My Journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
For me, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been more than a career — it’s been a deeply personal journey. From my grandfather’s legacy as a TCM doctor to my own transformative experiences, I’ve grown from a skeptic to a firm believer in its power to heal and restore balance.
A Family Legacy
My connection to Traditional Chinese Medicine began long before I truly understood it. My grandfather was a TCM doctor, but he passed away before I was born. Growing up, I only got to know him through the stories of his patients. They described him as a strict yet brilliant man, always holding his long acupuncture needles, ready to help, though his stern demeanor made him seem intimidating.
My mother often told me how my grandmother once had a splitting headache. My grandfather calmly inserted a needle, and blood trickled down her face. Everyone panicked at the sight, but my grandmother waved them off, saying the headache was gone, and she felt much better. Some of his elderly patients even joked about how he had a knack for “torturing” people in the best way possible.
This was my first impression of TCM: an intimidating practice involving needles and strange remedies.
Childhood Disdain for TCM
As a child, I wasn’t a fan of TCM. The smell of herbal medicine was odd and overpowering, and the old wooden drawers of the pharmacy always seemed mysterious and creepy. After my grandfather passed away, my grandmother sold the clinic. Occasionally, when my parents were busy, they would leave me at the clinic under the care of the new owner. Out of boredom, I’d open those wooden drawers to explore. Once, I discovered a drawer full of dried scorpions. Terrified, I ran out screaming, convinced that TCM was akin to the black magic in Western fairy tales: full of needles and creepy crawlies.
A Life-Changing Experience
My perspective on TCM completely shifted after moving to Canada. One day, I ate too much at a gathering and developed acute gastroenteritis. The ER wait time was over six hours, and I was in excruciating pain. Desperate, my father took me to a nearby TCM clinic. Skeptical and unwilling to drink herbal medicine, I reluctantly agreed to an acupuncture session.
The doctor, a tall and lean man, inserted a needle into my abdomen. I felt instant relief from the bloating. Then he said, “Brace yourself, I’m going to twist it.” I didn’t know what he meant until he started twisting the needle. It felt incredibly uncomfortable, like something was surging upward in my stomach. Suddenly, I ran to the restroom and threw up everything. To my surprise, I felt completely better afterward. That was the first time I truly saw the power of TCM.
Becoming a Practitioner
I didn’t set out to study TCM with a clear passion; my parents suggested it, so I went along with it. Initially, it felt like just another course to take. But an unforgettable moment changed everything.
One day, I went hiking with a friend who sprained his ankle near the end of the trail. He couldn’t walk, and calling for a rescue helicopter wasn’t an option. Out of desperation, I decided to try acupuncture. With a single needle, I managed to relieve his pain. He stood up in disbelief and asked, “What kind of magic is this? I don’t feel any pain!” That moment was transformative for me. I began to see TCM not just as a tradition but as a profound way to heal and help others.
7000 Stories of Healing
Since becoming a TCM practitioner, I’ve treated over 7,000 cases. Each case is unique, and witnessing their progress, no matter how small or significant, reinforces my commitment to this path. Every success story strengthens my belief in the power of TCM and my dedication to using it to help others lead healthier, happier lives.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
TCM has taught me that healing is not just about treating symptoms — it’s about understanding and supporting the body’s natural balance. My journey with TCM has come full circle, from witnessing its magic firsthand to treating over 7,000 cases. It’s been deeply personal and profoundly rewarding to continue my grandfather’s legacy while forging my own path in this incredible field. TCM isn’t just a profession; it’s my way of helping people live healthier, more balanced lives, one treatment at a time.
