DR SZE MAY LAM

Dr. SZE MAY LAM

Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese herbal medicine practitioner | Registered Nurse

Professional Background

Caring for the Body, Healing the Heart

My years of experience as a mental health nurse have given me a profound understanding of the inseparable connection between emotional health and physical wellbeing. Today, this perspective is woven into every aspect of my TCM practice. Beyond treating symptoms, I pay close attention to each patient’s emotional state, psychological stressors, and life stage—because true healing begins there.

In my clinical work, I focus on:

Balancing the autonomic nervous system through acupuncture to ease stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
Prescribing Chinese herbal formulas that address both root causes and presenting symptoms, supporting long-term constitutional health
Drawing on my nursing background in active listening, presence, and compassionate care to create a space where patients feel truly heard and supported
Special Clinical Focus
Conception challenges and related anxiety
Postpartum recovery and emotional support
Stress-related digestive problems
Thyroid dysfunction and endocrine imbalance
Insomnia, stress-related fatigue, chronic mood fluctuations
Pain conditions
Paediatric eczema and developmental health

Qualifications

Master of Acupuncture

RMIT University

Master of Chinese Herbal Medicine

RMIT University

Master of Nursing

The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science (Physiology)

The University of Sydney

Academic Achievement

I graduated with High Distinction, achieving a GPA of 3.8 in the Master of Acupuncture and a GPA of 4.0 in the Master of Chinese Herbal Medicine.

In recognition of these results, I was awarded a place on the Vice-Chancellor’s List of Academic Excellence.

‘My clinical training shapes my approach to treatment, while personal experience has deepened my understanding of healing. Together, they guide the way I practise Chinese medicine today.’

Registered Nurse

Mental‐Health Nurse

Registered TCM Practitioner & Acupuncturist

Mother of Three

Professional Development & Specialisation

To refine and expand my practice, I have undertaken advanced training in women’s health and integrative care, including:

Fertility support and reproductive health through Kirsten Wolfe’s “Fertile Life Method”
Pain management and holistic structural adjustment with Eileen Han, lineage practitioner of Tan’s Balanced Acupuncture
Five Element Acupuncture, focusing on restoring balance of body, mind, and spirit, trained in the lineage of Judy Worsley
Applied Channel Theory, utilising meridian-based assessment to identify channel imbalances and patterns of illness, trained with Jason Robertson
Women’s skin-health protocols under cosmetic acupuncture specialist Vivian Tam

MAY’s Interview Review

Professionalism and empathy to safeguard your physical and mental balance

From Personal Experience to Professional Calling

True Understanding Comes from Walking the Path

During my second pregnancy, the intensity of my work placed significant strain on my body, triggering hyperthyroidism. The mental and physical pressure became so severe that even my obstetrician expressed concern for my gestational health. Through consistent Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture, my thyroid levels gradually returned to the normal range, and I have not required Western medicine treatment since.

This experience marked a pivotal turning point—not only in my personal health, but in my professional journey. It deepened my conviction that the Traditional Chinese Medicine principles of holistic harmony and nourishing both body and mind are not abstract philosophies, but essential foundations for modern health and long-term wellbeing.

Through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the daily realities of raising three children, my understanding of health has grown far beyond clinical training. Caring for my own children inspired a strong professional interest in paediatric growth and development, particularly in using Chinese herbal medicine to support constitution, manage paediatric eczema, and gently guide healthy physical and emotional development during early life stages. These experiences gave me a profound appreciation for the healing power of TCM and guided my transition from a nursing career into Chinese medicine. I don’t practise TCM from theory alone—I practise from understanding, compassion, and firsthand experience

Helping Women Reclaim Mind–Body Balance

As a mother of three, I deeply understand the support and understanding women need throughout life’s journey. Beyond my clinical practice, I am active in community outreach and education, promoting the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to help women achieve emotional and physical balance.

Community Outreach & Education

  • Conducted a “Women’s Cycle Wellness” Workshop for the 2024 Miss Chinese Melbourne Pageant
  • Launching paediatric Tui Na workshops and women’s health seminars
  • Hosting a Free Consultation Day to provide personalised TCM guidance for the Wyndham local community
  • Workshops focusing on emotional care for expectant mothers and sub-health management for working women

I firmly believe that a true healer does more than treat symptoms – we walk alongside you to restore inner stability and hope.

Special Seminars and Workshops Presented
by Dr May

Paediatric health and massage workshop
Women health seminars
“Women’s Cycle Wellness” workshop for the 2024 Miss Chinese Melbourne Pageant
Free consultation days for local community

Stories of Fertility Journeys ( A few to share )

CASE SHARING 1: A Journey to Motherhood in Her 40s

Presenting Situation
A woman in her early 40s came to me feeling anxious and exhausted after several IVF cycles had failed. She had met her husband in her late 30s and hoped to establish a family. She also had endometriosis, which required surgery. In her last IVF cycle, only one embryo was available for transfer. She shared with me: “This will be our last trial; if it fails, we will accept it.”

TCM Perspective
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, her patterns suggested Liver Qi stagnation, blood stagnation, and Kidney essence deficiency. These imbalances can affect reproductive health, emotional stability, and overall energy.

Treatment Approach
Our plan combined TCM and assisted reproductive care:

  • Acupuncture, moxibustion and fertility massage to improve uterine environment
  • Herbal medicine to boost reproductive energy and replenish blood
  • Collaboration with IVF specialists, including surgery to remove endometriosis
  • Embryo transfer three months post-surgery, followed by acupuncture to support implantation

Progress & Reflection
Two weeks after the embryo transfer, she received a positive pregnancy test. During pregnancy, acupuncture and herbs were used to manage morning sickness, fatigue, and lower back soreness. At 43 years old, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 3.85kg.

We continue to support her postpartum recovery, using herbal medicine to replenish blood, support uterine recovery, and enhance breastmilk production.Insight
Every fertility journey is unique. While the process may be exhausting and full of challenges, even small hope is worth nurturing in pursuit of a family dream

CASE SHARING 2: Restoring Balance Before the Next IVF Cycle

Presenting Situation
A woman in her mid-30s came to me feeling fatigued, anxious, and frustrated after two unsuccessful IVF cycles. She approached me two weeks before her next IVF cycle, requesting acupuncture only. She reported broken sleep, heart palpitations, anxiety, and a scanty menstrual flow.

In her most recent IVF cycle, only two eggs were retrieved, one embryo was available for transfer, and implantation failed. I advised her to give her body at least three months for nourishment and recovery before attempting the next cycle. She agreed and postponed her IVF by three months.

TCM Perspective
Her condition reflected Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency, which in TCM can affect reproductive function, emotional stability, and overall vitality.

Treatment Approach

  • Five Element Acupuncture was used to reconnect her body, mind, and spirit.
  • During the first session, she released emotions through crying for three days, which helped alleviate stress.
  • She received weekly acupuncture, with acupoints selected according to her menstrual phase.
  • two-week herbal medicine regimen was prescribed to replenish blood and improve egg quality prior IVF cycle.

Progress & Reflection
Her sleep improved, episodes of heart palpitations decreased, and her menstrual flow normalized. Three months later:

  • Eight eggs were retrieved, five embryos were high quality
  • One embryo was transferred successfully, resulting in pregnancy
  • Four embryos were frozen for future use

She is now pregnant and continuing TCM support to maintain her health and wellbeing throughout the pregnancy.

Insight
Taking a break from IVF is not a waste of time. Allowing your body to nourish, restore, and reconnect with mind and spirit creates the harmony necessary for new life to thrive.

CASE SHARING 3: Replenishing Vital Energy for Fertility

Presenting Situation
A woman in her early 40s came to me experiencing fatigue and menstrual irregularity. She has a 5-year-old daughter and had attempted natural conception a few years ago without success. She was considering taking a more relaxed approach.

TCM Perspective
From a TCM perspective, she presented with blood deficiency, confirmed through tongue and pulse diagnosis. In TCM, blood deficiency can affect both reproductive health and overall vitality.

Treatment Approach

  • Herbal medicine was prescribed for two weeks to replenish blood, boost energy, and warm the uterus
  • Acupuncture was used to calm the mind and improve circulation to the uterus.

Progress & Reflection
She became pregnant the following month and has been supported throughout the pregnancy with ongoing TCM care to maintain her energy and wellbeing.Insight
Classical TCM literature states: “Blood is the basis for women.” Supporting and replenishing blood will give a significant impact on fertility and overall reproductive health, illustrating the importance of nourishing both body and mind.

CASE SHARING 4: Restoring Kidney Essence in Unexplained Infertility

Presenting Situation
A woman in her late 30s presented with anxiety, severe sciatica, fatigue, and insomnia. She had been trying to conceive naturally for over five years. Despite multiple medical examinations and imaging, no significant abnormalities were found, and she was classified as having unexplained infertility.

Her husband had undergone a kidney transplant the previous year. She declined IUI and IVF treatment and sought Traditional Chinese Medicine as her final option. I advised allowing 3–6 months to nourish her body and prepare for conception. A semen analysis was also recommended to assess sperm quality.

TCM Perspective
From a TCM perspective, her presentation reflected Kidney Essence (Jing) deficiency, which can affect reproductive capacity, musculoskeletal health, emotional stability, and sleep quality.

Treatment Approach

First Month

  • Weekly acupuncture to manage severe sciatica and reduce anxiety
  • Herbal medicine prescribed to nourish Kidney Essence and strengthen the lower back

Second and Third Months

  • Acupuncture and herbal medicine focused on warming the uterus and supporting egg quality
  • Her husband also received acupuncture treatment to enhance vitality and support sperm quality

Progress & Reflection
Her sciatica gradually improved, and she regained energy for daily activities. The sleep and anxiety levels also improved significantly. After four months of treatment, she conceived naturally. Acupuncture and herbal medicine were continued to support her throughout the pregnancy.

Insight
Embryo quality depends on both egg and sperm health. In modern society, sperm quality has been declining, potentially influenced by environmental toxins, plastic exposure, and sedentary lifestyles. A holistic fertility approach considers and supports both partners to optimise conception outcomes.

A Message from Your Practitioner

Supporting women through their fertility journey is at the heart of my work. I understand how long, tiring, and emotionally challenging this path can be—whether facing repeated disappointment, loss, or IVF attempts. In my practice, traditional Chinese medicine is not only about supporting conception, but also about gently restoring balance, resilience, and hope, both physically and emotionally.

Every time I receive the message, “I’m pregnant,” I am reminded that pregnancy is rarely the result of one moment or one treatment. It grows from patience, ongoing care, and resilience—often just when someone feels close to giving up. My role is to walk alongside you with understanding, compassion, and respect for your unique journey, helping your body and mind find its balance step by step.

Scroll to Top