Ann Harkin

Experience

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  Full Life Mebourne City Pharmacy

  May 2000 - May 2002

  In-store Naturopath and Homeopath

  As an in-store Naturopath and Homeopath I was responsible for prescribing vitamins in combination with pharmaceutical drugs as well as to advise on-the-spot on herb and nutrient/drug interactions. My role incorporated giving quick and full-length consultations, diagnosis and prescriptions of off the shelf supplements. Diagnostic techniques included iridology, nail analysis, tongue diagnosis and zinc tally testing. I was responsible for stock management, staff training and promotions and liaising with sales reps. I was also working with the spa therapists to develop tailored herbal tinctures for a range of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne rosaceae, cellulite, anti-ageing. I trained pharmacy staff in nutritional supplements, drug/nutrient and drug/herb interactions and safe prescribing Show less

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  Carahealth

  Jun 2001 - now

  Complementary and Alternative Medicine Consultant

  Carina Harkin MPH.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu.Cert IV TAE. holds 3 degrees in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a Masters in Public Health and has 22 years clinical experience. Carina strongly advocates natural immunity and natural medicine as the solution to the global scourge of chronic ill health, and to address the infectious disease threats of the 21st century. Carina specialising in the treatment of drug-resistant disease currently beyond the biomedical approach, and neuroprotective and neuroregenerative antiaging herbal medicine. Carahealth offers services in Eastern and Western herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, and homeopathy, and has an online practice and global herbal dispensary. Carina’s other main interests are in mitigating the environmental factors affecting public health, in particular, heavy metal and plastic bioaccumulation and biotransformation. Carahealth has specialised in fluoride removal and water purification solutions since 2008. Show less

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  Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University

  Feb 2003 - Apr 2003

  Acupuncturist

  Chinese Hospital Internship Through my work as a doctor within the Chinese medical system I had the opportunity to see Chinese medicine in working practice alongside western medicine, coupled with an understanding of the administrative processes, logistics and infrastructure. In China, one doctor treats ten patients concurrently and is able to do this due to the speed of diagnosis and the layout of the clinic. I also had to overcome the language barriers and cultural differences so that my patients were able to feel comfortable and confident with me treating them. Show less

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  The Northern Hospital, Epping

  Jun 2003 - Nov 2003

  Acupuncturist

  I conducted a randomised, controlled, blinded trial comparing acupuncture to conventional medicine within an Emergency Department to reduce pain and waiting times. I primarily treated cases of acute pain involving conditions such as migraine, torticollis, pain and injury involving M.V.A., sciatica, work and sport related injuries, musculo-skeletal injury including at times broken bones, acute flare-ups of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhoea, and even pain from coughing due to pneumonia. Specialising in fast and effective treatment and the results were astonishing. Show less

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  North Central Review

  Jun 2005 - Oct 2006

  Health Columnist

  As a writer of a weekly health column integrating western medicine, TCM, naturopathy and homeopathy, I focused on topical, local and global health issues. This column took into consideration seasonal influences and answered direct queries from readers. This complemented my practice and lead to me being invited to lecture local groups.

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  Minzu Hospital

  Jun 2005 - Jul 2005

  Acupuncturist

  At this hospital I further consolidated my knowledge of treatment for the stroke patient, witnessing miracles everyday. I have had the opportunity this time to also increase my knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine. A particular focus was a new technique developed by a famous Chinese doctor, Dr Zhu. This technique is head acupuncture however not the traditional head acupuncture that we know for stroke but a new method whereby the macrocosm of man is seen in the head (similar to ear acupuncture).Minzu Hospital Outpatient ClinicThis clinic presented me with the opportunity to treat many children with ADD, epilepsy and autism. Interestingly these are becoming more common in China. Acupuncture is very successful in treating these disorders. I am very keen on bleeding techniques and was called upon regularly by the Chinese doctors to “bleed” their patients. Show less

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  Natural Medicine College

  Oct 2006 - Jun 2011

  Director Of Studies/ Lecturer

  I ran CNM Galway, the largest natural health college in Europe. I was responsible for all aspects, from sales and marketing to student services. Even with the GFC, I managed to meet sales objectives. My focus was to maintain successful relationships with current students and health industry partners and to expand the customer list. I was working as part of a team to develop new and existing markets. My role involved meeting and enrolling prospective students. I liaised with customers to identify customer needs and answer and resolve their queries. I researched and identified potential leads and opportunities. I was responsible for developing my own portfolio. I wrote weekly reports for head office. I dealt with a diverse range of clients in both the private and public sector. I was also responsible to evaluate competitor activity and develop appropriate responses. I attended sales appointments. I organised open evenings and represented the college at nationwide holistic trade shows and exhibitions including the RDS in Dublin. I promoted the College as a health writer for a number of Ireland’s top publications including Galway Now, Cork Now, Easy Living and The Galway Advertiser. I cold called potential clients via telephone or personal visit. I lectured all courses to include Biomedicine, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutritional Therapy years 1 and 2 as well as Naturopathic Practical, both theoretical and practical. Subjects covered include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture), Pulse Diagnosis and Iridology, both Jenson and Rayid. I also managed student clinics in Galway and Limerick. Show less

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  Happy Herb Company Port Douglas

  Feb 2013 - Feb 2015

  In-Store Naturopath

  I offered iridology readings and provided diet, lifestyle, supplement and herbal medicine advice. I sold my range of Carahealth medicinal herbal tinctures, herbal teas and homeopathic first aid, prophylactic kits for children and travel and birth kits and educated the community in alternatives to mainstream medicine. I trained health food store staff in product, drug/nutrient and drug/herb interactions and safe prescribing in pregnancy.

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  Port Douglas Crocs AFL team

  Mar 2014 - Oct 2015

  Acupuncturist and Sports Nutritionist

  Applying a cost effective community acupuncture model, I used cupping (Chinese massage technique), acupuncture and TENS to treat sports injury and promote recovery time. I provided dietary and supplement advice based on the Australian Institute of Sport guidelines for legal performance enhancers and building muscle mass. I prescribed homeopathic first aid to treat acute strains and sprains.

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  EuroSciCon International Acupuncture Conference

  Jan 2018 - now

  Presenter Events

  Title: A Prospective, Randomised Control Trial of Acupuncture for Select Common Conditions within the Emergency Department. Carina discusses her world first randomised, controlled, blinded trial using acupuncture within an Emergency Department. The trial was conducted among patients admitted to the Emergency Department of The Northern Hospital, Epping, Melbourne, Australia to assess the potential of acupuncture to reduce waiting times, reduce pain and satisfy the desire of patients to see complementary medicine within mainstream healthcare. 45 patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group (32) and a conventional treatment group (13). Comparison of the physiological parameters following treatment revealed no significant differences between the two groups. These results demonstrate that acupuncture and conventional treatment are equally effective to reduce pain, however the acupuncture group received a significantly higher rate of patient satisfaction with the treatment. The results proved acupuncture was as effective as orthodox treatment, however patient satisfaction was 81% compared to 56%. The trail was so successful it paved the way for RMIT’s present student clinic at the Northern Hospital and the roll-out of student clinics in 4 hospitals EDs across Melbourne. Carina discussed location, aims, literature review, mechanism acupuncture analgesia, recruitment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, materials, Chinese Medicine theory and treatment, results, conclusions and studies conducted since. Show less

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  Conference Series LLC Ltd International Conference on Herbal and Tradtional Medicine

  Nov 2018 - now

  Presenter Events

  Title: Plastic Bioaccumulation, Health Implications and Enhancing Metabolism and Excretion of Plastic via Phase I and Phase II Liver Detoxification Pathways. Plastic is ubiquitous. Recent studies have highlighted that plastic is in bottled and tap water and in food products including honey, sugar and beer. 3- 10 tonnes is estimated to fall on Paris per year. Global concern regarding the health implications is mounting, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcing a risk assessment review of plastics. Meanwhile we remain to eat, drink and inhale plastic without knowing what it is doing to us or indeed if we can eliminate it. Carina will discuss the scale of global microplastic contamination, where it comes from, how plastic enters the body, the health implications of inhaling and ingesting plastics and most importantly how plastic is detoxed and what are the most effective liver herbs to maximise plastic detoxification. Learn how plastic is detoxed and affects Phase 1 cytochrome P450 enzyme group & Phase II pathways including glutathione, glucuronidation and sulphation and the importance of supporting our endogenous antioxidants, catalase, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Carina will discuss specifically how ingested plastics, including phthalates & BPA, and inhaled plastics, including dioxins and furans are detoxed by these processes and what herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation can maximise plastic metabolism and excretion. The talk will also address the danger of inadequate plastic detoxification and how this can damage RNA and DNA and lead to early ageing and increases carcinogenesis. Show less

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  Conference Series LLC Ltd

  Nov 2018 - Nov 2018

  Presenter International Conference on Herbal and Tradtional Medicine

  Title: Annual Influenza Vaccine: Review of Current Attitudes, Effectiveness and Natural Evidence Based Alternatives in the likelihood of Influenza Pandemic. Influenza Pandemic remains a global threat (WHO), yet from a pharmaceutical perspective, we remain woefully ill-equipped. With Health Care Workers (HCW) statistically the most influenza vaccine hesitant group in the population and with calls being made to make influenza vaccine programmes compulsory, evidence needs to be taken seriously and a critical assessment made. Carina will discuss what is the growing consensus of the ineffectiveness of the influenza vaccine and the reasons. According to Professor of Virology at Warwick University, Andrew Easton, “A judgement should be made about replacing this [influenza] vaccine in the current climate of limited NHS budget. A re-think is also needed as other therapeutic aids are showing promise.” Carina will discuss alternative evidence based herbal medicine and supplements that specifically match the pharmacological action of drugs to reduce influenza incidence and mortality, and boost natural immunity to provide long standing protection . Topics include increasing interferon and how this works not only as a prophylactic and treatment for influenza but, by addressing Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) dysfunction, simultaneously has the capacity to reduce the incidence of autoimmune disease (caused by molecular mimicry). Other topics include viral replication inhibition using natural neuraminidase and polymerase inhibitors and compounds in herbal medicine that specifically reduce the inflammatory cascade known as the cytokine storm, associated with high mortality in influenza pandemics. Show less

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  EuroSciCon

  May 2019 - now

  Workshop Title: Auricular Acupuncture (AA) for Work Related Illness (WRI); Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) and Stress, Anxiety and Depression (SAD)Ear acupuncture involves the stimulation of definite points on the ear to normalise the bodily function. Being cost effective, practical and having minimal side effects, AA satisfies calls made by Whitelaw et al for a realistic and pragmatic settings based approach. AA reduces inflammation, is analgesic and anxiolytic. The use of CAM to alleviate WRI pro-actively promotes health by supporting the body’s homeostatic mechanisms. AA reduces inflammatory mediators, increases serotonin, dopamine and endogenous opioids and inhibits GABA. In relation to SAD reduction in nurses, a RCT has shown that true ear acupuncture was better than placebo. According to a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) AA can reduce anxiety in health care workers and may improve work engagement. AA is good for any type of MSD pain, in particular post operative pain, with RCTs showing that AA is effective for pain relief. AA is effective in alleviating lower back and in relieving muscle and joint pain in temporomandibular disorder. Carina will discuss evidence for and show examples of how to needle points for MSD and SAD. Show less Title:Health Risks of Heavy metals (WHO report summary) and Enhancing Biotransformation Using Metal-Binding Plant Lignans; Metallothioneins and Phytochelatins found in Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Heavy metal pollution is one of the major concerns of the century. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury are common air pollutants resulting from various industrial activities. Carina will summarize a WHO report discussing the principal environmental sources, both anthropogenic and naturogenic, and health effects in humans. Plants makes 2 types of peptide metal-binding lignans; metallothioneins (MTs) and phytochelatins (PCs). Carina will discuss the function of metallothioneins in heavy metal biotransformation in humans, sources of plant metallothioneins and the induction of metallothioneins by the ancient Chinese formula Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang 十全大补片(Total Tonic Formula). Carina will also cover glutathione (GSH) derived phytochelatins, the role of phytochelatin synthase (PCS) and herbal medicines and nutritional supplements to enhance glutathione synthesis. Show less Title: A Prospective, Randomised Control Trial of Acupuncture for Select Common Conditions within the Emergency Department Carina will discuss the methodology employed in the conduction of her world first trial comparing acupuncture with pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of pain in one of Australia’s busiest Emergency Departments (Accident and Emergency). The trial was so successful it paved the way for the use of acupuncture in 4 Emergency Departments across the city of Melbourne. Carina will discuss the aims, literature review, difficulties with trials in acupuncture, the mechanisms behind acupuncture analgesia, inclusion, exclusion and withdrawal criteria, the acupuncture and control group, materials, treatment principles, differentiation of Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns, acupuncture procedures, additional protocols such as Jing Well points, Xi Cleft points, electroacupuncture procedures, the use what Carina describes as Activepucture, the application of the 6 level theory for pain relief including practical examples, the effect of treatment, group comparisons and conclusions. Show less

  • Presenter 10th International Conference on Acupuncture, Traditional Medicine & Healthcare

    Jan 2019 - now

  • Presenter 10th International Conference on Acupuncture, Traditional Medicine & Healthcare

    May 2019 - May 2020

  • Presenter 10th International Conference on Acupuncture, Traditional Medicine & Healthcare

    May 2019 - Jun 2019
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  Allied Academies

  May 2019 - now

  Title: Annual Influenza Vaccine: Review of Current Attitudes, Effectiveness and Natural Evidence Based Alternatives in the likelihood of Influenza PandemicInfluenza Pandemic remains a global threat (WHO), yet from a pharmaceutical perspective, we remain woefully ill-equipped. Health Care Workers (HCW) themselves are statistically the most influenza vaccine hesitant group in the population. With calls being made to make influenza vaccine programmes compulsory, evidence needs to be taken seriously and a critical assessment made. Carina will discuss what is the growing consensus of the ineffectiveness of the influenza vaccine and the reasons. According to Professor of Virology at Warwick University, Andrew Easton, “A judgement should be made about replacing this [influenza] vaccine in the current climate of limited NHS budget. A re-think is also needed as other therapeutic aids are showing promise.” Carina will discuss alternative evidence based herbal medicine and supplements that specifically match the pharmacological action of drugs to reduce influenza incidence and mortality, and boost natural immunity to provide long standing protection . Topics include increasing interferon and how this works not only as a prophylactic and treatment for influenza but, by addressing Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) dysfunction, simultaneously has the capacity to reduce the incidence of autoimmune disease (caused by molecular mimicry). Other topics include viral replication inhibition using natural neuraminidase and polymerase inhibitors and compounds in herbal medicine that specifically reduce the inflammatory cascade known as the cytokine storm, associated with high mortality in influenza pandemics. Show less Title: Plastic Bioaccumulation, Health Implications & Enhancing Biotransformation using Herbal Medicine. Plastic contamination has recently been shown to be a vector for heavy metal contamination. Plastic is ubiquitous. Recent studies have highlighted that plastic is in bottled and tap water and in food products including honey, sugar and beer. 3-10 tonnes is estimated to fall on Paris per year. Global concern regarding the health implications is mounting, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcing a risk assessment review of plastics. Meanwhile we remain to eat, drink and inhale plastic without knowing what it is doing to us or indeed if we can eliminate it. Carina will discuss the scale of global microplastic contamination, where it comes from, how plastic enters the body, the health implications of inhaling and ingesting plastics and most importantly how plastic is detoxed and what are the most effective liver herbs to maximise plastic detoxification.Learn how plastic is detoxed and affects Phase 1 cytochrome P450 enzyme group & Phase II pathways including glutathione, glucuronidation and sulphation and the importance of supporting our endogenous antioxidants, catalase, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Carina will discuss specifically how ingested plastics, including phthalates & BPA, and inhaled plastics, including dioxins and furans are detoxed by these processes and what herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation can maximise plastic metabolism and excretion. The presentation will also cover the danger of inadequate plastic detoxification and how this can damage RNA and DNA and contribute to early ageing and cancer formation. Show less

  • Presenter International Conference on Alternative Medicine & Traditional Medicine June 10-11, 2019.

    May 2019 - now

  • Presenter International Conference on Alternative Medicine & Traditional Medicine June 10-11, 2019.

    May 2019 - now
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  UNIJOBS LIMITED

  Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

  Exam Invigilator

  As an exam invigilator I am appointed by the examination board and services to maintain the proper conduct of a particular examination in accordance with the exam regulations. I have been foreign Police checked and Garda vetted. I am allocated to temporary special needs (TSN).

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  Voice For Science and Solidarity

  Nov 2021 - now

  Health Educator

  Natural Medicine and Public Health Contributor on Geert Vanden Bossche’s Voice for Science & Solidarity

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  Queen's University Belfast

  Nov 2022 - now

  Postgraduate Researcher School of Biological Science