Sunny

Training and healthcare background

Xiao Chun Gao (Sunny), Lic AC, MBAcC, BSc, came to acupuncture from a nursing and massage background. She studied at the International College of Oriental Medicine, graduating with a BSc Honours degree in Acupuncture awarded by Greenwich University. She is a certified member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

Sunny began working as a registered nurse in China in 1989. Between 1995 and 1997, she studied professional nursing and science courses at Shan Dong Medical University, where acupuncture was one of the modules, and graduated with a first-class degree in nursing.

She gained more than 15 years’ experience as a Registered General Nurse in China, working in thoracic, digestive and orthopaedic units. Her Digestive Surgery experience included the use of electroacupuncture in postoperative care, including its use in relation to bowel function. Her healthcare experience also includes work with the NHS, and she brings experience from both Western healthcare and Chinese medicine to her practice.

Approach and clinical experience

Sunny draws on Classical Chinese Medicine (Stems & Branches), Five Elements and Applied Channel Theory in her assessment and treatment planning. Gua sha, cupping and moxibustion may also be incorporated, depending on the individual client’s requirements.

Her clinical experience includes working with people seeking care for back and knee pain, migraine headaches, frozen shoulder, anxiety, depression, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s palsy and infertility. She has also worked with couples on their fertility journeys.

Further study

Sunny continues to develop her Chinese medicine knowledge and practical skills through further courses. She has travelled to China for training, including Master Tung’s acupuncture foundation course and an advanced infertility course.

She has also attended an intensive scalp acupuncture course and completed a Chinese herbal course, adding to her training in acupuncture and its use alongside Chinese herbal medicine.

Continuing professional development

• Auricular NADA ear acupuncture — 2020
• Musculoskeletal training with Roy — 2021
• Herbal foundation course — 2022–2023
• Facial Enhancement Acupuncture — 2022
• Master Tung Acupuncture Foundation Course in China — 2023
• Scalp acupuncture Level 4 — 2024, as part of study towards a degree in scalp acupuncture