Practitioner in Chinese herbal medicine — Malika Meddings

For Malika, herbalism is not just a profession, but a way of being. Find out more about her journey into herbalism and how her role has developed

What degree did you study?

I graduated with a diploma in Chinese herbal medicine from the White Crane Academy.

How did you get your job?

I started working with a professional association that regulates Chinese herbal medicine, which allowed me to build a strong network within the field. From there, I met Andrew Flower from the White Crane Academy. His work inspired me, and I knew it was the right moment to delve deeper into herbal medicine. That connection, along with the relationships I built with other herbalists, opened up pathways to both refine my craft and set up my own practice.

I now run my own clinic, Dian Healthcare, based in Norwich, where I combine Chinese herbal medicine with acupuncture, shiatsu and craniosacral therapy.

What's a typical working day like?

A full clinic day begins with preparation, reviewing my clients’ cases so that I'm ready for each person. Working in this field requires creativity and deep focus, so I rely on Qigong meditation to ground me before and after each session. I see up to five clients, both in-person and online, with time in between to focus on writing their bespoke formulas and arranging for their delivery.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What truly lights me up is witnessing a transformation in the clinic. Those moments of realisation, when I can see a treatment programme is on track and my clients are feeling the shifts, bring immense joy.

I am also deeply inspired by the variety of cases I work with. In caring for people with more multilayered presentations, I find the level of reflection and continued learning to be vitalising. The connection I have with my supervisors also means that I am enriching my understanding of healing and nature further.

What are the challenges?

Managing the many aspects of running a clinic while ensuring that each client gets my full attention can be challenging. It took time to settle into a rhythm, but I've learned to space my day in a way that allows for reflection and thorough care for each individual. I have also created times in my calendar when I go on retreat to restore my batteries, which has been a game-changer.

How is your degree relevant?

My diploma in Chinese herbal medicine is the backbone of my practice. It gave me a deep understanding of nature's healing powers and a framework to connect with the body’s innate ability to heal. The knowledge I gained continues to evolve with each new experience in the clinic, and my other modalities, like acupuncture and shiatsu, build upon that foundation.

How has your role developed?

My role has developed as I've deepened my connections within the herbalist community and taken on more diverse cases. I've also introduced palliative care into my practice, which has brought a new level of depth to the way I work with clients.

Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to grow, not just as a practitioner but also as a writer and creating learning spaces, sharing knowledge and exploring new developments in the healing arts. The ever-evolving nature of this profession means there’s always room for growth, for both mind and spirit.

What advice can you give to others wanting to become a herbalist?

• Trust your instinct - If you feel called to herbal medicine, chances are that you’re already a healer at heart. The right time and space will come for that part of you to blossom.
• Stay connected to nature - Herbalism is rooted in understanding nature, and being connected with that energy will deepen your practice.
• Seek community - Building a network of fellow practitioners creates a rich space for growth and learning. I’ve found great strength in being part of a wider community where knowledge and support are constantly shared.

Find out more

• Read all about being a herbalist.
• Take a look at the healthcare sector.