What is TCM? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that includes acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal remedies, Tuina (Chinese massage), bone setting and traumalogy, and diet therapy. TCM has been used in China for over 4000 years and has become one of the most widely used and respected forms of medicine in the world. TCM is still the main form of treatment used in Chinese hospitals. How does it work? TCM practitioners believe that good health is a state of balance within the body. This balance allows the free flow of energy, blood and nourishment through all tissues and organs. Disease occurs when there is an imbalance of energies, blockage of the energy channels or a disruption of energy flow. The treatment always aims to bring the body into balance. Modern scientific research confirms that TCM treatment promotes the production of natural healing substances to relieve pain, regulate nerve transmission, enhance the immune system, regulate hormone and blood flow and release natural anti-inflammatory substances.

Tell me about the consultation When you visit our clinic, we will try to find the cause of your problems according to TCM principles. We will not only look at the details of your specific problem, but will also take a look at your body as a whole. A very important tool in our diagnosis is pulse and tongue examination. This is because in TCM, we believe that the body is a whole and therefore any change on the inside can be seen on the outside. We will then decide on a treatment plan that may include acupuncture, moxibustion, a Chinese herbal remedy, Tui Na massage or manipulation. Sometimes we may use a combination of two or three therapies, depending on the condition.

Meet the Team

John Xu is the Principal of the TCM Clinic. He graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1984, John holds a Bachelor of Medicine degree. After spending four years at Shanghai Zha Bei Central Hospital. John went on to practise as an orthopaedic surgeon at the same hospital. Before coming to New Zealand he was in charge of a clinical research department which combined both TCM and Western medical treatment.

John's passion is to help people achieve better health naturally. People from all walks of life have benefited from TCM since he started his practice in New Zealand in 1989. More recently john has been joined by Rodney Doak, who has specialist skills that complement the practice. John is experienced in treating all kinds of conditions with TCM. His knowledge of both TCM and modern Western orthopaedics has been invaluable for treating sports injuries and he has successfully helped many sports people over the years - including some rugby players and NZ Cricket Black Caps. Many doctors regularly refer their patients and their family members to John for treatment. Five doctors and two medical specialists had been to John for treatment as well. In recent years, John has helped many women for their fertility problems. In 2003, ten women got pregnant through the treatment of acupuncture. John has also had excellent results with a variety of skin complaints, bringing rapid relief to those who have suffered from painful and embarrassing conditions. Helping people with a terminal illness has also been very rewarding over recent years, with many patients remarkably improving their overall general health and quality of life.

Our Commitment to You...

At the TCM Clinic, we are committed to provide the highest standard of Chinese medical care. We promise to explain the details about the treatment we give and answer any questions you may have. And we'll always do our best to warrant your trust and confidence. We are also an ACC Treatment Provider. For an appointment, please call us:

TCM Clinic Address: Level 7, Change House 150 Featherston St, Wellington Phone: 04 499 8903 Email: Johnxu@tcmclinic.co.nz