Traditional Chinese Medicine or East Asian Therapy?
You’ll sometimes hear this medicine called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a complete system of healthcare recognised by the World Health Organisation, drawing on thousands of years of clinical observation and practice. The version taught in most universities today was standardised in the mid-19th century, but its roots stretch much further back.
While I am officially trained and registered as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I prefer to reference the broader term East Asian Medicine. Why? Because this practice isn’t limited to one country or culture, it draws from many traditions across what we now know as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. While “TCM” refers to the official, systemised framework adopted by the Chinese government, East Asian Medicine reflects a much richer and more diverse field.
My own approach draws on various lineages and folk practices passed down through teachers and apprenticeships. Using the term East Asian Medicine acknowledges these lineage and honours the many practitioners and communities who have kept the knowledge alive and evolving, not just the systems and structures that codified it.
The Basics
At its core, this medicine is built on natural cycles and careful observation of how the body reflects the rhythms of the world around us. Health depends on the balance and movement of Qi (vital energy), Blood, Jing (essence), and Yin–Yang dynamics. When these become out of balance symptoms arise.
Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork and lifestyle guidance, we work to restore balance and support the body’s innate healing processes.
A Complete System
Patients often ask what acupuncture or East Asian Medicine can help with. The short answer: almost anything that relates to how your body functions and feels.
Historically, it’s been used for everything from pain and digestion to sleep, fertility, and emotional wellbeing. Today, we also recognise where Western medicine excels — so we’re not using herbs to stop bleeding or acupuncture for heart attacks when emergency care is available!
Modern research continues to grow around acupuncture’s benefits, and it’s increasingly used as part of integrated healthcare.
Lifestyle Commitment
Acupuncture can work wonders for acute pain or tension, but chronic or long-term conditions are best approached from multiple angles. Treatment might include herbs, dietary or lifestyle recommendations, and simple home practices to support progress between sessions.
East Asian Medicine sees healing as a process that unfolds over time as your body, mind, and habits come back into right-relationship and rhythm.