A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step

Posted On 19th November 2021

That was the mantra Nicola Wardhaugh told herself during her MSc in Acupuncture research journey, however it certainly paid off with being awarded a Distinction!

Nicola, Why did you decide to study on the MSc in Acupuncture?  

I took a break from my Marketing career to start a family and with space to reflect, decided to change direction completely. My personal experience of using acupuncture to support my health had left me with a mixture of gratitude and fascination for this medicine plus the knowledge and professionalism of my practitioner left quite an impression on me. So, when my eldest was starting school, I decided to study to become an acupuncturist at NCA in York.  

My first degree was a BA in Business Studies so choosing an option with the MSc route presented a challenge at a higher academic level than I’d previously studied at. I was also motivated by the opportunity to contribute research to the growing evidence base which moves acupuncture towards becoming a more widely accepted treatment – a benefit that impacts our field at a wider level. 

I have an interest in social justice for minority groups and was originally interested in conducting research with refugee groups. Sadly, the logistics did not permit but I was just as excited to find myself with the opportunity to conduct research at a volunteer clinic in London to investigate the perceived effects of auricular acupuncture on people affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire. The clinic had a need to demonstrate the impact of its services so the prospect of my research having a tangible benefit of assisting in the procurement of additional funding for the clinic to continue its’ valuable work was appealing.  

I’m not going lie, it wasn’t a breeze. I worked my backside off to finish the project, faced several unanticipated challenges along the way (let’s begin with the small matter of home-schooling two primary aged boys during lockdown) and had my dark moments when I really thought I just couldn’t do it.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step was my mantra. I honestly gave this research everything I could so finally pressing the submit button felt like the most amazing feeling.

I was on holiday on a remote Orkney island with my family when my MSc colleague and friend Laurie let me know the results were out but there was no way I could log on till I returned to the mainland that evening.

I was stunned to discover that I had been awarded a Distinction – what a feeling to know you’ve given your all to something that means so much to you, that you have been able to make a tangible impact on people’s lives and that your efforts have been recognised and rewarded. My ‘victory’ swim in the clear sea at Walkmill Bay to celebrate was unforgettable!!

I have studied with the NCA since I began my initial acupuncture training in 2015 where I met my friend and MSc colleague Laurie. We are the last two students to graduate from the integrated Masters cohort so we’ve walked the path together and been one another’s cheerleaders for the last 6 years, which has been both invaluable and very lovely. The NCA has always benefited from being a smaller, more personal place to study, with almost a family feel about it which suits me.

The relationship with my supervisor and the unwavering support I received from her during my MSc undoubtedly pushed me to achieve much greater things than I ever thought I was capable of and for that I am very grateful. My MSc study has deepened my acupuncture practice in many ways: how I engage with patients, how I treat them and how I think about what happens in clinic.  

My plans for the future are to continue using acupuncture to support my local community in and around Moffat, South West Scotland. I run my clinic, Restore Me Acupuncture from a beautiful garden room by the river, surrounded by nature. Besides one-to-one appointments, prior to the pandemic I was running small, low cost group acupuncture sessions from my clinic; I look forward to recommencing these when it is safe to do so. I will also be publishing my first research paper based on my MSc research in order to maximise the impact of my study and contribute to the body of evidence which makes acupuncture a more widely accepted treatment.

To find out more visit Nicola’s website www.restoreme.co.uk follow her on Facebook and Instagram.