About Sherpa

The term Sherpa is derived from the Sherpa Language ཤར shar (east) and པ pa (people).

It is used to describe a group of people who migrated to Nepal from Eastern Tibet and because Sherpas have live in one of the world’s highest regions for thousands of years (high Himalayan Mountain regions of Nepal), they are thought to have undergone generic adaptations that enables them to gain an advantage when in high altitudes with low oxygen.

Because Sherpas have lived in the high Himalayan Mountain regions for many years, they are naturally advanced mountaineers and experts at local mountainous terrain. Hence, the reason why Sherpas have been a perfect guide for the first expeditions up Mount Everest.

We named our clinic Sherpa because we want to be the guide when it comes to our patients’ health and well-being.

Here at our clinic, we provide full range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments rather than just focusing on acupuncture – Hence, we named our clinic TCM rather than acupuncture.

We endeavour to provide the best treatment possible for our patients with comprehensive range of TCM methods directed by our Director Sejin.

Meet the Team

SEJIN AHN

Principal TCM Practitioner/ Chinese Medicine Herbalist

Sejin graduated from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine with a Masters degree in Clinical Medicine. She has worked in both public and private hospitals for 5 years in China before migrating to New Zealand in 2018. As a second generation Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Sejin managed TCM department together with her mother in a general hospital in Beijing, China.

Sejin has extensive knowledge and clinical experiences in both musculoskeletal and internal disorders and specialises in gynaecology. Always putting herself in her patient‘s shoes, she endeavours to make a clinic that heals both patient’s body and mind.

Sejin speaks English, Mandarin, and Korean.

Bogeum Lee

Principal TCM Practitioner / Chinese Medicine Herbalist

Bogeum studied in China and completed her master’s in Chinese Medicine and worked at a general hospital in Beijing, China. She has accumulated numerous clinical experiences for over 20 years with various treatment methods including that of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine.

Bogeum’s specialty lies in prescribing herbal medicines by distinguishing the constitutional differences between different types of patients and her primary treatments include pain treatment, growth treatment, infertility, menstrual irregularity, and various internal disorders such as cold, irritable colitis and gastrointestinal disorder.

Her specialty treatments include moxibustion, dinosaur acupuncture, Simchen bloodletting, meridian toxin release therapy, acupuncture, and cupping.

Bogeum came to New Zealand a year ago and is adapting to Kiwi lifestyle. Bogeum can speak English, Korean, and Mandarin.

WILLIAM CHANG

Senior TCM Practitioner

William graduated from the New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, and as an ACC-accredited Acupuncturist and a member of NZASA, he specializes in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, non-pain conditions, and stress and lifestyle imbalances.

He relies on his palpation skills and touch to understand body imbalances. Combined with gentle needling techniques, he utilizes cupping and acupressure massage (Tuina) to maximize patients’ self-healing mechanisms.

William is fluent in English, Mandarin and several other Chinese dialogues.

ALLY KIM

Senior Beauty Therapist / Massage Therapist

Ally graduated from Beauty Design College in South Korea, where she worked as a beauty and massage therapist. After spending her junior years specialising in Korean Medi spa techniques, sports balance massage, and pre & postnatal massage, she came to New Zealand in 2015.

Ally’s specialty are Medispa treatments of face including frequent breakouts, acne, enlarged pores, acne scars, and lifting/wrinkle improvement. Combined with specialty skin devices, products, and hand techniques, she helps her clients gain confidence in their appearance.

Ally speaks English and Korean.

Dave Lim

Senior Physiotherapist

Dave is a NZ-trained physiotherapist with a wealth of experience spanning various areas in both public hospitals and private clinics. His dedication is evident through his diverse expertise in Musculoskeletal (MSK), Neurological, Orthopedic, Respiratory, Long-term Rehab (AT&R), and Amputation gait trainig.

Dave is renowned for providing a wide range of interventions, including but not limited to manual therapy, postural correction, sports taping, dry needling, and exercise prescription. Notably, he specializes in core training, ensuring patients’ reinjury prevention.

Beyond his clinical experience, Dave’s profound background in sports and exercise sets as a high-end level player and trainer, acheiving a golf teaching professional license and a TPI golf trainer certificate through playing in a semi-professional league. Additionally, holding a black belt in Taekwondo and being a certified Pilates instructor.

Dave’s expertise offers non-ACC treatments in various specialized areas
– Cosmetic beauty postural correction. E.g. O shape, X shape knee corrections
– Spinal deformity management. E.g., Scoliosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
– Post-operation rehabilitation. Hip/knee replacements, spinal surgeries, and skin/burn plastic surgeries
– Neurological rehabilitation after strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
– Arthritic conditions, including Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dave speaks English and Korean.

Akane Matsumoto

Physiotherapist

Akane was born in Japan and grew up in Christchurch. She graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2020. Following her graduation, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise through her work in both rural and urban hospitals. Her experience spans various clinical domains, including Musculoskeletal (MSK), General Surgery, General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Cardiothoracics, and Older People’s Health.

Akane firmly believes in delivering holistic care to her clients, always keeping their personal goals at the forefront. She recognizes the significance of pain-free movement and its direct link to one’s Quality of Life. Her approach involves identifying the root causes of injuries and prioritizing re-injury prevention. She achieves this through a combination of manual therapy techniques, tailored exercise prescriptions, and comprehensive patient education.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Akane leads an active lifestyle. She was a competitive rhythmic gymnast, securing numerous national championship titles, and was a long-standing representative of New Zealand in the sport. In her leisure time, she continues to nurture her passion for physical activities, engaging in pursuits such as bouldering, rock climbing, and hiking.

Akane is proficient in English and Japanese, and possesses a basic understanding of French.