Dr. Felice Chan Joins ‘Well with Arielle Lorre’ to Explain How Eastern and Western Medicine Can Finally Work Together

If you’ve ever wondered why one doctor prescribes antibiotics while another recommends herbal tea, Well with Arielle Lorre sits down with Chinese medicine doctor Dr. Felice Chan to point out that we don’t actually have to pick a side.

For years, Western medicine has been characterized by precision, laboratory results, and measurable data. Eastern medicine, on the other hand, leans into intuition, energy, and the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Both have their strengths, but Dr. Chan believes the real magic happens when you blend the two.

“There’s always a time and a place for medication,” she says. “But understanding why the body is acting a certain way and letting it heal naturally can create a stronger foundation of health.”

Eastern Medicine & Western Medicine Can Co-Exist

How her journey bridged East and West

Dr. Chan’s story begins in Hong Kong, where traditional Chinese medicine wasn’t just a trend—it was a way of life. Growing up in a culture that valued herbs, acupuncture, and balance shaped her perspective on health. Later, when she began shadowing an oncology neurosurgeon and working at Boston Children’s Hospital, she got a firsthand look at the other side of the equation.

“I was studying to become an allopathic doctor,” she says, “but I realized there was a deeper way to understand how the body works.” That realization led her to pursue her doctorate in Chinese medicine, blending scientific training with holistic wisdom.

The result? A philosophy that respects both data and intuition. “I learned to appreciate the precision of Western science,” Dr. Chan says, “but I also saw how ancient practices like acupuncture and herbs could bring balance back to systems modern medicine sometimes overlooks.”

Why Eastern medicine matters

If you’ve ever dismissed Eastern medicine as “woo-woo,” Dr. Chan gets it—but she’s here to change your mind. “It’s really about balance,” she says. “Western medicine focuses on symptoms; Eastern medicine looks at the root cause.” Instead of just treating a headache, for example, she examines what your body is trying to say—maybe it’s dehydration, stress, or even emotional stagnation.

“Sometimes you need antibiotics, and sometimes you just need to rest and support your qi,” Dr. Chan explains. Qi, in Eastern philosophy, refers to the body’s life force or energy flow, and it is described as the quiet current that keeps everything running smoothly.

Her approach also emphasizes the gut as the center of overall wellness. “Our gut is the foundation of our immune system,” Dr. Chan says. “It affects mood, hormones, even our skin.” When she compares her own gut health to that of her twin sister—who spent childhood on antibiotics—the difference is striking. “We’re identical twins, but our microbiomes are completely different,” she explains. “That’s how powerful the gut really is.”

How to make it practical

While acupuncture and herbal formulas might sound intimidating, Dr. Chan insists that incorporating Eastern practices into your everyday life doesn’t have to be complicated. “You can start small,” she says. “Drink warm water instead of iced drinks, eat cooked foods, and pay attention to how your digestion feels.”

In Chinese medicine, digestion is seen as a warm, active process—and cold drinks can “dampen” that fire. “We’re warm-blooded,” she reminds listeners. “Our digestion needs warmth to move and absorb nutrients efficiently.”

Another easy entry point? Daily mindfulness. “Stress stagnates qi,” she explains. “When you breathe, slow down, and stay present, you’re helping energy flow freely.” Whether that’s a short walk after lunch or five quiet minutes in the morning, Dr. Chan believes those moments create ripple effects throughout the body.

The beauty connection

Eastern medicine also influences the aging process. Dr. Chan specializes in cosmetic acupuncture, a treatment she describes as “everything your face needs for longevity.” Instead of freezing muscles like Botox, acupuncture stimulates collagen production, improves blood flow, and activates muscles to create a natural lift and radiance. “It’s not about perfection,” she says. “It’s about vitality.”

That vitality, she believes, is what makes someone truly glow—from the inside out. And while consistency is key, the results speak for themselves. “It just takes patience and commitment,” she adds. “But the body always responds when we give it the chance.”

Finding your own balance

You can respect modern medicine and still believe in the wisdom of your grandmother’s remedies. As Arielle and Dr. Chan reveal, it’s about creating harmony. “When East and West come together,” Chan says, “you’re giving your body the best of both worlds.”

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