Pioneer mixes acupuncture with massage and osteopathy for the stars

A PIONEER of osteopathy, acupuncture and massage who treates Hollywood stars and musicians, has opened a clinic in Primrose Hill.
New Zealand born Gary Trainer believes acupuncture does not always ask enough questions about the causes of pain, and that orthodox western practice can be equally effective – even though the British Medical Association accepted acupuncture as a proven method for healing pain in May.
So Mr Trainer (pictured), who has 25 years of experience, combines massage, acupuncture and osteopathy to fight pain. He has an impressive A-list celebrity following including Gwyneth Paltrow, Johnny Depp, Diana Ross, Brad Pitt, Sir Paul McCartney, Janet Jackson, Emma Thompson, Cher and Robbie Williams.
Mr Trainer cut his teeth as an acupuncturist soothing actors’ aches and pains for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
He said: “It was incredible. I was working in the dressing room 51, which is the room nearest the stage. All the top actors – like Ben Kingsley, Jeremy Irons and Emma Thompson – who is cutting the ribbon for the opening of the clinic on September 13 – would need my services before, during and after the performances.”
But Mr Trainer chose to jack in his dream job when a very special call came – from the singer George Michael.
“They wanted me to go on the George Michael tour of the States in 1988. Financially it was a disaster because I had to cut all my ties with the theatres and it took ages to get my clients back. But as far as experience goes, for a clinician, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Mr Trainer toured the States in a Learjet with the rock star. After each show he would treat Michael to calm him down. He said: “Many rock stars use drugs or alcohol to calm down after a performance. George wasn’t really in to any of that. But I thought it would be a good idea to try and calm him down with a spot of acupuncture just in case.”
According to Mr Trainer, the idea of acupuncture could substitute highly addictive A-class narcotics like cocaine or heroin has its scientific roots.
He said: “Acupuncture releases endorphins in your body which have the same chemical structure as morphine. Your body basically releases a little dose of morphine into your system – which has a calming effect and can make you quite light-headed.”
Mr Trainer’s new clinic is not just a medical practice; it is a training centre too. Mr Trainer offers courses for tense lovers who want to learn how to give each other sensual massages and there is even a baby massage course. Mr Trainer does not offer an animal massage course, but he has made many four-legged friends. He said: “I once gave acupuncture to a sheep. I went to Linda McCartney’s home for a weekend’s work in Surrey. They had a sheep that had rye neck, which is like a cricked neck and it means the animal can’t feed. I gave it acupuncture and it was not long before Linda rang me up to tell me the sheep was feeding properly again. The next time I went to their home I was told to go to the studio. I went in and George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul were there waiting for some treatment.”
He added: “Afterward they got me to clap in the background to their new recording of John Lennon’s Free as a Bird.”

• The Gary Trainer Clinic is at 65 Princess Road, Primrose Hill. 020 7722 6203.