My name is Michael Bending, I practice in Manly Vale on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. I am a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, acupuncturist, remedial and sports masseur. I take an evidence based perspective to clinical treatment and prefer an integrated medicine approach to treating health. I believe in working together with other therapists and medical professionals in achieving the best patient outcomes. I am registered with the Australian Government Health Practitioners Regulation Agency as well as being a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Michael Bending BHlthSc (UWS) Chinese
Medicine, Dip Rem Massage (ACNT)
I have been a full time triathlete and competed at national level but today I train just for fitness. I have an enquiring mind for knowledge in the field of medicine coupled with a need to serve and to help people lead a healthy and happy life. My main focus is Orthopedics (musculoskeletal injury), Dermatology, skin disorders, auto-immune or immune system disorders and fertility.
I have travelled and studied at numerous hospitals and medical clinics within China to update my clinical knowledge and continue to do so on a regular basis. I believe in an integrated health system with both western and Chinese medicine as well as other complementary medicines.
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of 3500 years or more.
Today, many people in the western world are aware of the benefits of acupuncture – mainly because of Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, where he witnessed open heart surgery being performed in a Chinese hospital using acupuncture for pain management (watch open heart surgery in a Chinese Hospital).
Far from being a treatment just for pain, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is now seen throughout the world as a valuable complimentary healthcare option that can work in parallel with western medicine – treatment of muscular skeletal, gynecological, endocrine or central nervous system problems, skin disease, headaches or general chronic health problems and many other health conditions. TCM is widely used in China within the Chinese hospital system in combination with Western Medicine.
In addition to providing treatments for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese Medicine may also be used to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention. By strengthening and enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted and a general sense of well-being promoted. TCM can also aid athletes in sport for strength and endurance.
Learn more about the Chinese Medicine+ diagnosis system
How does Chinese Medicine work – what’s involved?
Chinese Medicine uses a system that is different from Western Medicine however they are similar in many ways too. Chinese Medicine uses metaphors (Yin, Yang, Five Phases, Qi) to explain complex disease patterns (group of symptoms) in a simple way thus allowing the cause of the disease to be treated rather than just treating the symptom. Western Medicine reduces disease patterns into simplistic individual symptoms and treats the symptom.
A Chinese Medicine consultation will involve the practitioner looking at the patients tongue and also feeling the patients pulse as well as taking notes and making other clinical observations.
Generally speaking, Western Medicine is effective for treating acute illness while Chinese Medicine is used for treating chronic illness or general health. Western Medicine does work faster but there are sometimes severe side effects. This is referred to as the risk benefit ratio.
If diagnosed correctly Chinese Medicine can work quickly in some scenarios but it can also take up to 6-12 weeks before a person feels any benefit – depending upon variables such as the type of disease, persons physical condition, lifestyle, environmental influences, disease progression or duration of disease.
Chinese Medicine for Fertility and IVF Support
Chinese Government uses Chinese Medicine to control Covid-19 outbreak
Hay fever, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Allergies? A Chinese Medicine Perspective On Allergies
Our latest posts
Testimonials
Brilliant massage!
Michael always goes above and beyond to get rid of those stiff and painful places
Jennifer J.
Thanks again very much
Very easy to book and great follow up with confirmation and reminders to ensure booking wasn’t forgotten. Michael worked hard on my areas of concern and gave some terrific relief in those painful areas. He was also very generous with his time as we ran over the scheduled hour but he kept working on.
Dave K.
Highly recommended
Great service, very knowledgeable and a really lovely therapist.
Luke B.
Above and beyond
Michael has so much knowledge to share and that is great. It is clear that he genuinely cares about his clients and hence provides a unique service above and beyond remedial massage.
John H.
Definitely gets 5 stars
Always love going to Michael his massages are very good . He is patient and kind.
Jacinta B.
Great help as always
Thank you Michael. The pain is completely gone by now.
Marcela H.
Thank you
Excellent body work, and loads of knowledge as well. I felt comfortable and relaxed.
Chris C.
lucky to have found you!
Thank you so much Mike for helping me fall pregnant using Chinese medicine and combined acupuncture, I am so lucky to have found and met you. Mike also does wonderful massages!
Zoe R.
Would highly recommend!!
Michael gives an incredible massage. He is knowledgeable, skilled and effective at relieving pain and dealing with painful sports injuries. His prices are really reasonable, and he has a wonderful studio and easy booking system. Overall a great and effective treatment; would highly recommend!!
Stephanie Y.
Would recommend him to anyone
Mike is fantastic. Not only is he a thorough & wonderful masseuse, his knowledge of the body is amazing. I am a professional dancer and would recommend him to anyone.
Ebony W.
Book An Online Appointment Now
Click the below “Book Now” button which will open the Dee Why Therapeutic Centre Online booking page.
Book Now