Over the last couple of years, I’ve been dealing with persistent hand and wrist pain, likely caused by overusing my phone and computer. From doctors to creams and ointments, I’ve tried a bit of everything, and in today’s digital world, cutting back on hand usage is almost impossible.
Recently, I discovered acupuncture in San Diego and noticed significant benefits—pain relief that lasted for a few days after each session. Inspired by this, during my trip to Hong Kong, I decided to visit a Chinese medicine doctor specializing in acupuncture, Chinese herbal treatments, and holistic healing. The experience was extraordinary, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
How I Found the Doctor
This visit wasn’t planned. I stumbled upon the clinic while walking around Hong Kong Central. The signage displayed pricing in both English and Chinese, which caught my attention. Curious, I stepped inside and was pleasantly surprised by how fluent the staff were in English. Scheduling an appointment was easy, and I left the clinic excited yet a bit anxious about what to expect.
Preparing for My Appointment
Before my appointment, I exchanged some U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars since the clinic only accepted cash. Many places in Hong Kong do take credit cards, but I recommend confirming payment options beforehand and converting currency as needed.
The consultation and acupuncture session cost 480 HKD (around $65)—a reasonable price for such an experience.
The Consultation
When I arrived, Dr. Tracy, the Chinese medicine doctor, warmly welcomed me. She began by asking about my main concern, and I explained my hand pain. She provided a brief overview of acupuncture and acupressure, focusing on how they help energy, or “chi,” flow smoothly through the body. According to her, pain often results from blockages or congestion in our energy pathways.
Dr. Tracy also emphasized the importance of digestive health in overall well-being. Here are a few of her key insights:
- Eat 70-80% full: Overeating can overwhelm the digestive system.
- Prioritize breakfast: A meal between 7–9 AM helps “warm up” the body for the day ahead.
- Avoid cold foods and drinks: Consuming room-temperature or warm meals conserves the body’s energy.
- Posture matters: Sitting straight supports digestion and metabolism.
- Chew thoroughly: Proper chewing reduces the energy required for digestion.
- Stress impacts digestion: Letting go of stress and maintaining a calm mindset is essential for good health.
The Acupuncture Session
Next, I was guided to the acupuncture room. Dr. Tracy asked me to lie down and began placing needles on my head, arms, belly, and legs. The needles went in a bit deeper than I was used to from my sessions in San Diego, causing mild discomfort, but nothing unbearable.
To enhance the treatment, she positioned two heaters—one above my stomach and another near my feet—to keep me warm. The warmth felt incredibly soothing, and I quickly fell into a deep meditative state. The session lasted around 20 minutes but felt much shorter.
The Acupressure and Massage
After removing the needles, Dr. Tracy moved on to acupressure and massage. She demonstrated exercises I could do at home to alleviate pain and stress and boost energy levels. Her focus was not just on treating my pain but empowering me to manage it myself.
She started with my hands, then worked on my stomach, back, head, and legs. Along the way, she explained which meridians connect to specific organs and how certain pressure points can relieve discomfort. Her approach was incredibly thoughtful and thorough.
A Warm Goodbye
At the end of the session, which lasted about 1 hour and 20 minutes, Dr. Tracy encouraged me to message her on WhatsApp with any questions or concerns. She even invited me to return if I ever find myself back in Hong Kong. Before leaving, I impulsively bought some dried tangerine tea from their shop—a random but delightful addition to the experience.
Final Thoughts
Walking out of the clinic, I felt lighter, both physically and emotionally. The pain in my hands was gone, at least temporarily, but the real takeaway was the knowledge and insights I gained. Dr. Tracy’s warmth, kindness, and genuine care left a lasting impression on me.
If you’re ever in Hong Kong and curious about Chinese medicine, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Dr. Tracy. Her holistic approach goes beyond temporary relief, offering practical tools and wisdom to support long-term well-being.
Sometimes, the most profound experiences come from unexpected moments—like walking past a clinic and deciding to give something new a try. I’m grateful for this experience and hope it inspires you to explore holistic healing in your own journey to wellness.
Tracy S. Y. Liu – Siu Hoi Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapeutic Centre ; G/F, 116 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Wan, Hong Kong
- +852 66429967
- [email protected]
- www.siuhoi.com
If you’ve tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine before, I’d love to hear about your experience!