About Ellie Columbine
Ellie Columbine,BA (Hons), Lic.Ac., TCMP
Welcome.
I'm Ellie, an acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner based in Exeter, Devon.
Traditional Chinese medicine is at the heart of my practice. It shapes the way I understand health, assess what is happening for you and approach treatment. My practice has developed beyond acupuncture to include Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina massage, EFT and Reiki, but Chinese medicine remains the foundation that connects my work.
I draw on this traditional understanding alongside my knowledge of modern health, physiology and the nervous system. This allows me to look beyond individual symptoms and consider the wider patterns that may be influencing how you feel, while having a range of approaches available depending on what you need.
My story
My interest in Chinese medicine grew from my own experience of health. After struggling with physical and emotional health issues throughout my teens, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition in 2008. I initially managed this through conventional medicine, but when this was no longer giving me the support I needed, I began exploring other ways of understanding and supporting health.
This eventually led me to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Experiencing acupuncture for myself gave me a different perspective on health — one that looked beyond an individual symptom and considered how different aspects of the body and a person's health are connected.
The more I studied Chinese medicine, the more I valued this way of looking at people. It continues to shape how I understand and work with health today, including when I use the other approaches I have since trained in.
My training and experience
I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences in Canada, graduating with dual diplomas in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Following graduation, I undertook postgraduate clinical training under Dr Xianyi Hu, an award-winning Chinese medicine physician from a long lineage of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. I have also completed postgraduate mentorship with Chinese medicine practitioner Sharon Weizenbaum.
Alongside my Chinese medicine training, I am a certified EFT practitioner and a Reiki Master. I am currently completing a Level 3 counselling course as part of my ongoing development in the emotional and relational aspects of my work.
I continue to develop my knowledge through further study and professional development across Chinese medicine, acupuncture, emotional health and spiritual practice.
Since qualifying, I have practised in Exminster, Okehampton, Moretonhampstead, Chagford and Exeter, and now work from my clinic in Southernhay, Exeter.
What you can expect from working with me
Personalised treatment
Your treatment is shaped around you — your symptoms, health history, needs and response to treatment.
A collaborative approach
I'll use my training and experience to guide your treatment, while making sure you understand what we're doing and have a say in the approaches you're comfortable with.
You don't need to know what you need
You don't have to arrive knowing which treatment to book. We can start with what's happening for you and work out together what approach may be most useful.
An integrative approach
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine remain at the heart of my practice, while I can also draw on Tuina, Chinese herbal medicine, EFT and Reiki where appropriate. Your treatment can evolve as your needs change.
Ready to get started?
If you'd like to work with me, you can book an appointment or contact me if you'd like to talk through your needs first.
“I welcome any client and treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, focusing on identifying and treating the root cause of symptoms to enable the body to repair and rebalance from its foundation. When someone comes to the clinic, I try to create an environment of non-judgement where they can heal and re-establish a positive relationship with their bodies, minds and emotional wellbeing. I love unravelling complex problems and helping my clients rediscover their health.”