Finding Balance with Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest healing systems, with roots stretching back thousands of years. At its heart is the idea of balance: yin and yang, hot and cold, inner and outer, and how the body’s vital energy, or qi, flows through channels to keep us well.

I’ve had acupuncture on and off for years, and it’s something I’ve always valued for its calming, re-balancing effect. But in preparing this article, I sat down with my acupuncturist to dive deeper into how it all works and came away with a whole new appreciation for just how intricate and deeply considered Chinese Medicine really is.

Chinese Medicine Isn’t Just About Acupuncture

What I was reminded of is that Chinese Medicine isn’t just about acupuncture. It is a whole framework for health. A typical session might begin with a tongue and pulse check, which gives the practitioner clues about what’s happening internally. Acupuncture needles may then be placed along energy pathways to move and balance qi. Some points feel like nothing at all, others create a dull ache or zing that quickly softens into a sense of release. There can also be other therapies like cupping (placing heated cups on the skin to create suction and increase circulation), gua sha (using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin and release tension), or moxibustion (warming the skin with burning mugwort to stimulate energy flow). And of course, plenty of questions are asked about diet, sleep and stress and for females, the menstrual cycle. Because in TCM, nothing is seen in isolation, it’s all part of the bigger picture.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether acupuncture hurts. The reality is that the needles are incredibly fine, nothing like those used in blood tests or vaccinations. Sometimes you don’t feel them at all, and when you do, it’s often a heavy, warm, or slightly zingy sensation that quickly settles. Many people (myself included) actually find the whole experience deeply relaxing. If the idea of needles is still a hurdle, acupressure is a gentle alternative. This uses firm pressure on the same points instead of needles, and can even be practised at home. Points on the wrist are often used to ease nausea, while those between the eyebrows are known for calming the mind.

As a naturopath, I’ve always found that TCM aligns really well with my approach, and I see great results with clients who integrate TCM (particularly acupuncture) into their wellness routines. TCM and naturopathy both look at patterns rather than isolated symptoms. For example, if my sore shoulder was being treated, while attention may be paid to releasing tension, the acupuncturist would look at why energy is getting stuck there in the first place. It may relate to another organ, or to an emotional state I’m in. It’s the same root-cause philosophy I use with nutrition and lifestyle. I also loved hearing about how TCM works with the seasons. In summer, we naturally lean toward lighter, cooling foods and more outward energy, while in winter warming foods and rest help restore balance. These ideas are built into TCM and echo much of what I recommend nutritionally, too.

Practicing Chinese Medicine at Home

It’s empowering to know that you don’t have to be in clinic every week to benefit from Chinese Medicine. Many of its principles translate beautifully into small, everyday practices at home, such as:

• Sipping ginger tea to warm the digestive system, support circulation and ease nausea
• Using a hot water bottle or wheat bag across the abdomen to “stoke digestive fire” if things feel sluggish
• Adding fresh ginger slices to a warm bath or foot soak to boost circulation, ease tension and help the body sweat out the first signs of a cold
• Eating with the seasons: gently cooked, warming foods in winter and lighter cooling foods in summer
• Pausing for ten minutes after a meal rather than rushing straight back to work or screens to give the body space to digest

These small shifts cost very little and can make a real difference when practised consistently.

Chinese Medicine also has a lot to offer families in day-to-day health. Acupuncture is often used to calm the nervous system, ease stress and support deeper sleep. It can be a gentle but effective option for pain relief, whether that’s headaches, menstrual cramps or tight muscles. Women’s health is another area where TCM shines, with centuries of practice supporting cycles, fertility and menopause. And then there’s digestive health, which is considered central. Supporting the gut in TCM means supporting the whole system. Even for those who feel well, seasonal practices and occasional sessions can be used like a “tune-up” to keep the body balanced.

As with all natural therapies, choosing the right practitioner matters. In New Zealand, members of the New Zealand Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Society (NZCMAS) are accredited and meet safety standards. This is especially important if herbs are prescribed, as they can interact with medications. A qualified practitioner will always check for this and be happy to work alongside your GP or specialist.

Achieving Balancing

Chinese Medicine is less about quick fixes and more about re-balancing. It’s not just about easing a symptom in the moment, it’s about listening to the body’s signals, connecting the dots and supporting long-term wellbeing. And from my own experience, the best part is still the quiet moment on the acupuncture table when my breath slows, my body softens, and I feel the subtle shift as everything starts to move again. Teeny tiny needles doing their gentle work, helping energy find its flow to achieve balance.