Testimonials: Other TCM practitioners sum up their trip!
POSTED: 19 March 2019
Derville Stacey 
Acupuncturist - Dublin, Ireland
I spent 3 weeks with Tara in Hanoi in September 2018 on the acupuncture programme and would wholeheartedly recommend the experience. We got hands on clinical practice across a range of departments in the hospitals from stroke, oncology and dermatology to pediatrics and musculoskeletal disorders.

​We also had training in the balance method of acupuncture which I have found hugely useful in my everyday practice. Hanoi is a wonderful city explore and with weekends free there was still time to visit other parts of the country.
POSTED: 8 March 2019
Carlos Martin
Acupuncturist, Nurse & Actor - Madrid, Spain
For me one of the best experiences in my life. TARA was very helpful in all the aspect that we needed. At the hospital all the doctors were very nice and different characters .. From the 2nd day we were putting needles and doing fire cupping...

We also had regular training in new techniques.. Like I-Ching balance, the 6 elements or facial Die Chan.. Some of them provided by Tara who is really great teaching these concepts.. Really helpful for our practice. 
The city is amazing having enough time to explore it and enjoy it too.
I would come back again without doubt.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED..
POSTED: 10 May 2018
Florence Ollivier
Acupuncturist - France.
Now, with some time to "digest" the experience, just having returned from Everest base camp - I can say that the experience I had with your 3-weeks program was amazing ! !! I am super happy with all I learnt, with a "big thumb up" for the 3rd week, and I am very sincere when I say that in 3 weeks I learnt more than 3 years of Acupuncture school in France ! !

I hope you are well - You rock ! !!! ;-)
Lot of love to you, Florence
POSTED: 15 April 2018
Lynn Minervini
TCM Practitioner - California.
​I had a very positive experience with Acuvietnam. The program is extremely well organized and professional. Tara knows the city well and over time has created collaborations with the traditional medicine hospitals and doctors throughout Hanoi.

It was interesting to see how acupuncture and herbal medicine are used in the hospital setting for a variety of serious pathologies. The doctors combined lessons with hands-on approach with the patients in different wards.

I also really appreciated the lessons on specifically Vietnamese modalities. Tara is a knowledgeable practitioner and a really great teacher of our medicine - so her lessons were very interesting. 
​
​With great thanks, Lynn.
POSTED: 10 December 2017 
Ann Marie McGrath
Acupuncturist - Co.Tipperary.
I just wanted to drop a quick message to let you know I really enjoyed the experience in Vietnam and I hope to go back some day and learn even more with you. The hands on experience was great and really boosts the confidence.

Thanks again for all.
Talk to you soon.
Ann Marie
POSTED: 08 November 2017 
Helen O'Driscoll
Acupuncturist - Co Cork.
 ‘For me personally the trip to Vietnam was to get the hands on experience, lots of needling and different cases to gain confidence. It has closed the loop on the college and early learning & now opened a complete new field of enquiry for me on needling technique, intent etc........ beginning phases of a lifelong learning. My expectation was for needling, electro & cupping practice and boy, did we get this, I was absolutely wrecked the first week which was great!  Acupuncture with the Five senses was just great – the Dr is just fascinating, I was perhaps in awe of her and her methods.
 
The improvements shown by patients during our time there was phenomenal which has really inspired me on how powerful acupuncture is & to be honest I needed that inspiration as I had lost it!
 
To put that into context, we have just finished a few hard years of hard study and are newbies in this medicine who want to master the basics before heading on a lifelong learning curve.
 
Fascinated with the Master in his martial arts centre, it really just focussed me on the power of the medicine and mind over matter... and I think I will definitely be focussing on disciplining the mind and moving towards some personal development with meditation , tai chi etc.
 
I loved Tara’s delivery in her trainings, especially in the Balance method lectures – much of the logic which I was missing fell into place for me.
 
The Balance 1, 2, 3 and Global Balance method had fascinated me & you have cemented that. The 6 elements protocols and application is very exciting & will be great for all the needle phobic people we know – I have already started using it on my nieces & nephews!!!!! 
 
AcuVietnam run a great program, I wouldn’t change a thing! I was also really impressed with the effort and additional information supplied to the French Physiotherapists, etc, who were also studying Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture under AcuVietnam during our time in Hanoi. They really had no acupuncture background prior to their studies with AcuVietnam; It really is a testament to the type of service you provide & to Tara as a person -  you really are open with no barriers to learning by those who want it!  
 
I could be reaching out to you again in the future when I figure out what direction I am going. 
 
Thank you again,
Helen - Cork
POSTED: 27 July 2017
Gretchen Van-Fossen 
Acupuncturist - Maryland, USA
​YOU ARE AWESOME - I know that you get rave reviews and I’m adding my deep gratitude for who you are. Thanks for your time, generosity and wisdom for our short time together. I’m just back to the states.
​
Hope to see you next year, if I can arrange a longer trip next time! Peace, Gretchen (Short-tour)
POSTED: 01 Feb 2017
Anne-Marie Mollereau-Graham
Acupuncturist - Kilkenny​ 
Decision made - off to Vietnam, out of my comfort zone, a solo acupuncturist for more than 25 years with a rural practise, I wondered what had I let myself in for?
 
To saying it was a wonderful and a growing experience both professionally and personal does not do it justice.
 
Tara had compiled a wonderful program in the top Traditional Medical Hospital in Hanoi, learning from their top doctors and needling under their experienced guidance. The additional curricular courses taught us many new diagnostic and treating techniques we could learn nowhere else.
 
The whole venture was a life changing experience and I know my practice has developed significantly as a result.
 
I plan to return to Vietnam with AcuVietnam to expand my knowledge and learn from the source.
Thank you Tara! 
Anne-Marie Mollereau
POSTED: 01 June 2016
Matthew Cooke - Sydney
TCM Practitioner & Qi Gong​ 
As apprehensive as I was, wondering how could all the reviews be so positive - well now I get it, they are spot on and more.

This isn't some luxury trip, where you are spoon fed info - you've just got to get stuck in, and what you give out you get back 10-fold! I left with a hundred new stories, and really great new tools that I can't wait to implement back into my clinic!
Great experience - thanks Tara and Hai.

​See you in 2017 next year, when I come back for more! 
POSTED: 27 Jan 2016
Mary Hegarty - Dublin.
Acupuncturist & Naturopath
I met Tara while I was still a student of TCM attending a seminar in Dublin in 2013. During the course of a brief conversation she told me all about AcuVietnam, and subsequently invited her into to meet our class the following weekend. Following that brief encounter seeds were set, goals put in place and at numerous times during our final year of study; we as a group pulled each other along the difficult road of TCM with images of Hanoi and the post-graduate studying opportunities there.
 
In September 2015 a group us departed to Hanoi to participate in an intensive clinical programme organised by Tara's well established company Acu Vietnam.
 
From the moment I paid my deposit to the moment I arrived back home in Dublin, AcuVietnam delivered a highly professional efficient service always at the other end of the phone or email to answer questions. Once we arrived in Hanoi a very personal service was delivered to all of us ensuring any queries, difficulties, requests were dealt with promptly. Tara's local knowledge of Hanoi and her amazing networking skills exposed us to the most enriching experiences. As a group we rubbed shoulders and practiced with some of the most senior experts of TCM, and Masters of energy healing in the whole of Vietnam.
 
Our clinical experience was very well structured, exposing us from day one to practical experience of needling, diagnosis, cupping, Tuina massage with full diagnosis and discussion analysis. We gained great experience in general and Internal medicine, paediatrics, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and gynaecology. We had the wonderful opportunity to participate in additional trainings within the healing arts of Tai Chi, Qi Gong plus both ancient and new traditional healing methods unique to Vietnam, plus also visiting a community clinic where acupuncture and Qi Gong are the sole healing modalities used.
 
Having come from a long nursing background with great respect for both West and East I was blown away by the respect shown in our Vietnamese hospital’s for both. It was amazing to see and hear how patients emerge from western treatment via casualty and are treated, cured and supported by the Eastern TCM. 
 
Daily I feel privileged that I was able to avail of this wonderful experience which has enriched my life in so many ways.

I would recommend to any student of TCM or practitioner who plans to open or enhance their current practice to avail of this clinical experience. I hit the ground running on my return and I up and running since.
Kind regards,  Mary Hegarty
​DATE POSTED: 18 Jan 2016
Helen Smith - Dublin
Acupuncturist and Naturopath. Tree Tops Acupuncture.
I had the pleasure in travelling throughout AcuVietman to work in the hospitals and clinical settings in Vietnam to further my education and pick up a few tips, this trip fast became one of the best experiences I ever had.
 
Tara’s knowledge of Vietnam her relationship with the Hospital’s, professors, doctors and masters was invaluable, each day was packed with incredible experiences which was just fantastic, Tara who is well known for going the extra mile, arranged, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and courses on 6-element acupuncture, facial reflexology and more. The three weeks were packed with exciting and interesting interaction, with amazing add-on’s of TCM and healing methods and understanding the culture from where it all steamed from.
 
AcuVietnam was constantly in the back ground to make our tip one of a life time, from bringing us to incredible local restaurant’s, the right markets, we really discovered the true complex culture of Vietnam. We took several small trips around the city and the north, and even took a cookery class in Vietnamese cuisine - great fun and so delicious.
 
Hotels were arranged, smooth transfers, great itinerary and all or any questions about treatments and pathologies we worked with in the hospital were answered with a smile and with great clarity. From showing us how to cross the road {A trick in its self in vietnam} to understanding the money, where to shop, cultural do’s and don’ts; Tara and her team were always there to help.

I have such fond memories of my trip, today I use many of the treatments I learnt in my clinical time in Hanoi. I will return to Vietnam again; as the people, the culture and the country itself is very beautiful.
​
I have no hesitation in recommending AcuVietnam, for value for money, for education, life experiences and Fun. 
POSTED: 12 Dec 2015
Joanne Burke - Dublin.
Acupuncturist & Naturopath.
AcuVietnam has been an experience of a lifetime. It has opened my mind to new possibilities and ideas. It is well structured and has the best teachers and practitioners in traditional medicine in all of Vietnam (maybe even the world!) 

Tara was an inspiration; her knowledge, patience and kindness really makes AcuVietnam stand out from all other programs. We were shown what our medicine can really do and we were given the education, courage and support to bring it home and start our lives as new acupuncturists.
POSTED: 18 Oct 2015
Phil Carew - Dublin.
Acupuncturist & Naturopath.
I had the most amazing and life changing experience with Acu Vietnam. Tara surpassed everything I expected in the three weeks of the program. We got to spend time in different departments of the hospital and each of the doctors were more than happy to help us gain experience in lots of different treatments from needling to cupping and Vietnamese massage.

​Every day we were so busy with Qi Gong, Tai Qi, Six Elements and Facial Reflexology! It was a hectic but fantastic three weeks and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Tara and Acu Vietnam to anyone who wants to take their treatments to the next level. Thanks again Tara, it was brilliant!
POSTED: 18 Oct 2015
Jacinta Clarke - Ireland.
Acupuncturist & Naturopath.
Thank you so much to Tara for your constant support and to AcuVietnam for providing me with one of the best, if not the best experience of my life! I have learned so much about Vietnamese traditional medicine, 6 Element Acupuncture, needling techniques, cupping therapy, massage therapy, facial reflexology, tai chi, qi gong and so much more.... :) My confidence has greatly improved and I cannot wait to bring all these newly acquired skills home with me. 

AcuVietnam's programme is crammed with lessons and clinical practice. It will keep you busy throughout your stay but our group would not have had it any other way! We were like sponges, wanting to absorb as much about this wonderful medicine as possible! 

Vietnam is such a marvellous place to visit! The Vietnamese are so friendly, their food is divine, their culture is intriguing and there are so many beautiful places to visit!
​
I wish Tara the very best of luck with this marvellous venture and I would have no hesitation recommending AcuVietnam to anyone considering further studies and clinical practice in Asia.
​
10/10 Tara! Keep up the good work!
 
​​POSTED: 10 October 2015
Catherine Caulfield - Ireland
Acupuncturist & Naturopath, and Nurse
This was an amazing experience, incorporating many aspects of oriental medicine..Tara's a great support and guided us in Hanoi. She had very reputable contacts in Tai Qi and 6 Element acupuncture. Personal health and development was very much encouraged and supported. Thank you
​POSTED: 9 Sep 2015
Jon Bergen – The Netherlands
Master of TCM 
I went to China several years ago to study in Nanjing for 4-weeks in total, it was a great experience; but I can say, it doesn’t even come close to this program with AcuVietnam. Vietnam was such an excellent trip; it gave me lots of new things to think about, along with fresh insight into the amazing world of TCM. This program was so refreshing, lots of new techniques and skills plus a huge confidence boost – all delivered in a relaxed manor, but within an intense and varied program.
 
I run my own clinic in Amsterdam, just over 4 years. Business is really good, but I felt I needed a boost, some inspiration? With AcuVietnam you really get stuck in - Tara has coordinated a program that allows you to see TCM from so many angles; through the hospital’s where the 2 medicines work together, but also in smaller clinics, tailored trainings and within the Martial art centres – we worked with great doctors and healers and grand masters of modern day. You do really feel like you are in the presence of greatness.
 
Plus, I get to hang out with other TCM people from across the world for 3 whole-weeks, who understand what I am actually talking about! We spend many evenings talking about our medicine, but also life and theories about things, while having cold local beer on warm Hanoi evenings, watching the sun go down over Hoan Kiem lake.
Can’t recommend AcuVietnam program enough – Thank you and thanks Tara!
POSTED: 14 Jan 2015
Helena Fitzgerald – Tipperary.
TCM Practitioner.
"I AM A MOTHER OF 3-SCHOOL going children, ages 9 to 13. I’m not a big traveller, I’m a complete home bird and I would be nervous about travelling to a lower income country.  I was concerned about my health and safety while I was away and of course the whole stress of being away from the kids for a long period. I wouldn’t know where to begin to organise such a post-graduate experience. 

For me, the package provided by AcuVietnam was second to none. I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. I was emailed and posted out relevant information, from flight details to appropriate etiquette & behaviour while in Vietnam. I can’t express how invaluable it was for me have somebody else essentially babysit me.  It took all the stress out of the trip so that I could solely concentrate on my time working at the hospital.
 
Now that was a whole other story of utter fantasticness! I had originally considered doing some post-grad experience in China, but my research showed me that I would likely be in a large group, observing and taking notes, with little to no hands-on experience. Well that was sooooooo NOT the case with AcuVietnam’s package.  I worked in a group of four post-grads directly alongside the doctor/ professor and after the first day we were all doing a mix and match of needling, massaging and fire-cupping, not to mention the electro acupuncture – I’ve always thought that it was a very effective tool, but had a fear of it while training, I was not at all confident that I wouldn’t zap the patient! Well, fear no more! 
 
My trip with AcuVietnam was invaluable in boosting my confidence to just get on with the practice of acupuncture and not getting preoccupied with the tools.  I really feel that my confidence in myself as a practitioner and the results obtainable using acupuncture has been moved forward by several years.  This allowed me to start my practice without the self-doubt that plagues so many recent graduates.  It far exceeded my expectation in every aspect of the trip, incl. accommodation, food, location, and lifestyle. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. And I also thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being immersed in a different culture and all it has to offer. It was actually more holiday than work and absolutely worth every penny.

Thank you Tara & AcuVietnam for this life-changing trip!
POSTED: 11 Nov 2014
John Williams – London.
TCM Practitioner: Acupuncture, Herbs & Qi Gong.
 ''WHAT CAN I SAY.. a simply Brilliant trip!!'' As it’s a good few years since I graduated, I was apprehensive about going back into a teacher: student setting – however this was unfounded, all I can say is I feel so humbled to have worked with such a fine bunch of drs, who were each just so open to sharing ideas and exchanging thoughts on our medicine daily! It was such a relaxed environment to be in, with a wonderful camaraderie between the patients and the doctors – some of the results we saw were really remarkable, especially in the post treatment of stroke – if we could only treat more of these cases in the West at an early stage, the results would be staggering.

A super trip - brilliantly organised and ran as smooth as silk! Worth every penny, I take home many new ideas and treatment methods but more importantly my confidence and awareness in my own ability has strengthened beyond what I ever expected – Thanks AV, I’ll be back!!
POSTED: 16 Oct 2014
Inara Kuzmina - Latvia.
Acupuncturist.
'THE TRAINING HAS DEEPENED MY KNOWLEDGE and improved my acupuncture skills  beyond what i ever expected - especially with needling n the face and head areas - it was just a truly fantastic experience. It gave such a massive confidence boost in using electro-acupuncture, and opened my eyes to all the different pathologies it can treat! 

I've learned some great new skills, including Tui na massage & bamboo cupping,, as well as - new for me - Vietnamese pulse diagnostic method - this was a real highlight!

Thank you so much for organising this wonderful course AcuVietnam, I now finally feel confident to start my own successful practice .  it was the trip of  my lifetime'.
POSTED: 22 Aug 2014.
Tania Mooney - UK.
TCM Practitioner, Naturopath & Iridologist.
“… AN ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL TRIP FOR ME - I gained so much confidence, and developed amazing new skills beyond what I ever anticipated,. We saw some truly amazing results throughout many of the departments, esp in Stroke and Paralysis – it was very emotional and some results were breathtaking!

It is an incredibly hands-on experience, and we personally treated all patients daily alongside the department  Doctors/Professors - we were even using needles up to 20cms in length.!!!

They really placed great emphasis on the use of Electro, Massage and Cupping in nearly every treatment, which meant we have now developed these skills to a really high standard. We also were introduced to new theories and concepts coming out of Vietnam, really exciting times ahead!!

An unforgettable trip… the whole trip ran so smoothly and the location of the accommodation and standard were just perfect. Hanoi is such a magical, and crazy city – I couldn’t recommend this trip highly enough.”
POSTED: 24 Mar 2014
Kasia Rybacka - Polish.
Acupuncturist & Naturopath.
'WOW, WOW, WOW - Vietnam was a really fabulous adventure. Both from a cultural & an educational point of view. We saw & learnt so much! Acuvietnam's hard work in preparing the trip and their amazing organisational and communication skills , enabled us to make to most of our practice in the hospital.

All suggestions were taken on board immediately and they were always there if we had any doubts or questions - nothing was too much trouble!

Thanks to Tara from AcuVietnam (who was with us throughout) this journey to the unknown was a joyful and unbelievably satisfying, and a once in a lifetime  experience.'
POSTED: 05 Dec 2013.
Roisin Healy - Bray, Wicklow. 
Acupuncturist. Naturopath. Reflexologist.
' MY EXPERIENCE of my time in Vietnam was truly invaluable. We were made feel very welcome by the staff and patients alike. The doctors were genuinely delighted to share their knowledge with us engaging with us at all times whilst introducing us to new techniques with a huge emphasis on Vietnamese style of massage and new styles of needling.

During my time in the hospital I felt with each day we learned something new. It consolidated my learning from home.

I would urge any student of acupuncture to avail of the wonderful opportunity to travel to Vietnam & experience the invaluable learning on offer!

You'll train with the best of doctors., and you will be amazed with the results you will see first hand.
I feel truly blessed to have met and worked along side the incredible doctors of the National Hospital and the whole organisation of the trip was just super - we stayed in the best spot  within the whole city, it is such a magical, buzzing city and the food is just delicious!

It is an experience I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. I feel it's given me the confidence to go forward and set up my clinic....'
POSTED: 31 Oct 2013.
Brenda Sweeney - DUBLIN.
Acupuncturist, Shiatsu & Reiki Practitioner. 
'AN AMAZING LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!  In October of 2013 myself & 6 other acupuncturists set off to Vietnam with Acuvietnam - all i can say is it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had just finished studying acupuncture & looking forward to starting a career in it, but was still a little if not a lot apprehensive - my confidence was simply not there to start out on my own, I needed more experience.

WELL, BOY did i get what I was looking for!

The idea of even getting to Vietnam was even a bit daunting but AcuVietnam had everything down to a tee , we didn't have to worry about a thing, everything was all detailed for us, the hotel was fab & what a location - 5 minute taxi ride which cost very little or approx 20 min. walk to the hospital which was really enjoyable (amazing the local life you saw on those walks), they even had the most amazing over night trip cruising Halong Bay organised  (a definite must).

The Hospital experience was really exciting, the Doctors and staff were so lovely and welcoming, we were given details of the patients we would be looking after and straight away were put to diagnosing and needling with their supervision, we treated patients with skin diseases, paralysis, post stroke, insomnia, herniated discs, Bi-Syndrome, eye diseases, paediatrics, and so much more - I felt I learnt so much more than I did in 400 hours of clinical practice in college. 

We were needling cupping and learning their massage techniques  every single day . It was not just the Doctors who taught us  - the top country's professors came in to pass on information to us,  they simply could not do enough for us,.

Besides looking after our learning experience AcuVietnam had so much information and  assistance from beginning to end... our weekends were action packed or as chilled as you wanted! it is such a beautiful place, country and really beautiful people. It really was for me a trip of a life time I came back with so much confidence, passion and belief in acupuncture and in my ability as an acupuncturist.

I could not recommend Acuvietnam  enough, every thing was organised to such a high standard and was so it was so relaxing with  no stress. To see Vietnam and learn so much at the same time  was just a pure joy. I would do it again tomorrow in a heartbeat.'   
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