Breeze Academy

Sciatica is one of the most common and costly causes of pain and time off work — but how should clinicians approach it using acupuncture and dry needling? In this episode, Carl breaks down acupuncture for sciatica in a clear, practical, and clinically relevant way. Whether you’re new to needling or already using it in practice, this video will help you make better treatment decisions with confiden...

As we kick off the new year, many clinicians are asking the same question: Is acupuncture and dry needling really worth using in practice? Whether you trained years ago and stopped using it, only use it occasionally, or have never picked up a needle before, this episode breaks it down simply. In this first episode of the year, Carl shares 5 clear, practical reasons why acupuncture and dry needling...

Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it often leave us feeling nauseous, bloated, stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted? In this final podcast episode of the year, we break down the real festive struggles — from overeating and heartburn to family stress, headaches, and mental overload — and show you how to use simple acupressure techniques to feel better fast. Whether you’ve eaten one too m...

In this episode, we dive deep into how acupuncture can be used to treat neck pain and nerve-related symptoms — from evidence-based guidelines to practical point selection you can use in clinic today. We explore:✅What the research says about acupuncture for persistent neck pain✅How NICE guidelines support acupuncture for long-term pain✅Why treating the root cause matters more than chasing radiat...

Want to deepen your understanding of the meridians and enhance your clinical outcomes? 🤔In this episode, we give you an exclusive sneak peek inside our brand-new Breeze Membership, featuring a full, detailed breakdown of the Lung Meridian—point by point. By understanding each point clearly—its location, function, indications and energetic qualities—you’ll instantly elevate the precision of your n...

Welcome to Episode 5 of our Clinical Yoga Series, where we dive into the real-world journey of physiotherapist Shara—from her intense early days in community service in South Africa to becoming a resourceful, multi-skilled clinician integrating yoga, manual therapy, and dry needling. In this episode, we explore how clinical reasoning, hands-on skills, and adaptability shape a modern physio’s pract...

Want to enhance your Acupuncture outcomes? 🤔In this episode, we dive into the top mistakes clinicians make with acupuncture—and what to do instead to dramatically enhance your patient outcomes. Most therapists still treat acupuncture as a simple add-on. But with a huge evidence base supporting acupuncture for pain, function and daily living, the reality is clear: Patients often get better results...

In Episode 4 of our Clinical Yoga Series, Carl sits down with Shara, a physiotherapist whose inspiring journey started when she was just 11 years old. From helping her dad recover from an accident in Johannesburg to studying within South Africa’s medical school system — and eventually building a career in Bermuda — Shara’s story is definitely something to share! They dive deep into:✅ Shara’s path...

🚨It's here! The Breeze Academy Membership Launch We're changing the way clinicians learn, grow and stay up to date. The membership is a brand-new way to develop your acupuncture and dry needling skills with flexible, high-quality, evidence-based CPD that actually fits into your busy clinical life. If you missed our original launch webinar, this abridged version gives you everything you ne...

Struggling with patients who have knee osteoarthritis? Learn how acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support effective rehabilitation. In this episode, Carl Clarkson shares evidence-based acupuncture techniques for osteoarthritic knees that you can use in your clinical practice immediately. You’ll learn:💡 The key mechanisms behind acupuncture for osteoarthritic knee pain📍 The...

In this episode, we dive into the most effective acupuncture points for generic, anterior, and posterior shoulder pain, as well as tips for managing frozen shoulder and stiffness. You’ll learn: 💡 How to select points based on pain location (not just diagnosis) 📍 Key points for general shoulder pain 📍 Effective combinations for anterior shoulder pain 📍 Go-to points for posterior shoulder pain...

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Clinical Yoga Series 🎉In this episode, we take a deep dive into how clinical yoga principles can be applied in real-world healthcare and rehabilitation settings. You’ll discover how structured case studies, guided assessments, and reflective practice can help bridge the gap between yoga philosophy and evidence-based clinical care.👉 Key topics we cover:- How to apply c...

Welcome to Episode 2 of our Clinical Yoga Series! In this episode, we explore how to decide if Clinical Yoga is the right approach for you or your clients — and why integrating yoga principles into healthcare and rehabilitation can be so beneficial. Join us as we explore:✨ What makes Clinical Yoga different from traditional yoga✨ How to identify clients who may benefit most✨ Evidence-based bene...

Welcome to the first episode in our Clinical Yoga Series 🎉In this episode, we sit down with Shara—a physiotherapist and yoga teacher—to unpack her journey from university yoga classes to developing a clinical yoga approach that supports chronic pain management, rehabilitation, and overall wellbeing.👉 Key topics we cover: Shara’s journey from physiotherapy into yoga teacher training (200hr vs. 50...

Thinking about starting a career in sports massage therapy? Whether you’re a student, graduate, or someone looking to change careers, this episode is packed with practical tips to grow your career in sports massage. Our guest Briea (one of our tutors) shares her personal journey—from training, networking, and working with sports teams, to setting up a clinic and building a sustainable business. We...

How can Sports Massage bring something extra to your career? Are you thinking about a career in sports rehabilitation, physiotherapy, or sports therapy? In this episode, we sit down with Briea, one of our tutors, to hear her inspiring journey — from studying BTEC Sports Science to graduating with a BSc in Sports Rehab and building a successful career in private practice to working for Breeze Acade...

Thinking about a career in sports massage therapy? (Part 2) In this episode, Dr. Carl Clarkson sits down with Claire Gregory and Gerard Hargreaves to answer the most common questions about becoming a sports massage therapist. We cover everything from qualifications and marketing to building a client base, CPD, and what it’s really like working in the industry. Whether you’re considering a career c...

Thinking about a career in sports massage therapy? 💆‍♂️ Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or just curious about adding an extra income stream, this episode answers the most commonly asked questions about becoming a sports massage therapist. Join Carl Clarkson, Claire Gregory, and Gerard Hargreaves as they share real experiences and insights into what life as a sports massage therapist i...

Can acupuncture and dry needling really enhance sports performance, speed up recovery, and support injury rehab for athletes? In this episode, we explore how these techniques are used in elite sporting populations – from injury management and chronic pain relief to prehab strategies, post-event recovery, and even in-game applications. Key Topics Covered:✅ How acupuncture supports chronic pain man...

What are the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture and dry needling? In this episode, Carl Clarkson tackles the most common misconceptions that confuse both patients and clinicians — and sets the record straight with clear, evidence-based explanations. You’ll learn: ✅Why acupuncture and dry needling are not the same thing ✅The truth about Western acupuncture vs dry needling ✅Why deeper or mo...

Where do clinicians go wrong with acupuncture and dry needling? In this episode, Carl Clarkson shares the most common mistakes practitioners make and how to fix them, so you can improve results and boost patient outcomes. You’ll learn:The impact of inadequate or unclear acupuncture trainingHow to avoid common dry needling bad habitsWhy poor assessment and over-reliance on needles reduce resultsThe...

TMJ (or TMD) dysfunction affects up to 12% of the UK population—with 50–90% experiencing it at some point in their lives—and the impact goes far beyond jaw pain. In this episode, Carl Clarkson explores:Why TMJ/TMD is so common in women aged 20–40The role of stress, hormones, bite mechanics, and hypermobilityThe significant emotional, social, and financial toll of chronic TMDHow acupuncture and dry...

Ever wondered what’s actually happening when you insert an acupuncture needle — or why clients say, “I can feel that running down my leg”? In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of fascia and connective tissue, exploring how they might hold the key to understanding acupuncture points, meridians, and the elusive De Qi sensation. Carl unpacks:What fascia actually is and why it’s vi...

Thinking about trying acupuncture, or offering it in clinic? In this episode, Dr. Carl Clarkson tackles the most common questions asked by patients and clinicians alike. We explore whether a single acupuncture session is ever enough, how many sessions typically lead to results, and the science behind ‘forbidden points’. Carl breaks down the benefits, risks, and practicalities of acupuncture and dr...

In this special Q&A episode of the Breeze Academy Podcast, Dr. Carl Clarkson dives into the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture and dry needling, taken straight from our courses, community, and clinical conversations. 💬 Carl answers: Can acupuncture loosen tight muscles, or is dry needling more effective? What are the signs that acupuncture is working—both immediately and long t...