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Chinese Therapist Tasmania, Rannoch Avenue, Riverside, Launceston (2026)

14/08/2026

Let's talk about Shingles (Part 4) – Self-Care Is Part of the Healing

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be valuable parts of recovery, but what we do every day also matters.

Healing doesn't end when you leave the clinic. It continues through the choices you make each day.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shingles is commonly considered a Heat condition (热证). So, during recovery, many practitioners recommend avoiding foods that generate excessive internal Heat, particularly while symptoms remain active. These may include:

• Very spicy foods.

• Barbecued or heavily chargrilled foods.

• Deep-fried foods.

• Excessive alcohol.

Instead, choose nourishing, balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, adequate protein and good hydration to support your body's recovery.

Support your immune system naturally

A healthy lifestyle provides the foundation for good health. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference:

Prioritise good-quality sleep. This is particularly important during the nerve repairing.

Manage stress in healthy ways.

Enjoy regular gentle exercise that suits your energy level.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

Spend a good time outdoors and enjoy sensible sunlight.

Allow yourself time to rest when your body needs it.

These habits not only support recovery but also help maintain healthy immune function over the long term.

When should you seek help?

If you think you may have shingles, don't wait.

Seek medical assessment as early as possible so appropriate treatment.

If pain continues after the rash has healed, or if you're looking for additional support during your recovery, speak with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and registered acupuncturist.

An individualised treatment plan may help reduce ongoing discomfort, support your body's natural healing processes, and improve your quality of life.

A final thought

Health is rarely restored by one treatment alone. It is built through timely medical care, good lifestyle habits, adequate rest, nourishing food, emotional wellbeing, and supporting the body's remarkable ability to heal.

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, my goal is not simply to treat symptoms.

It is to help people regain comfort, restore balance, and return to living life with greater ease.

Your body has an extraordinary capacity to heal. Sometimes, it simply needs the right support at the right time.

31/07/2026

Shingles – Why Does It Happen? Understanding Your Body's Defences (Part 3)

One question I often hear is:

"Why did I get shingles now?"

The answer is usually not a single cause.

After we recover from chickenpox, the virus doesn't completely leave the body. Instead, it remains inactive inside the nerve cells for many years.

Most of the time, our immune system keeps it under control.

However, when our body's defences become weakened, the virus may reactivate.

Several factors may contribute, including:

• Long-term stress.

• Poor quality sleep.

• Physical or emotional fatigue.

• Poor nutrition.

• Increasing age.

• Certain medical conditions or treatments that affect the immune system.

This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. It simply reminds us how closely our health is connected to the way we care for ourselves.

The TCM perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine has understood this relationship for thousands of years.

Rather than focusing only on the virus itself, TCM asks another question:

"Why was the body vulnerable at this particular time?"

Many people who develop shingles have been under significant stress, have been working too hard, recovering from illness, or simply feeling exhausted for a long period.

In TCM, these factors may weaken the body's healthy Qi, reducing its ability to resist illness.

This is why treatment is not only about relieving pain.

It is also about restoring balance, improving the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, supporting healthy immune function, and helping the body rebuild its natural resilience.

When the body becomes stronger and more balanced, it is often better equipped to recover.

In Part 4, I'll share some simple self-care tips that may support your recovery and help your body stay healthy in the future.

18/07/2026

Let's talk about Shingles
Shingles part 2 --
When the Rash Has Gone but the Pain Remains

Many people believe that once the blisters have healed, shingles is over.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

For some people, the skin heals beautifully, yet the pain lingers. A light touch from clothing, a gentle breeze, or even lying in bed can trigger burning, stabbing or electric shock-like sensations. This condition is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it can significantly affect sleep, mood, daily activities and overall quality of life.

Why does the pain continue?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Although the rash eventually disappears, the virus may leave the affected nerve irritated while it recovers. This is why pain can continue long after the skin has healed.

Many people tell me, "The rash is gone, but I still don't feel like myself."

How can Traditional Chinese Medicine help?

This is often the stage where acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may play a particularly valuable role.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the rash may have healed, but the body can still be affected by lingering Heat, stagnation of Qi and Blood, and disruption to the normal flow of energy through the channels.

Rather than treating only the area where the rash appeared, TCM looks at the whole person.

Treatment may aim to:

• Ease ongoing nerve pain and sensitivity.

• Promote the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood.

• Reduce lingering Heat (the toxins ) that may remain after the acute infection.

• Support healthy immune function and the body's natural healing process.

• Improve sleep, energy and overall wellbeing.

Every treatment plan is individualised because no two people experience shingles in exactly the same way.

One of the most rewarding moments in clinic is hearing a patient say, "I finally slept through the night without thee heavy medication," or "I can wear my shirt comfortably again." These simple things are easy to take for granted until pain has taken them away.

Healing is not only about making the rash disappear. It is about helping people regain comfort, confidence and the freedom to enjoy everyday life again.

In Part 3, we'll explore an important question: Why do some people develop shingles while others never do?

07/07/2026

Let's talk about Shingles

Shingles – It's More Than Just a Rash (Part 1)

In recent years, I've noticed something concerning in my clinic—more and more people are seeking help for shingles. Many are surprised by how suddenly it appears, and even more surprised by how painful it can be.
Unless you've experienced shingles yourself, it's difficult to imagine how intense the pain can become. For some people, even the light touch of clothing can feel unbearable. While the blisters eventually heal, the pain doesn't always disappear with the rash.
That's why I'd like to share a little about shingles from both a medical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective.

The early signs are often easy to miss

One of the challenges with shingles is that the earliest symptoms don't always look like a skin problem.
Many people first notice:
• Burning, tingling or stabbing pain on one side of the body
• Increased sensitivity of the skin
• Itching or a strange "crawling" sensation
• A deep aching pain that feels out of proportion
• Fatigue or feeling generally unwell

Only a few days later do the characteristic blisters begin to appear, usually following the path of a nerve on one side of the body.
If you notice these symptoms, especially if a rash begins to develop, it's important to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis is important because antiviral medication is most effective when started as soon as possible, ideally within the first 72 hours after the rash appears.

Where does acupuncture and TCM treatments fit?

One question I am often asked is whether acupuncture should replace medication.
My answer is no.
For newly diagnosed shingles, I always encourage patients to follow their doctor's advice. Antiviral medication remains an important part of early treatment.
However, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used alongside conventional medical care. Many patients find that this integrated approach helps reduce pain, ease discomfort, and support their recovery.
Where acupuncture often becomes especially valuable is after the blisters have healed.

When the skin heals but the pain remains

One of the most frustrating parts of shingles is that although the skin may look much better, the affected nerve can remain irritated. This ongoing nerve pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia, can last for weeks, months, or sometimes even longer.
Many people also notice lingering dark marks where the rash once was.
During this recovery stage, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may help reduce ongoing nerve pain, support the body's natural healing process, improve circulation, and help people regain comfort and quality of life.

The TCM understanding of shingles

Traditional Chinese Medicine has recognised conditions resembling shingles for well over a thousand years, with descriptions dating back to around 610 AD.
Rather than viewing the condition as simply a skin disease, TCM understands it as an imbalance affecting both the body's surface and its internal systems.
In many cases, shingles are associated with the accumulation of Heat and Damp-Heat, together with disruption of the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the channels. When these become blocked, pain develops.

Treatment is always individualised. Depending on each person's presentation, the aim may include clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood, calming pain, and supporting the body's healthy immune function during recovery.

In Part 2, I'll talk about one of the most challenging aspects of shingles—why the nerve pain can continue long after the rash has disappeared, and how Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture may help during this stage of healing.

26/06/2026

The Mystery of Diverticulitis: Why Symptoms Vary So Much From Person to Person
Part 4

Diverticulitis: Recovery, Prevention and the TCM Approach

By the time diverticulitis develops, most attention is understandably focused on reducing inflammation and preventing complications.

However, one lesson I have learned over the years is that recovery is just as important as treatment.

Many people are surprised when I discuss foods beyond simply "avoid spicy food."

During active inflammation, some foods may place additional stress on the digestive system, including heavily fried foods, highly processed foods, excessive spices, and very cold foods and drinks.

From a TCM perspective, the digestive system functions best when it is supported with gentle, warm and easily digested nourishment.

Another commonly overlooked issue is the long-term use of painkillers.

Medications such as ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory drugs certainly have an important place when used appropriately.

However, prolonged and frequent use may affect the gut lining and digestive health, particularly in people already vulnerable to intestinal inflammation.

This doesn't mean they should not be used.

It simply means they should be used thoughtfully and under appropriate medical guidance.

One of the greatest strengths of TCM is that it does not stop at asking how to control inflammation.

It also asks:

Why did this happen in the first place?

What underlying weaknesses allowed the condition to develop?

How can recurrence be prevented?

During an acute flare-up, treatment may focus on clearing inflammation, promoting healthy bowel function, improving circulation and relieving pain.

During recovery, attention shifts toward rebuilding digestive strength, restoring healthy function and helping the body regain balance.

This is where acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary guidance and lifestyle modifications may all play a role.

The greatest lesson diverticulitis teaches us is perhaps this:

The same diagnosis can look very different from one person to another.

Different symptoms.

Different triggers.

Different constitutions.

Different recovery journeys.

And that is precisely why TCM places such importance on treating the individual rather than the disease alone.

Our digestive system is remarkably intelligent. It responds not only to what we eat, but also to how we live, how we rest, and sometimes even to burdens we have been carrying for too long.
Looking after gut health is not merely about avoiding certain foods. It is about creating the conditions in which the body can do what it naturally wants to do — heal."

------------+
Thank you for following this series.

If there is interest, next time I may write about another digestive condition that I commonly see in clinic — and why the gut is often much more connected to our emotions, energy and overall wellbeing than we realise.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, re**al bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

18/06/2026

The Mystery of Diverticulitis: Why Symptoms Vary So Much From Person to Person
Part 3

When the Gut Speaks: Pain, Inflammation and the Role of Emotions

Of all the factors involved in digestive disorders, this may be the one most often overlooked.

Emotions.

Throughout years of clinical practice, I have repeatedly noticed a pattern.

Symptoms often worsen during periods of prolonged stress, worry, frustration, grief, or emotional strain.

Modern medicine now refers to this as the Brain-Gut Axis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognised this connection thousands of years ago.

In TCM theory, the Liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth movement of Qi throughout the body.

The Spleen is responsible for digestion and transformation of food into energy.

When stress, frustration, or unresolved emotions cause Liver Qi to stagnate, the digestive system often becomes affected.

In simple language:

When emotions become stuck, digestion can become stuck too.

Many people have experienced this without realising it.

You may lose your appetite during a stressful period.

You may develop bloating before an important event.

You may notice abdominal discomfort during times of anxiety.

The digestive system is listening to our emotional state more closely than many people realise.

This does not mean diverticulitis is "all in your head."

Far from it.

The inflammation is very real.

The pain is very real.

But emotional stress can influence gut motility, intestinal permeability, immune function and inflammatory processes.

This is why healing often requires more than simply changing what is on the plate.

Sometimes we must also examine what has been weighing on the heart.

Next week, in the final article of this series, we'll look at practical dietary advice, the hidden risks of long-term painkiller use, and how TCM approaches both recovery and prevention.

09/06/2026

The Mystery of Diverticulitis: Why Symptoms Vary So Much From Person to Person
Part 2

Why Does Diverticulitis Occur in Different Places?

One of the most fascinating aspects of diverticulitis is that it doesn't always appear in the same place.

Many Western patients experience pain in the lower left abdomen.

Many Asian patients experience pain in the lower right.

As practitioners, we often ask:

Why?

The answer appears to involve both structure and lifestyle, especially diet.

Traditional Western diets have historically been lower in fibre and higher in red meat and refined carbohydrates.

Over time, this can contribute to harder stools and increased pressure within the colon.

The sigmoid colon, located in the lower left abdomen, is the narrowest section of the large intestine and experiences some of the highest pressure during bowel movements.

It therefore becomes a common site for diverticula and inflammation.

Traditional Asian diets, on the other hand, have generally been richer in vegetables and fibre.

This creates a different environment within the digestive tract.

Interestingly, many Asian populations appear to have a naturally weaker area in the right side of the colon, making it more susceptible to pouch formation.

However, something else is happening.

As diets become increasingly westernised throughout Asia, researchers have observed a gradual shift. Left-sided diverticulitis is becoming more common, while right-sided cases are becoming less dominant.

To me, this serves as a reminder that what we eat affects much more than our weight.

It influences the very structure and function of our digestive system over time.

Next week we'll discuss another important question:

Why do some people feel almost no symptoms while others experience severe pain and complications?

02/06/2026

The Mystery of Diverticulitis: Why Symptoms Vary So Much From Person to Person

Part 1

The Mystery of Diverticulitis: Why One Person Suffers Severe Pain While Another Feels Nothing

Over the years in clinical practice, one thing has always fascinated me.

Two people can be diagnosed with exactly the same condition, yet their experiences can be completely different.

One person may be doubled over with severe abdominal pain, frightened and unable to function normally.

Another may discover the condition entirely by accident during a routine examination and wonder:

"How can I have this when I feel perfectly fine?"

Both have diverticular disease.

Yet their stories are very different.

There is another interesting observation.

In many Western countries, diverticulitis most commonly causes pain in the lower left abdomen. In many Asian populations, however, it often appears on the lower right side, sometimes even being mistaken for appendicitis.

Why would the same condition behave so differently?

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this question takes us beyond the diagnosis itself.

TCM has always viewed health through a different lens.

Instead of asking only:

"What disease does this person have?"

We also ask:

"Why has this condition developed in this particular person, in this particular place, and in this particular way?"

Before we explore those answers, it helps to understand two commonly confused terms.

Diverticulosis refers to small pouches that form in the wall of the intestine. Most people have no symptoms at all and often discover them by chance.

Diverticulitis occurs when those pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.

In simple terms:

Not everyone with diverticulosis develops diverticulitis.

But every case of diverticulitis begins with diverticulosis.

In next week's article, we'll explore something many people never realise:

Why diverticulitis tends to occur on the left side in Western populations and on the right side in many Asian populations—and what diet may have to do with it.

Have you or someone you know experienced diverticulitis?

I'd be interested to hear whether your symptoms appeared on the left side or the right.

18/02/2026

TCM on Insomnia

Post 6 – Supporting Sleep with Herbs & Gentle Self-Care

In TCM, herbal medicine is customised—not one-size-fits-all.
Formulas may:

Nourish Blood and Yin
Clear internal heat
Support digestion
Settle anxiety and overthinking

Alongside treatment, gentle self-care makes a real difference:

Keep regular sleep and wake times
Eat warm, light dinners and avoid late meals
Reduce screen time before bed
Practice gentle breathing or gratitude reflection
Keep the bedroom calm, dark, and cool

Sleep isn’t something to force.
From a TCM view, it’s something the body allows when it feels balanced and safe.

16/02/2026

Happy Year of the Horse

May the spirit of the Horse guide us forward with steady strength.

May the Fire within us glow warmly — not fiercely, but faithfully.

May we move with courage,
rest without guilt,
and trust the quiet universal energy that carries us each day.

Let this be a year of balanced strength —
where passion is gentle,
resilience is peaceful.

Wishing you health, harmony, and a softly shining year ahead.

Chinese Therapist Tasmania

14/08/2026

31/07/2026

18/07/2026

07/07/2026

26/06/2026

18/06/2026

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16/02/2026

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