The Tao

Founded in China c. 500 B.C., the Tao or Dao (pronounced ‘dow’) is an ancient philosophy based on the writings attributed to Lao-Tse.  Known as ‘the Way’, the Tao forms the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is understood that the Tao is the way of nature and universe. It is the path of our natural reality about the world, our spiritual path and ourselves.

Our Name

Tao Dao is the name of a major acupuncture point and has been interpreted as ‘Way of Happiness’.

        There is no Way to Happiness

        - Happiness is the Way.

                                                           The Buddha.

The Complementary Health clinic Tao Dao in Highgate N6 (North London) was founded in 2008 by Gill Hack, an Acupuncturist and Complementary Health Practitioner.

After several years practising sports massage/bodywork in London, Gill pursued further studies in Asia, exploring the spiritual significance of massage and bodywork in Eastern cultures. She felt compelled to study acupuncture and oriental medicine after living amongst Buddhist monks in a Tibetan monastery in the Himalayas.

She later developed her own style of practice combining acupuncture with bodywork, greatly influenced by her mentor Dr Wu, a specialist at the teaching hospital in Hangzhou, China where she did her clinical training.

During her travels she was inspired by the quiet dignity, compassion and wisdom of the people she met and lived amongst - values which encapsulate the essence of Eastern philosophy.

A passion for complementary medicine combined with the desire to bring the heart of Eastern philosophy to the West was the motivating force behind Tao Dao.