EASTERN promise is making Fylde folks feel fabulous.

Professor Zhao, of Beijing, China, has travelled thousands of miles to the Northern Institute of Oriental Medicine on St Albans Road to teach courses in massage and acupuncture.

The medicine man is the director of training at the famous China Academy in Beijing and has been giving hands-on treatment and tuition in this 3000-year-old art.

Proprietor of the institute, John Brazier, told the Citizen: "Last week he performed the gentle art of Chinese Tuina massage and this week it's the turn of acupuncture.

"We've had a very positive response from around the area with patients leaving the clinic saying 'I feel wonderful' after being treated for such long-term ailments as insomnia, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. The sessions can also help people stop addictive habits such as smoking."

John has visited China and Japan many times to train in these ancient arts, and intends to carry on in the same vein when the Professor returns to his home land.

"We are also keen to train other people in acupuncture and massage and in fact organise trips to the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing.

"As well as the treatment side I also teach martial arts and run Blackpool's Little Ninja Club to introduce youngsters to the fun and co-ordination of this sport."

Contact the Northern Institute of Oriental Medicine, St Albans Rd, St Annes, on (01253) 728035.

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