A note about the images and ideas here

Unless clearly indicated, all images are my own, and you know it's polite to ask before you use them!
The ideas and concepts expressed here are my own. If for some reason you want to re-express them, I know you'll contact me.
Happy Wanderer's banner - footprints in the sand - was sourced at this royalty-free site www[dot]bigstockphoto[dot]com; the image was uploaded by scootz.

thanks

A Happy Wanderer reports back - a testimonial

'Margi was my locum for 5 weeks.
The feedback from my patients was great. Saying she was a friendly, professional and caring person who looked after them while I was away.
She fitted in with the systems of the clinic and other persons all worked well.
Record keeping of each patient was thorough with plenty of detail to know about the treatment process and outcomes.
For my next trip I'll ask Margi to be my locum again.

Leanne Zaver - Manly Acupuncture and Natural Therapies'

Leanne Zaver is an AACMA Fellow; I had a ball looking after her practice.

FAQs practitioners have about the Happy Wanderer

Where did the name come from?
Happy Wanderer is my favourite translation of one the world's most-used Chinese herbal formulas - xiao yao san - also known as Rambling Powder. Every stressed person needs it for smoothing constrained and pent-up energy and emotion, for strengthening the digestion, and for nourishing the blood. You can have it in a pill, or you can have a holiday!
Do you have your own clinic?
I continue to see clients from my original practice in a Wooloowin clinic, two days per week.
I also see people with oncological conditions on those two days.
I do not advertise widely.
How do I know my clients won't move across to your practice?
Implicit in our agreement is acknowledgement of your client-therapist relationships, which I respect and honour.
Are you registered with the health funds?
Yes, I have oodles of provider numbers!
Please note that certain funds will require me to apply for a new provider number for each and every clinic; this can take a little time.
Some funds will only issue a new provider number once AACMA uploads practitioner updates at the end of each month, so it's best if we're organised well before the end of the month.
Aromatherapists might note that IAAMA in the past has been very slow at uploading practitioner details to the health funds.
I am not - and never will be - a Medibank Private 'Members' Choice' preferred practitioner. I feel the idea of health funds dictating and thus limiting the fees we can charge is counter to providing equitable compensation for high quality primary health care.
Are your insurance and first aid certificates current?
Yes, my professional indemnity and public liability insurance from AACMA's preferred insurer covers me for all the modalities I practice.
I trust your public liability insurance is also up-to-date, so that we all are covered for any unexpected events which involve your clinic fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and space.
What are your particular strengths as a practitioner?
Compassion, professionalism, tolerance, a sense of humour, quick-thinking, gentleness, intelligence, and occasional intuitive insights.
My previous work as a Registered Nurse, and being a mum, have groomed me for life as a natural medicine practitioner!
What are your special interests?
Like all of us, I'm adept at helping people with musculo-skeletal conditions, from the young and fit, to desk-jockeys, to the elderly or incapacitated.
I'm especially interested and skilled at finding and easing the 'place' where emotions and the mind meet the body - hence I'm able to assist people who have stress-related health problems.
I'm a good all-rounder in city or suburban practices, where the needs and client mix can be quite different from each other.
Fertility and pregnancy care - I'm familiar with Jane Lyttleton and Francesca Naish's processes; and attended both days of Debra Betts preganancy seminars in 2008. I've reviewed the recent clinical trials of acupuncture for embryo transfer and ART.
I offer a range of therapies- acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, aromatherapy, flower essences, Reiki.
I have a particular interest in integrative medicine in the area of oncology.
Do you treat children?
To be honest, I've only treated a handful of children in the past six years. Three of those children are my own :)
I'm yet to meet a child who likes acupuncture with needles, or herbal medicines!
If you have LLLaser, flower essences or essential oils in your practice, then I'm happy to use those for your younger clients.
Which TCM herbal medicines do you use?
I'm most familiar with the Black Pearl patents, and ChinaMed capsules.
Before starting in your practice, I thoroughly review your preferred brands and formulas, so that the transition is as smooth as possible.
TCM practitioners who use single herb granules will no doubt want to spend a bit of time showing me through your materia medica.
Are you familiar with 'naturopathic' supplements?
Again, I thoroughly review your range of therapeutic goods before starting in your clinic.
Whose equipment and needles do you use?
Generally, I use those which you provide.
I sometimes prefer to use certain brands and types of ear tacks or needles for certain clients; if so, I happily provide my own.
I'm unfortunatley developing an aversion to moxa smoke, so will bring my own smokeless moxa if necessary.
I take very good care of your space, and your stuff.
Can you make a lotion or a cream?
This has never been my strong point! However, I love nothing more than making custom blends of essential oils for use in massage, skin care, baths, rooms, and perfumes.
How much notice do you need before you can look after my clients?
If you are new to my service, as much notice as possible; a minimum of seven business days before the end of the month.
This is mainly so we can organise things with the health funds.
How much does your service cost?
There's room for some flexibility here; we can negotiate hours, days, times, fees, retainers, or a fixed salary - according to the type of practice you have, and how long you'll be away.
How many practices can you care-take at a time?
One! This keeps the focus direct, and the intent clear.
I have more questions.
You can email me directly from the profile page of this blog, so we can arrange to meet and chat - I look forward to it!

Things you might like to know about the genesis of Happy Wanderer

This sevice was born out of my observation that natural medicine professionals work hard, and often long hours.

I saw - and experienced for myself - that taking time out for on-going professional development, for family needs, and for decent holidays can be a balancing act for any professional, especially for sole practitioners, and for life partners who also work together.

I noticed - as you may have - that when we're unwell, distracted, and necessarily directing our energies away from our work, that the phone doesn't ring as often, clients cancel; that a clinic can slow right down, and lose its vibe.

Regenerating that energy and flow can take a little time, and certainly interferes with the flow of abundance through our lives.

My service promises that your cherished clients and the energy of your business are professionally cared for by an experienced practitioner while you're holidaying, on conference leave, unwell, or simply in need of time for yourself and your family.