with friends and family, I have beautiful twin nieces called Ruby and Gracie who are nearly three. I love seeing live bands at festivals and gigs and love to dance! I am also a member of Critical Mass, a group of people that come together to have fun, celebrate cycling and make people more aware of cyclists on the road.

What is your favourite film?

The Wizard of Oz. There’s no place like home!

What is your favourite book?

I spend a lot of time reading acupuncture books which is where my real passion lies, I rarely get to finish a novel.

What is your favourite song?

This is such a hard question as I have so many. It depends on what mood I’m in. Muse - Knights of Cydonia is pretty high up there and sounded absolutely amazing live!

If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you?

Zooey Deschanel, she’s amazing.

Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet?

Last summer I went to a boat party in Croatia via speed boat VIP style, actually felt like a James Bond moment, it was incredible! I felt famous, does that count?!