Meet our practitioners

Our Team

A bearded man in a white shirt stands outdoors, smiling beside a tree near his acupuncture clinic.

Brendan Smith

Village Remedies was established by qualified Chinese Medicine Practitioner and massage therapist, Brendan Smith who has over 10 years experience in the field.

His strong understanding of how the body works was developed in his years as a massage therapist which was deepened after studying Chinese Medicine.

It was during his studies that Brendan found his interest for treating pain, both chronic and acute. Using Chinese medicine principles he uses local and distal acupuncture points, herbal medicine and massage techniques to restore strength and movement but to also improve sleep and digestion so the body can better repair and restore itself. Brendan has worked alongside practitioners from other modalities including physiotherapists and chiropractors, complementing his knowledge. 

Besides musculoskeletal problems, Brendan also has experience in treating sinus problems, digestive complaints, sleep issues and hormonal disorders.

Woman in a white shirt outdoors, with water, buildings, and a touch of TCM tranquility.

Madeleine Ong

Maddie has a strong appreciation for both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. After completing her Bachelor of Health Science this appreciation inspired her to complete a six-week program at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing in 2014. It was here she observed the integration of the two medical approaches in various fields including gynecology, diabetes, oncology, dermatology and many more. 

This integration of ideas alongside the desire to optimize the wellbeing of patients further motivated Maddie to undertake postgraduate study in Science Research. Her thesis focused on examining the pharmacological mechanisms of herbal medicine for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which is currently under examination.

Man with glasses and beard in striped shirt stands indoors near plant, framed TCM certificate.

Cameron Lockey

Cameron approaches each client at Village Remedies with care and compassion. From initial consultation, through to treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, he has brought relief to clients suffering from sleep and digestive issues, improved energy levels and reduced emotional stress, and stimulated labour induction.

He has a special interest in martial arts and sports which he applies to the treatment and recovery of musculoskeletal injuries and pain management, working with you to achieve your performance goals.

He has learnt through University and practical experience in Beijing, that treatment needs to address not only someone’s main symptom, but their overall health and wellbeing and that is what he strives to do for all his clients.

Woman with long blonde hair and glasses, smiling, promotes acupuncture against a plain background.

Millie Middis-Engelaer

Millie has been a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner for over 8 years and is also a registered and practising Midwife and Nurse with a broad range of experience of working with women from obstetric theatres as a nurse to birthing unit and postnatal wards as a midwife. Drawing on her personal journey through pregnancy and motherhood has provided her with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of women during this transformative period.

Millie has a passion for women’s health issues and is experienced at helping guide women through their fertility journeys, pregnancy, postpartum and the transition through menopause. Millie has experience using  acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for PCOS, IBS,morning sickness, natural labour preparation/induction and as an adjunct therapy to an array of assisted reproductive technologies including IVF. She is a passionate advocate for women centred care and helping women feel empowered and educated when navigating the health system. 

Millie also has experience treating a broad range of musculo-skeletal conditions including neck and back tension, sciatica, shoulder injuries and more. Millie is available for appointments in the Balmain and Sydney CBD Village Remedies Clinics  for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine consults. 

Woman smiling outdoors, with trees and buildings, evoking the calm of TCM, black and white.

Annie Guan (Xiao Yan)

Annie is a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner with Ahpra, using acupuncture and /or Chinese herbal medicine to effectively address a wide range of health issues.

Her passion for Chinese medicine was ignited when she successfully treated her allergic reactions to cats and dogs’ fur using Chinese herbs and acupuncture. This personal experience has driven her focus on digestive disorders, allergic symptoms, asthma, and other internal diseases.

Annie’s approach integrates acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to not only alleviate symptoms but also to target the underlying imbalances within the body. This offers a comprehensive approach that not only treats existing ailments but also promotes preventive care, fostering long-term health benefits.

Annie looks forward to partnering with you on your journey towards improved health and vitality through the holistic practices of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Stephanie Hanson

Stephanie is a registered acupuncturist who is deeply committed to the continued growth and wellness of her clients.  She takes time and care to create a safe and inclusive environment which welcomes rest and healing, and uses a variety of acupuncture therapies and lifestyle modifications to address the root and branch causes of disharmony.

Stephanie understands that every body is different and is passionate about creating effective, evidence-based treatment strategies built around the individual needs of her clients.  She enjoys supporting clients in achieving their health goals while empowering them to get the best out of their bodies so that they can live big busy lives!

Stephanie has experience in treating a broad range of health conditions with a special interest in female health, emotional wellbeing, digestive health and musculoskeletal pain.  

Life is about balance, as is the foundation of Chinese medicine, and Stephanie strives to experience this harmony in her own life as she works with clients on their journey towards health.