Lilja was brought up in South London, and has had an interest in complementary and natural healthcare since she can remember.  At school she was fascinated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and Acupuncture, and did some work experience with a practitioner of TCM herbs and acupuncture, but decided to delay working in this field until she had more life experience.  She subsequently experienced dramatic results with acupuncture first-hand, when she was suffering from severe glandular fever as a teenager.

In an attempt to answer some of her million questions about how life works, she studied the three sciences to A-Level, and completed a BSc in Environmental Science with Agricultural Ecology, going on to work for several years in the field of sustainable development.  The links between holistic sustainability and holistic health became more and more apparent through her work, and indeed Traditional Chinese Medicine has always included an awareness of man's relationship with his environment.  Her scientific background stood her in good stead when finally embarking on the degree in TCM Acupuncture, which involved a great deal of western science and medicine in parallel with the principles and practice of TCM.  

Lilja is half Icelandic, and has travelled extensively in Asia, including travel and study/work experience in China, and she is (still) trying to learn Mandarin.