About Daren

Daren runs a busy practice in Fleet, Hampshire where he treats a wide range of medical conditions and has a special interest in treating digestive and hormonal problems. He also works at the Odiham Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic in Odiham, near Hook.

Daren obtained a first class degree in Pharmacy from King’s College, University of London in 1987. He worked as a pharmacist in community pharmacy as a manager and locum for 19 years.Although respecting mainstream medicine, he increasingly became aware of the limited effectiveness in the conventional approach to the management of many diseases and embarked on further professional training in Western herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Daren trained at the School of Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy) in Sussex, led by the prominent UK herbalist Hein Zeylstra, graduating in 1996. This course not only provided a good training in the safe use of herbal medicine, but also in nutrition and Western medical diagnosis.

Daren graduated with a BSc (Hons) in acupuncture after studying for nearly four years at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) in Reading. During his clinical training Daren was very fortunate to be supervised by the eminent acupuncturist, John Hicks, joint principal of the college, who has over 30 years of practical experience in the fields of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.Daren also gained his Licentiate in Acupuncture (LicAc), to practise acupuncture.

Daren is committed to on-going professional developmentand continues to update his knowledge and skills by attending various postgraduate courses – recently in electro-acupuncture, ear and scalp acupuncture and in the use of medicinal mushrooms.

Daren is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH). These professional bodies guarantee the highest standards of training, care and professionalism. All members adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct, Safe Practice and Disciplinary Procedures and are professionally insured. As a member of the BAcC, I am also on a voluntary register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. This accredited voluntary register (AVR) is a scheme that was set up by the Government to demonstrate that members of the British Acupuncture Council are committed to high professional standards, to enhancing safety and delivering a better service.

Daren with his experience in the use of orthodox drugs, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and the practise of acupuncture is well placed to treat patients with a wide range of medical conditions with successful results.