Robert Chu is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, specializing in the Master Tung Acupuncture methods.


Profile of Alan's Mentor Dr Robert Chu in USA 

Robert Chu Is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

Maria Mercati is the originator of the concept of combining Acupuncture and Tui Na for a unique and powerful therapy for the control of pain and the promotion and maintenance of good health.

Profile of Alan's Tui Na Teacher Maria  Mercati

Tui Na Teacher Maria Mercati

Alan Orr Acupuncture Master Tung study, LA USA Clinical Training Trip with Robert Chu

LA USA Clinical Training Trip 

Robert Chu is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, specializing in the Master Tung Acupuncture methods.

In his private practice in Los Angeles, he effectively treats pain, a wide variety of internal diseases, gynecological disorders, infertility, and side-effects from cancer treatments. Dr. Chu regularly volunteers at Pasadena’s Cancer Support Community, where he does a weekly Qi Gong/Stress reduction class and monthly lifestyle/nutrition class. He has also been featured as a speaker for the American Cancer Society. In July of 2004, Dr. Chu was selected as the Acupuncturist to Olympic athletes at the Olympic Trials held in Sacramento, CA.

Dr. Chu also lectures nationally and abroad on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to provide continuing education to MD’s and Acupuncturists. In 2005, he founded ITARA – International Tung’s Acupuncture Research Association, to preserve, standardize, educate, and research new applications of the Tung family system of Acupuncture with integrity, and open sharing. ITARA has now grown with branches throughout the United States, Canada, UK. NZ and Finland.

He has lectured at known Acupuncture Colleges throughout the US, and has lectured to Finland, the U.K., Canada, France, and Spain, as a dynamic and entertaining speaker.

He is presently on the faculty at Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, teaching students in the Doctorate program. He also supervises externs at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank, CA.

Dr. Chu is also a famous Chinese Martial artist. He is a second generation disciple of 

 (叶问), and studied with Master Hawkins Cheung and Kwan Jong Yuen. He is famous for being the subject of many magazines including 

, has also written many articles, co-authored 

, featured in instructional DVDs and is currently on the cover of

He is equally famous for his Long Pole (棍) and Double Knives (双刀) skills, and is also expert in 

 (跌打科) skills. He is balanced with attainments in Scholarly and Martial Achievements (文武双成) in ancient Chinese ideals.

Alan has been a disciple of Dr Robert Chu for over 20 years, learning Martial arts, Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture and herbs from his teacher and mentor. 

Maria Mercati is the originator of the concept of combining 

 for a unique and powerful therapy for the control of pain and the promotion and maintenance of good health.

Maria Mercati is the most authoritative and innovative teacher in this field today and has been teaching and practising acupuncture and Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage and Manipulation in Cheltenham for over 25 years. Students come from all over the world to benefit from her individualized and highly effective training style. She has also treated thousands of patients.

She is committed to furthering the educational standards of acupuncturists. In 1996 she was nominated for an award for her teaching of Chinese Medicine by the European Union of Women.

Since 1992, she has studied acupuncture in China 14 times at TCM hospitals in Shanghai, Weihai, Beijing, Xian, Jinan and Hangzhou.

In 1993, she accompanied the Cheltenham Mayor – Jim Pennington to Weihai, Cheltenham’s twin town, on an official visit.

Maria has written a number of books on Chinese Medicine as well as Thai Massage, in which Alan has appeared. 

Alan studied courses and privately with Maria seeing her as a great inspiration in his development. 

“A life changing experience! The skills I learnt at the Bodyharmonics Centre have allowed me to build a very successful practice in London. I could have never achieved this without the excellent teaching I received on the courses. Maria Mercati is truly an inspiration!'   

Jan 2024 Trip to LA was a great success. 

Training with Dr Chu at his clinic in Pasadena Los Angeles

Acupuncture and Herbal training in the Master Tung Acupuncture methods with my mentor Robert Chu. Plus, clinical experience watching him treat patients. 

It is always amazing watching a true master in action. Dr Chu treated a number of patients and every time the results were outstanding. He is able to clearly relate to the patient on many levels and treat them very efficiently. It is always joyful to see patients change from the results of treatments.  His knowledge seems unlimited, but he treats patients in a humble and respectful manner. 

It was very exciting to Master Tung's acupuncture being used as I sure he would have wanted it to be. Dr Chu taught his insights into Classical Tung's points but also his addition to this amazing system. 

Recent Articles

Profile of Alan's Mentor Dr Robert Chu in USA

Profile of Alan's Tui Na Teacher Maria Mercati

LA USA Clinical Training Trip