Jacqui Finlayson – Programme Coordinator Level 7
A desire to understand what makes people sick combined with a lifelong love of nature inspired Jacqui to begin her journey in natural health. With a great grandmother who was a traditional healer and mid-wife, it was probably in her blood.
Jacqui – a mother of three – started her training when her kids were young, completing a Post- graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition. She went on to run her own naturopathic practice in Whangaparaoa for 12 years, and lectured part time for seven years at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. She completed her masters specialising in iodine (or lack of) in mid-life women – an area she is particularly passionate about.
After moving to New Plymouth, Jacqui and her family bought a property which they are developing into food forests in the style of permaculture. At NCNZ she is a programme coordinator and tutors advanced herbal medicine and establishing and managing a practice. She is also on the education subcommittee for NZAMH (New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists).
For Jacqui, natural therapies have brought immeasurable benefits. “They’ve helped me to understand human folk and all our joys and frailties, and they’ve taught me that nature and energetic mechanisms are to be greatly respected and honoured. This journey has put me in touch with many like-minded people and been a greatly satisfying career.”
Top tip: Don’t give up, you will make it and the journey will be rewarding.
* Masters in Human Nutrition, BHSc Complementary Medicine, Adv Dip Naturopathy, Adv Dip Herbal Medicine, Level 2 Bach flower practitioner.
