From Patient to Practitioner: Our Founder’s Origin Story
I often get the question, ‘So how did you get into practicing TCM?’ Well, the story takes us back to my childhood when I was merely five years old. One day, I woke up with severe abdominal pain, leaving my parents extremely worried. Despite their concern, our visit to the pediatrician resulted in a rather dismissive conclusion – that I was likely playing up my discomfort as an excuse to avoid going to school.
Fortunately, our neighbor, who happened to be a skilled acupuncturist, noticed my distress. With his keen eye and a compassionate nature, he offered to aid me. Following an examination, he suggested a potential case of appendicitis and strongly recommended that my parents take me to the hospital.
His instinctive diagnosis resonated with the unfolding reality. We hadn’t been at the hospital long before I was whisked away into the operating room. It was a ruptured appendix, a condition far more serious than my pediatrician’s initial diagnosis.
The surgery was a success, and my recovery led to several follow-up sessions with our neighbor. He treated me with acupuncture and herbal medicine to help support my healing. It was my first direct exposure to the power of the TCM. A seed was planted, a curiosity and respect for TCM that would nurture and grow in the years to come.
It became my go-to medicine – a natural, comforting source of healing every time I felt unwell. My reliance on it remained unwavering into adulthood even when, years later, I found myself tackling anxiety due to the stress of a demanding job. Seeking respite, I visited a local TCM school’s clinic for an acupuncture session.
As I watched the student interns practice their craft, a longing crystallized within me. They were fortunate to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this awe-inspiring field daily. And the realization that I too wanted to be a part of this world was the catalyst that rearranged my career path.
This profound shift in perspective transformed me from merely a patient and observer to a practitioner – a healer, and eventually, the founder of TLC Medicine. My vision is to share the healing powers of TCM with the world, and to help others find their own path to wellness. I am committed to providing my patients with the highest quality care possible, and I look forward to serving you in the future.