Hong Kong fencer blends traditional Chinese and Western medicine for peak performance
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
In the third instalment of a Health Matters series on traditional Chinese medicine, Aidyn Fitzpatrick explores how Hong Kong athletes are combining TCM with Western medicine for smarter injury recovery. The feature highlights fencer Janelle Leung Ya-lei, who used acupuncture to recover from an ankle injury seven days before the Cairo Foil World Cup, ultimately helping Hong Kong win bronze at the 2026 Asian Games.
Key Points
- Janelle Leung Ya-lei, ranked 53rd in the world in women's foil, helped Hong Kong clinch bronze in the team event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan .
- In April 2026, Leung sustained a partial tear to her ankle ligament only seven days before the Cairo Foil World Cup, with limited access to her regular medical team .
- The 21-year-old used acupuncture on specific points each night after training to improve ankle blood flow and reduce swelling and pain, allowing her to compete .
- Leung is studying at Baptist University's Bachelor of Chinese Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science programme, which she entered in 2023 .
- TCM practitioner Dr Cheung Yung treats runners with sprained ankles and torn calf muscles, hikers with Achilles pain, and court sport players with knee complaints .
Why It Matters
This integrated approach reflects Hong Kong's unique position as a cross-cultural hub where Eastern and Western medical traditions coexist naturally . As more athletes like Leung demonstrate successful hybrid recovery methods, it could reshape how sports medicine is practiced across Asia and influence broader healthcare integration in the city .
This integrated approach reflects Hong Kong's unique position as a cross-cultural hub where Eastern and Western medical traditions coexist naturally . As more athletes like Leung demonstrate successful hybrid recovery methods, it could reshape how sports medicine is practiced across Asia and influence broader healthcare integration in the city .