Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Homeopath, Phytotherapist (Medical Herbalist) and Functional Medicine
About Dr Debbie Smith
Are you searching for answers beyond symptom management? Many people come to me after feeling lost in an overwhelming sea of health advice, unsure of what’s truly right for them. My passion is helping people like you connect the dots, uncover the deeper causes of health challenges, and create a clear, holistic path forward—one that respects both modern science and time-tested wisdom.
I’m Dr. Debbie Smith, and my journey into natural medicine began with one simple realization: every person’s health story is unique. That understanding shaped my career and continues to guide how I work today.
Charting the Course: How It All Started
I’ve been fascinated by health and healing since my high school years, but my first experience shadowing a general practitioner left me questioning whether the conventional model was the right fit for me. It felt as if every patient, no matter how different, was handed the same few prescriptions.
Then I discovered homeopathy—a system that saw each person as an individual, not just a list of symptoms. That changed everything. I wanted to understand the whole picture of health, so I dedicated five years to studying homeopathy, graduating Cum Laude.
But my curiosity didn’t stop there. The more I learned, the more I saw how different healing traditions could work together. That led me to explore Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, opening up a completely new way of understanding the body’s natural rhythms and healing potential.
Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science
Studying Functional Medicine gave me a deeper understanding of how the body’s systems are all connected—digestion, hormones, inflammation, and energy production don’t work in isolation. At the same time, I was drawn to the precision of Chinese Medicine pulse diagnosis, a skill traditionally passed down through families.
Guided by Dr. Robert Doane, a leader in the field, I learned how to combine these techniques to develop a truly comprehensive, root-cause approach. This foundation has shaped the way I work today—blending Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Functional Medicine, and Herbal Medicine into a seamless, patient-centered strategy.
My journey continued with a two-year postgraduate program in Phytotherapy (Medical Herbalism), allowing me to integrate the therapeutic power of plant medicine into my practice.
Empathy Through Experience
Health is personal, and I understand that firsthand.
In both 2000 and 2015, I faced severe arm injuries that impacted my daily life. Like many of my patients, I had to navigate the healthcare system, weighing my options and seeking the best possible outcome. Through that experience, I developed an even deeper appreciation for the power of an integrated approach—one that blends conventional and complementary medicine for the best results.
This understanding guides how I work with my patients today. Whether it’s acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal medicine, I always aim to create a personalized plan that respects your unique health journey.
Sharing Insights & Educating Others
Beyond my practice, I’m passionate about educating and empowering people to make informed health choices. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my knowledge on platforms such as:
📺 Street Talk with Noeleen
📺 SABC1 YOTV
📺 Real Health – Medicine Cabinet
🎙 Talk Radio 702
🎙 MIX FM
🎙 Massive Metro
These experiences allow me to reach a wider audience, helping more people understand how integrative medicine can support their well-being.
Health Talks, Workshops & Courses for Everyday Well-Being
Beyond my clinical practice, I am passionate about education and empowering people with knowledge to take charge of their health. I offer talks, workshops, and courses designed to help individuals understand their health better and learn practical ways to support their well-being naturally. Covering topics such as stress management, gut health, hormone balance, and natural approaches to wellness, my sessions break down complex health concepts into simple, actionable steps. Whether through live events, online courses, or interactive workshops, my goal is to provide people with clear, science-backed insights they can use to make informed decisions about their health.
A Unique, Multi-Disciplinary Approach
With four professional registrations in Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, and Phytotherapy, I bring a unique, integrative perspective to health. This allows me to consider multiple therapeutic approaches when creating personalized strategies for my patients.
As a registered practitioner with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), my work is guided by ethical principles, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to patient well-being.
My journey in Functional Medicine began in 2012 when I became one of the first in South Africa to graduate in this pioneering field. At the time, the concept of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms was still gaining traction, but I was drawn to its scientific, whole-body approach. Studying Functional Medicine deepened my understanding of how the body’s systems—digestion, hormones, inflammation, and brain health—are all intricately connected. Today, this foundation allows me to create personalised health strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Cognitive health is another area that has shaped my approach. Seeing how conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s impact individuals and families, I pursued further training under Dr. Dale Bredesen through the Apollo Health Program. This advanced education provided me with science-backed tools to support brain health, helping individuals make proactive choices that protect memory, focus, and cognitive function. While neurodegenerative conditions can be complex, I believe that early intervention, lifestyle strategies, and targeted support can play a vital role in long-term brain health.
Pain management has been another key focus in my practice, especially after working with many patients who had tried multiple approaches with little success. To expand my skills in this area, I trained under Dr. Robert Doane, learning both the I-DNA technique for targeted pain relief and Medical Pulse Diagnosis—an advanced skill that allows for deeper insight into the body’s internal balance. These techniques provide a unique window into overall health, guiding the most effective, personalised treatment strategies.
By integrating these specialised approaches, I work with individuals to support their cognitive function, manage pain effectively, and address the underlying imbalances impacting their health. Whether through Functional Medicine, pulse diagnosis, or holistic strategies for brain health, my focus is always on creating a clear, practical, and personalized path forward for each patient.
The Official Bio - Dr Debbie Smith
Dr. Debbie Smith is a qualified homeopath, holding an M.Tech. (Hom.) Cum Laude from the University of Johannesburg. She is registered with the South African Allied Health Professions Council as a Homeopath, Acupuncturist, Phytotherapist (Herbal Medicine), and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and is a member of the Homeopathic Association of South Africa. Additionally, she has completed advanced training in Functional Medicine, further expanding her expertise in root-cause healthcare.
Committed to staying at the forefront of integrative medicine, Dr. Debbie has completed compounding and dispensing certifications as required by the South African Government and is a certified Acupuncture Practitioner. She actively keeps up with the latest research and techniques in natural and functional medicine and frequently contributes to leading health columns, radio segments, and news articles.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Debbie is a strong advocate for healthy living and an avid sports enthusiast. She has completed endurance events such as the Absa Cape Epic, Comrades Marathon, Ironman South Africa, and most recently, Ironman Denmark.
Her passion lies in identifying the root causes of health concerns, using a comprehensive approach that integrates medical pulse and tongue diagnosis, functional medicine testing, and personalized natural health strategies.
Dr. Debbie practices in Plettenberg Bay and Bryanston, Johannesburg, where she provides individualized, integrative healthcare tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Your Healing Journey Begin
Every health journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and the steps we take toward healing. My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that the body has an incredible ability to restore balance when given the right support—a belief that stems from both professional training and personal experience.
I live by what I teach—a holistic, active lifestyle that blends movement, resilience, and an integrated approach to health. Whether it’s conquering the Absa Cape Epic, Ironman South Africa, Comrades Marathon, or international endurance events like Ironman Denmark, I embrace physical challenges as an extension of well-being. But my understanding of healing took on an entirely new depth in October 2010, when I faced one of my toughest personal obstacles.
Healing Journey: From Fracture to Ironman
It was meant to be an ordinary ride—a crisp morning, the familiar rhythm of wheels on the road. But in an instant, everything changed. A severe cycling accident left me with a complete fracture of my right arm, requiring a complex surgical intervention and over 54 pins and plates to reconstruct the bone. The initial days were a blur of pain, immobility, and uncertainty—an experience I now deeply empathize with in my own patients.
Like anyone recovering from major surgery, I was presented with pain management protocols and a long rehabilitation timeline. But something in me knew that true healing required more than just managing symptoms—it required actively supporting my body’s natural recovery processes. Three days after leaving the hospital, I made a decision: I would take an integrative approach to my healing.
I leaned into the very modalities I had spent years studying—acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy—while ensuring I followed my surgeon’s recovery guidelines. Acupuncture became an essential tool in supporting circulation and movement, while targeted herbal formulations and homeopathic remedies played a role in promoting my overall recovery.
Healing wasn’t instant. There were days of frustration, setbacks, and the reality of re-learning simple movements that once felt effortless. But step by step, I reclaimed my strength. Just months after the accident, I was swimming in the Midmar Mile. Not long after, I completed my first post-injury Ironman.
This journey reinforced what I already knew but now understood on a deeper, personal level—that healing is not just about fixing what is broken, but about restoring balance, function, and vitality.
A Practice Built on Understanding & Root-Cause Healing
Today, my approach to patient care is deeply influenced by both science and lived experience. I understand that pain is not just physical—it affects mindset, motivation, and overall quality of life. This is why I emphasise getting to the root cause of health concerns, using a combination of medical pulse and tongue diagnosis, functional medicine testing, and holistic treatment strategies.
Every person’s story is different, and so is their path to wellness. Whether supporting patients in pain management, cognitive health, or overall vitality, I am committed to providing individualized, comprehensive care that aligns with their unique needs.
Healing is not just about recovery—it’s about what comes next, about moving forward with strength, clarity, and confidence. My own journey has shown me that even after great challenges, we can rebuild, recover, and thrive. And that is what I aim to support in every person who walks through my doors.
Living life to the fullest – Ironman, Cape Epic, Reunion Island