Jo Darling - How to Honor Healing as a Collaborative Act
“I don't believe good medicine is about what someone does for you; I think it's about what you accomplish together.” - Jo Darling
Self-care is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, intuitive healing methods like acupuncture are often dismissed—especially in Western cultures—as pseudoscience or frivolous endeavors. These assumptions prevent many people from embracing modalities like acupuncture as part of their wellness routine. Thankfully, there are practitioners like the wonderful Jo Darling in Brighton, UK!
Jo is deeply committed to women’s health and healing. She also happens to be my acupuncturist, so we’ll finally introduce you to my angry liver. Curious about how acupuncture works and why this practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has endured through centuries? Jo provides clear, insightful answers—delivered with an infectious laugh!
“One of the biggest issues with the health industry, particularly in Western culture, is how we often relinquish responsibility for our health to someone else,” says Jo, whose life’s work celebrates the mind-body connection. Acupuncture operates on the belief that our bodies are interwoven with energetic pathways. By enhancing the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), it’s possible to alleviate pain, manage chronic conditions, and restore emotional harmony. “There are points on the body that serve as gateways to specific functions, and we can use them to transform our health,” Jo explains. “It’s absolutely brilliant!”
Acupuncturists are trained to take a holistic view of health, addressing yin and yang—the complementary forces at play in every situation—rather than focusing solely on symptoms. “A true acupuncturist always seeks to treat the root cause of your issue,” Jo emphasizes. “If you picture a tree, the symptoms are like its leaves—the visible part. But the root is the deeper reason behind what’s happening. That’s what we aim to treat.”
Spirit and intuition are key elements of TCM diagnosis. However, many people misunderstand spirit, associating it solely with religious experiences, and miss out on its potential. “The thing about working with spirit is that everyone has some level of ability,” Jo explains. “It’s just that some are more tuned in than others, and some are further along their journey.”
It’s time to reconnect with our overstimulated minds and overburdened bodies.
GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Jo Darling is an experienced acupuncturist based in Brighton & Hove, with a passion for supporting health and wellbeing through holistic practices. She specializes in fertility, cancer care, menopause, and pain relief, bringing a thoughtful and individualized approach to her work. Jo enjoys sharing her knowledge and insights to help others navigate their health journeys with confidence and care.
Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…
