After graduating from the University of East Anglia in Biological Sciences I worked as an ecologist. I was drawn to the ecological principles which underlay Chinese medicine. This led to a study of acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in Leamington Spa. On graduating in 1981, we opened the Natural Health Clinic as I was interested to work alongside and learn from other therapies.

After 10 years as an acupuncturist, I began to feel I was working with only part of Chinese Medicine and studied Chinese herbal medicine in London at the School of Chinese Herbal Medicine. After another 5 years working with both acupuncture and herbs, I became president of The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) www.rchm.co.uk. My aim at this time was to improve the ecological sustainability and quality of herbal product being given to patients.In 2005, I set up the Approved Suppliers Scheme to audit suppliers for the RCHM to ensure safe delivery of herbal products to patients.

On return I established the Bristol Chinese Herb Garden in 2000 which is located at the University of Bristol Botanic garden. The garden is used for teaching and research into Chinese herbal medicine. It is attempting to combine traditional use with modern science in the field of ethno pharmacology.