Therapist: Jacqui Gibbons

Jacqui is a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic therapist, registered with the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (www.apa.uk.com). She trained and qualified in 2007-08 with Vaidya Atreya Smith of the European Institute of Vedic Studies. In 2009 she completed a year of further nutrition training with the school (450 hours) and, in December 2009, a three-week intensive (200 hours) with Dr Sunil Joshi at Vinayak Ayurveda and Panchakarma Research Foundation in Nagpur, India. Jacqui has been practising ayurveda in London since 2008 and lives in Streatham.

The EIVS training from Dr David Frawley, one of the world’s foremost Vedic scholars, included ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, disease process, diagnosis, treatment, and philosophy. Jacqui was fortunate to study with the school's principal, Atreya Smith, before he retired from teaching in the UK. He is one of only two Western vaidyas (ayurvedic physicians) who has been practising for 20 years. This meant that the academic and theoretical aspects of the course were combined with very practical training in diagnosis and treatment, with the benefit of Atreya's long clinical experience. (Pictured on graduation day, 3rd from left, with Atreya in the front row.)

In December 2009, Jacqui went to Nagpur in India and studied the clinical management of dosha with Dr Sunil Joshi, one of the world's leading panchakarma experts. This expanded her knowledge of the disease process and treatment, particularly the treatment of Vata, and added a number of physical therapies such as Shirodhara. Dr Joshi's teachings from the ancient ayurvedic texts, and his own wealth of experience, gave a more classical perspective to her understanding of ayurveda, and a valuable insight into the workings of a busy Indian clinic. (Pictured here during a rooftop lesson at the clinic.) 

Jacqui has been practising and studying hatha yoga for 10 years, and teaching since 2008. She underwent extensive and inspiring training over several years with Stefan Coburg, founder and principal of The Radiant Hand, a yoga school in south London, and continues ongoing tuition with teachers in London and India. (Pictured here with Kali Ray at Satsanga Retreat, Goa, Jan 2010.)

Qualifications
♦ Ayurvedic Nutrition and Lifestyle Therapist, Levels 1 and 2 (each 450 hours): European Institute of Vedic Studies
♦ The Clinical Management of Dosha (200 hours): Vinayak Ayurveda and Panchakarma Research Foundation
♦ Ayurvedic Massage Therapist, Level 1: European Institute of Vedic Studies
♦ Anatomy & Physiology Diploma, level 3: VTCT
All qualifications, professional membership and insurances are available for inspection