MORE ABOUT MINNIE
Minnie Florence Podesta BA (Hons) Dip Ac MAA ARA
I’ve always been drawn to the healing power of alternative medicine. Whether it’s acupuncture, naturopathy, Reiki, kinesiology, homeopathy, massage, craniosacral therapy, EFT tapping, or the countless other modalities out there, I’ve spent years exploring and learning about the ways these practices can help us heal and find balance. Over the years, I’ve come to truly believe in the power of these ancient techniques to restore balance and bring us back to our true, authentic selves.
My own journey into wellness started at the age of 11, when I was diagnosed with coeliac disease. As a teenager, I struggled with digestive problems as well as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and skin conditions like eczema. This forced me to look at my body, and my health, through a completely different lens and I began to explore not just my diet and nutrition, but the entire connection between mind, body, and spirit. I soon realised that my health issues - physical and mental - were all interconnected. The more I learned about healing holistically and naturally, the more I wanted to discover what could bring my body and mind back into harmony. I felt disconnected from myself, and I found myself asking: “What else is out there that can help me heal? What else is possible?” I knew there had to be more to health than what I had been taught, and I was determined to find it.
That’s when I found acupuncture.
“In every culture and in every medical tradition before ours, healing was accomplished by moving energy.”
Albert Szent-Györgyi, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist
I’ll never forget the profound shift I felt after my first session. It was like a weight had been lifted, and for the first time in what felt like years, I could breathe easily. I felt truly clear-headed and at peace. The constant anxiety that had ruled my life lifted, panic attacks stopped completely and have never returned, and I began to feel like my true self again. I walked out of that treatment room feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded than I had in a long time. And in that moment, I knew I had to share this healing modality with others. I knew I had to help people feel the way I did, and spread awareness about how acupuncture and other holistic practices could transform lives.
I was captivated by the idea that this ancient medicine, practiced for over 5,000 years, could bring such profound relief. The fact that it has stood the test of time says a lot about its ability to heal. These practices have been passed down through generations, and I felt an undeniable connection to them that resonates deeply with me. It wasn’t just a treatment; it was a way of life, a way of seeing the body and mind as an interconnected whole.
After studying at the University of Bristol, I felt a strong pull to travel. I packed my bags and set off to travel solo, drawn to deeper spiritual practices and the chance to learn from people who shared my passion for healing. During my travels, I found myself in Bali, where I completed my Reiki Level 1 and 2 training in Ubud. It was here that I first experienced the power of energy healing from the other side - as a practitioner. It was life-changing, and I knew my purpose was to guide others on their healing journey and I knew I had found my calling.
Back in the UK, I worked at an art agency in London, but the pull to follow my true passion, helping others heal, was too strong to ignore. I knew I needed to use my experiences and passion for healing to help others, so I found The Healing and Acupuncture College in Bath. That’s where everything truly clicked. I dove into Chinese Medicine, and it was like a missing piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place. The more I learned, the more excited I became to share it with the world.
“Our bodies communicate to us clearly
and specifically, if we are willing to listen.”
Shakti Gawain
After qualifying as an acupuncturist, I wanted to expand my knowledge even further, and that’s when I discovered “Healing Trauma with the 8 Extraordinary Vessels” with Yvonne Farrell. I wanted to understand how to clear the deeper layers of trauma and imbalance in the body. This course took my understanding of healing to a whole new level, focusing on clearing deep-rooted trauma within the body. It was an eye-opening experience that showed me how trauma, stored both physically and emotionally, can affect every aspect of our health.
Currently, I’m studying Marmapuncture, or Ayurvedic Acupuncture, an approach that blends the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda with the art of acupuncture. This beautiful system considers not only the body’s energy points but also the importance of yoga, meditation, nutrition, and chakra balancing. It’s a truly holistic approach to health, and I’m thrilled to continue expanding my knowledge and offering these teachings to those I work with.
For me, true healing is about addressing the root causes of imbalance, whether they manifest physically, emotionally, or energetically. It’s about understanding the true cause of the imbalance and gently guiding the body back to its natural state of harmony. My goal is to help you reconnect with your most authentic, vibrant self, so you can thrive in every aspect of your life.
I feel incredibly grateful to be on this journey, and I look forward to the opportunity to guide you on your own healing journey.
Professional Memberships
I am a member of the Acupuncture Association (AA) and am registered with the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority (ARA), both British Acupuncture Federation (BAF) Member Organisations.