I've always been fascinated by how different cultures understand, heal, and transform the body. My journey began with a childhood curiosity—sparked by an article on acupuncture in a journal of the unexplained—and evolved into a lifelong pursuit: to uncover how traditional healing practices work, and how they can be translated into modern healthcare.
As a teenager, that fascination became personal. After sustaining a painful martial arts injury, a friend recommended I try manual therapy. The relief was immediate—and profound. I had read about these techniques, but experiencing them firsthand was transformative. I wanted to learn everything I could about traditional medicine—not just how it worked, but why it worked, and what that meant for the future of health.
I began my formal studies in medical anthropology at UCL, focusing on medicine, religion, and psychiatry, before training in acupuncture, Tui Na, and Chinese herbal medicine. I’ve been in clinical practice since 2007.
What truly set my path apart was the decision to explore traditional medicine at the cellular level. I completed a PhD on how herbal teas affect mitochondrial function—research that brings together rigorous science with deep respect for traditional knowledge. My work explored how plant-based medicines influence energy metabolism and redox balance—fundamental processes underlying health, ageing, and disease.
Alongside clinical and research work, I’ve held teaching and leadership roles at the University of Westminster, the Northern College of Acupuncture, and the UK-Taiwan Academy of Traditional Medicine, and currently serve as editor of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine Journal.
Today, my focus is on integrating traditional medical systems with mitochondrial science. I work to educate practitioners, researchers, and the public on how ancient healing systems can support mitochondrial health, enhance cellular energy, and promote resilience and longevity—naturally.
