Gilles Stoop

Why did you choose to become an acupuncturist? What or who inspired you?

When I was about fifteen years old, I wanted to become a psychologist. At least something in healthcare; helping people. I was very idealistic. However, when I was seventeen, I met someone who was studying naturopathy and acupuncture. I found this incredibly interesting and it inspired me. I actually knew immediately what I wanted to become; an acupuncturist. Being able to help people, working with my hands, and the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine appealed to me almost instantly. My dream was to have my own practice. That's why I started the four-year day course for naturopathy in Hilversum. In the first year, I immediately came into contact with TCM and acupuncture. It has never let me go since.

Gilles Stoop

NVA member since February 1998

Interview: January 2015

What is your most beautiful experience with a patient?

I get to experience the most beautiful moments with a patient multiple times a week. Seeing the reaction of energy being set in motion; with the needles and through conversations. When something shifts. Seeing people visibly relax and feeling it in their pulse. That's what I truly enjoy. Also, figuring out a TCM diagnosis and having it all fall into place. And then, a week later, witnessing the expected improvement and the patient's satisfaction, makes my day.

What are you still amazed by in your profession?

When I was in China for my first internship after graduating in 1996, I was amazed daily by what acupuncture can do and the impact it can have. All those impressions and experiences are still vivid in my mind. Now, eighteen years later, acupuncture, TCM, and what it can achieve have become a part of my life. The amazement has somewhat faded into the background. It has made room for a positive surprise and the intense enjoyment of sometimes being able to make a difference for someone.

In our practice, we treat many couples with a desire for children. I am still pleasantly surprised when a patient suddenly appears in the practice with her baby, proudly showing the result where you have also been able to contribute.

Is there something in your practice that embodies the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine for you?

About ten years ago, my wife, also an acupuncturist, and I came across this painting by an artist. Her work touched us. For us, this painting symbolizes the movement that we try to create during treatments. A movement or a transition from a complaint to an improvement. In the middle is the patient and the treatment. I see the movement from left to right. For example, I also see a movement in the painting from a desire for a child to a pregnancy. For me, that movement and transition are an important part of the essence of TCM.

Gilles Stoop: www.acupuncturist.nl