Mind, Emotions and Body: My Advanced Training in Chinese Medicine and Mental Health
Chinese Medicine has always viewed the mind, emotions and body as one connected system. It's the part of my work I find most meaningful, and the part I've spent the last two years studying in more depth.
Where I started
When I trained in the 1990s, I learned about the links between Chinese Medicine, emotions and the spirit.
But my education was based on texts from 1970s China, and many of these ideas weren't explored in depth.
Since then, European, Australian and other Western practitioners have done considerable work connecting Eastern medical traditions with modern psychology and neuroscience. That work drew me back to study.
Two advanced programs
In 2025 I completed Transcending Trauma - Foundations & Treatment Strategies for Emotional Trauma in Sydney with Australian practitioner Sohail Farzam. It explored emotional trauma in greater depth and developed clinical perspectives for working with trauma-related concerns.
In 2026 I returned for the follow-on course, The Clinical Use of the 8 Extraordinary Vessels in Mental Health Conditions – A Journey of Self-Exploration and Transcendence.
What are the Eight Extraordinary Vessels?
In traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are described as deep reservoirs beneath the twelve main channels. They are traditionally associated with constitution, development and the deeper layers of a person. The course explored how this framework is applied in mental and emotional health, and asked each practitioner to do their own reflective work too.
Working alongside your other care
Acupuncture is not a replacement for medical or psychological care. If you're seeing a GP, psychologist or counsellor, Acupuncture can sit alongside that support, and I'm happy to work with your other practitioners.
If you need support right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Integrating it thoughtfully
I'm bringing this training into practice gradually and carefully. If you'd like to talk about whether it's relevant to you, book a session in Buderim, Sunshine Coast at timdean.com.au or call 0476 060 829.
Tim Dean, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist. Master of Applied Science (Chinese Herbal Medicine). AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist. AACMA member. 30+ years of clinical practice.
Educational content only. The information in this post is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised professional health advice. Please consult a qualified health practitioner before commencing any new exercise, dietary, or treatment programme. Dr. Timothy Dean is registered with AHPRA (Acupuncture) and AACMA.
Comments