What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? A Beginner’s Guide to an Ancient Medical System (Senior College in the Community)

In today's Senior College in the Community presentation, participants will receive a clear introduction, no assumptions of prior knowledge, on the core themes of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). John Alsobrooks, of Little Dragon Integrative Medicine, will be here to teach about the historical roots and development of TCM and how it differs and overlaps with Western biomedicine. This presentation will look at the core pillars of acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, movement, and lifestyle while also going over what a first visit with a TCM practitioner would look like. 

John Alsobrooks earned a bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Maine before spending over a decade in Beijing studying and practicing both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine. He completed his medical degree at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2012–2017), specializing in Acupuncture, Tuina, and Moxibustion, and pursued advanced post-graduate training at the Wang Ju-Yi Applied Channel Theory Research Center (2018–2021). He continues ongoing clinical training in China, most recently completing a month-long intensive program in 2025 at Ling Lan Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic. With a strong foundation in athletics and martial arts, John is also certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer, Exercise is Medicine® Specialist, and brings extensive experience in meditation and Qi Gong instruction to his clinical practice.

Those who wish to attend will have the option of doing so in person, in the Androscoggin Community Room, or virtually.   For more information or to register (requested if attending in person, required if attending via Zoom), visit https://laseniorcollege.org/.  Everyone who registers will receive a link to Zoom in their email on the morning of the class and may attend either in person or by Zoom if desired.

This presentation is part of a speaker series entitled Senior College in the Community offered through a partnership with Lewiston Auburn Senior College.  Lewiston Auburn Senior College has a long-standing relationship with community partners.  In addition to this program, Senior College offers in-person, Zoom, and hybrid enrichment classes.  For more information about Senior College, visit https://laseniorcollege.org/.