Irina Szmelskyj- full biography


	Godmanchester (01480) 435554 St Neots (01480) 211411

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Photograph-Irina

Irina Szmelskyj
Dip Ac, MSc, MBAcC
Award winning acupuncturist;
Zita West Affiliated Fertility Acupuncturist

Acupuncturist

Irina Szmelskyj Dip Ac, MSc, MBAcC
Award winning acupuncturist;
Zita West Affiliated Fertility Acupuncturist

Education and Training

Irina Szmelskyj studied at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, one of the foremost educational and research institutions for acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the UK. She qualified as an acupressure therapist in 2001. In 2003 Irina qualified as an acupuncturist and after post graduate study in 2004 attained her Masters degree (MSc) in Acupuncture at Distinction level.

Testimonial

"Dear Irina - I wanted to wish you a Happy New year and also to express my sincere gratitude for the help you have given me since you started treating me. I firmly believe that it was your knowledge, expertise and support that helped Darren and I conceive this much wanted baby and for this I thank you.

I also wanted to let you know that I cannot currently afford to keep seeing you every week as I am no longer working but if something occurs during this pregnancy that requires treatment from you then I will be back like a shot. Everything is going well, my spotting has stopped completely and have no early pregnancy symptoms…

I talked to my friend about my wonderful experience with you, and that within one session you knew more about me than all the doctors I have ever met, and she is eager to try acupuncture - she may even travel to see you from London for her first initial appointments until you can recommend someone more locally to her. I am desperate to ensure she has a good experience with this - just like I did with you and wondered if you might be able to suggest something.

I will never forget the impact you have made on my health, my grief and my ability to look to the future with positivity and happiness."

Martina

In 2004 Irina also qualified in Pre-prepared Chinese Herbal Medicine, and uses Chinese herbs alongside acupuncture, treatments.

In addition to her existing training in the treatment of infertility, in 2006 and 2007 Irina attended the First International Integrated Acupuncture Seminars for Fertility and Obstetrics held at The Royal College of Physicians. Key speakers included Zita West and Michael Dooley, each well known in the field of fertility. In 2008, after further postgraduate training in the treatment of infertility Irina gained status as a Zita West Affiliated Fertility Acupuncturist.

Irina has specialist training in Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture, which is becoming a popular and safe treatment method used in fighting ageing.

Awards and Achievements

Irina's biggest achievement to date is her highly praised scientific trial using acupuncture to treat insomnia. Irina undertook this as part of her MSc dissertation. Irina's study was commended by both internal and external examiners. Irina is now working on publishing the results of the trial in professional journals. Due to a very high standard of her research, Irina was awarded her MSc in Acupuncture at Distinction level by the University of Wales. Irina is also the prize winner for achieving the highest mark in the MSc dissertation in the 2003/2004 academic year.

Testimonial

"After needing IVF due to my husband’s previous vasectomy, I am totally convinced that not only did acupuncture contribute greatly to giving us our beautiful twin boys, but also kept me sane during the 6 cycles and over 2 years of trying. In that time, I had specific problems with ohss, (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) and a too thin womb lining. I was treated successfully for both of these conditions with acupuncture. However, in addition to the benefits of making me calmer and those others mentioned above, the compassion, sensitive understanding and care I received at the Godmanchester Osteopathic and Acupuncture Practice will always be remembered and I would wholeheartedly recommend acupuncture, and specifically this practice to anyone undergoing IVF treatment."

mum of 5 months old twin boys

Irina has also received national recognition for the quality of her work. Irina is the recipient of the 2005 British Acupuncture Council Research Excellence award. This award is given to the author of the best PhD or MSc research thesis in acupuncture.

During 2005 Irina gave a presentation at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge on the use of acupuncture for treating low back pain to an audience consisting mainly of orthopaedic consultants and surgeons, but also including physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors who belong to the East Anglian Spinal Club.

In 2006 Irina was invited to join the teaching team at The Northern College of Acupuncture as a supervisor and examiner of Master degrees. She has subsequently supervised and examined post-graduate MSc acupuncture students.

Testimonial

"My husband and I had tried unsuccessfully to conceive for 5 years. I had tried many suggestions to improve the possibility of conception but to no avail. One of the doctors that was part of the referral for us to be on the IVF programme was an advocate of acupuncture and so the golden pathway was paved. The GP treated me for a period of 3 months but knew that an acupuncturist with a fertility specialism was necessary to ensure success with IVF.

When I began my treatment with Irina at Godmanchester Osteopathic and Acupuncture Practice I was beginning the IVF process the following week. The acupuncture was fantastic for ensuring calmness, during a stressful time and beginning to ensure my body was in the best working order. Unfortunately the first IVF treatment was unsuccessful but rest assured this was no reflection on the use of acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment continued because of the emotional support, dietary advice and constant monitoring to ensure optimum fertility.

Within 6 months of working with Irina, following the suggested diet and regular appointments what I thought was the impossible was achieved - I became pregnant, and not during an IVF cycle either!

I would like to recommend acupuncture and Irina as a fantastic practitioner that I would recommend working with and providing a service that has resulted in a couples immense happiness."

Hazel and baby Maaya

Irina's views on acupuncture have been featured in the local media. In 2006 Alex Mott, a newspaper journalist wrote a review in the Cambridge Evening News on Irina's approach to acupuncture practice. Irina has also featured on BBC radio Cambridgeshire talking about acupuncture.

Professional Memberships

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the governing body for Acupuncture practice and training in the UK. Irina is a registered member of the BAcC and practices according to a strict code of practice as set out by the Council. She has full public liability insurance. Irina is also registered with Huntingdonshire local authority and is licensed to practice acupuncture. Irina has an exemplary professional conduct and competence record.

Irina is a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN). The members of this professional association must have specialist training in the use of acupuncture for the treatment of infertility. Irina also belongs to National Network of Zita West Affiliated Fertility Acupuncturists. Members of this organisation have specialist training with Zita West in her approach to fertility, pregnancy and post-natal care.

Testimonial

"After 4 years trying for a baby with no success, we gained a place on the NHS waiting list for IVF. We decided to give ourselves the best possible chance and after lots of research, read that acupuncture could increase the success rates. I found the whole idea of infertility the hardest thing I had ever experienced as very few people understand the emotions you go through.

I started having acupuncture, and not only did it regulate my cycle, but I at last felt someone was supporting us through it. Irina helped us with temperature charting, diet, exercise and explained about what supplements we should take to increase our chances.

We took all her advice and in January 2006 we started our 'get healthy' campaign ready for the IVF. Irina advised me on what to eat, what not to eat and gave me acupuncture at the same time. One month before our IVF was due to start we discovered I was pregnant!! No drugs, no IVF, just acupuncture and a good diet.

Not only does Irina understand everything there is to understand about acupuncture but she listens to you. She never rushes you out the door or looks at her watch when you're with her.

I truly believe that without Irina, our beautiful daughter would not be here today."

Mum to 5 months old baby girl

Special Interests

Irina is experienced in treating a wide range of conditions, including pain, insomnia, infertility and IVF, pregnancy related complaints, gynaecological complaints, digestive problems, stress and facial revitalisation acupuncture.

Personal Information

Irina was born in Ukraine. She moved permanently to England in 1995, after marrying Alan Szmelskyj. They have been happily married for over 14 years and have two children, Daniel, who was born in 2007 and Matthew, who was born in 2009. When not working, Irina enjoys playing the piano, reading, travelling, narrow boating and playing with her sons and two Burmese cats. Irina is multilingual and completely fluent in three languages- English, Ukrainian and Russian.