My Visit to a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Doctor in Beijing
91View On the Great Wall
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing
High on my list of things to do when I visited Beijing, China, was to have a check-up done by a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor. Is it possible to be diagnosed without taking off my clothes, without a blood test, and without x-rays? Yes, it is possible. It is also possible to enjoy a bit of a snicker when one man in my group gets his very disturbing but accurate diagnosis. The smirking and snickering didn't last long because this man rose to his diagnosis like...well, like a real man.
This is how it all happened:
I signed up for a visit to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Bejing. Along the way, nine other people joined me and the tour guide. The others were a couple from England, and seven engineers from India and Bangladesh, who were on a day outing sponsored by their corporate branch in China.
Throughout our tour, our charming tour guide gave us a running commentary. She told us that a large part of the basis for TCM comes from Daoism. The Yellow Emperor composed the 'Basic Questions of Internal Medicine' during his reign from around 2696 to 2598 BC.
At the TCM facility, staff members in white uniforms gave us a tour and a lecture. We were told two mutually dependent forces known as ying and yang represent the energy of the universe. The body is believed to be a microcosmic representation of ying and yang. Additionally, qi (pronounced chee), is the vital energy that flows through the body by way of a network of channels known as meridians. These meridians contain active points that are used first to diagnose - then to treat. We were then invited to visit doctors who would diagnose us through the use of pulse-taking and a tongue diagnosis.
The ten of us went to a waiting room where the modalities were discussed. The treatment modalities of TCM include herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and moxibustion. The nurses told us we would visit with the four doctors waiting for us. It was at this time our most charming tour guide told us what a real TCM doctor should look like.
First, a TCM doctor should be much older as it takes years to study the practice. Next, she told us that gray hair is desirable as proof of age. The most interesting feature was the stomach - it should have a small pouch. A TCM doctor with a small stomach pouch proves that he knows how to breathe properly. For example, when you take a deep breath you should fill your stomach with air and that should be noticeable.
I sat next to the young woman from Birmingham, England and she became panicky. She told me that she was sure the doctor was going to tell her that she drank way too much and at only 19 years of age she had a problem. Sure enough, when I caught up with her later, she told me her doctor said her liver was bad! She vowed to drink more water, and wait until she got back to England because there, medical care should she need it, would be free. Her partner, a young man of 20, bounced out from his checkup with an excellent bill of health. She told me, she wasn't surprised because he is one of those people who may have a drink with a meal, exercises regularly and even eats properly. For some reason, this annoyed her.
My turn came. It took less than five minutes for the doctor to diagnose me. First, he checked my pulse. The accompanying nurse told me that, historically, rich women had no intentions of taking off their clothes to be diagnosed - so doctors developed diagnostic skills based on external signs. I was asked to rest my wrists on a pad on the desk with palms facing up. I was told that unlike in Western medicine where only two fingers are used to take the pulse, in TCM, three fingers are used - the index, middle and ring fingers. Gentle pressure is applied to different points on the wrist which correspond to the internal organs.
Next, the doctor looked at my tongue which had a bit of cookie on it but that did not matter. The nurse explained that tongue diagnosis ranks second to the pulse diagnosis. Different parts of the tongue relates to different parts of the body. The root of the tongue relates to the kidney and bladder, the center relates to the stomach and spleen, the sides relate to the liver and gall bladder, and the very tip relates to the heart. Other issues are considered too, such as the color, if the tongue is cracked and for how long, and the person's age.
MY diagnosis? My doctor told me I had pain across my back and shoulders as well as a serious case of brain fog. This was true. In fact I have had a pain, particularly in my right shoulder, for so long that I no longer think about it. The pain comes and goes, is not debilitating, and I figured it came with carrying heavy shoulder bags and I've made an effort to not carry bags on the right shoulder. With the brain fog, I considered that part of being overworked as a teacher, traveling from S. Korea to China, and then a couple days later to New York City - and carrying around my laptop which was adding pressure to my shoulder. Nevertheless, I bought a two months supply of herbal medicine. The results? For the first time in many years, after taking the herbs, the shoulder pain, along with the brain fog, went away and hasn't come back. That was two years ago.
The fun diagnosis about the man, that had everyone snickering, happened when I came out of my doctor's office; the incredibly good looking engineer in his 20's was sitting, staring and smiling at his co-worker who was in his 40's. I asked the tour guide what was up and with a smile she told me. It turns out that the diagnosis of the engineer in his 40's was...you've waited for this...he was told that he was impotent, and could not satisfy his wife. But here's where this man gets everyone's respect. While a few of us waited, smirking around, for our herbal prescriptions - this included me, an amazing thing happened. We were so impressed that this impotent gentleman was handed two giant shopping bags with herbs. Yes, he had bought a year's supply - and he didn't care if we knew it. He even asked a nurse if he should see another doctor in case there was something, anything else, he could do. One of his friends helped him carry his big shopping bags of herbs out to our bus.
About those herbs. When I got to the U.S., before I took the herbs, I decided to do some research about the herbs used in my prescription. Herbs play a major role in TCM and are divided into three categories as follows:
Upper Herbs - which includes ginseng root, cinnamon, sweet gum fruit, ginger, peony root, Sichuan pepper, and leaves and fruits.
Middle Herbs - which are strong and may have side effects, and include clerodendrum, wormwood/mugwort, field mint, loquat, spindle fruit, and fossil bone.
Lower Herbs - these herbs are toxic and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. These herbs include opium poppy, persica, forsythia, evodia, Japanese honeysuckle, and ephedra (ma huang). The reason I highlighted 'ephedra' is because this toxic drug was placed on the market in dietary supplement form and sold to the general population. This should have never been. After doing much harm and even causing death, the supplement was pulled in 2004 by FDA recommendation.
Note: TCM practices are not to be confused with herbs bought off the shelf at a vitamin shop. There is no relationship to a visit to a trained doctor who dispenses a formula that will most likely be from the 'upper herbs' category, to a manufacturer who can package a supplement and put it on the shelf with no oversight. Ephedra is from the 'lower herb' category - and should only be used under the supervision of a trained herbalist. Lower herbs are meant to treat serious disorders. The dietary supplement ephedra, often a synthetic version - as are many dietary supplements, was marketed as a weight loss supplement, and to increase energy, and enhance athletic performance.
My perfectly safe herbal formula included ren shen, gui zhui, gan jiang, etc. In English, those translate to ginseng root, cinnamon, and ginger. I seem to remember licorice in there but all my herbs came from the 'upper herb' category and the way they were formulated - they worked!
While our tour did later include a lecture on acupuncture (and we remembered the reference to 365 principal points or channels because it corresponded to how many days in the year), by this time we didn't care at all because we were getting hungry and a little rowdy. We had to be fed as soon as possible. Then it was on to the Great Wall which was just astounding! Wow!
For further information about the Great Wall, my visit to the jade factory to get a lucky bok choy, and other facts about my visit, and research, please see the links below.
A MUST See When in Beijing
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For Prosperity Pick Up a Jade Bok Choy
- My Good Luck Jade Bok Choy Purchased in Beijing
Almost a year before the Olympics in Beijing, I found myself on a tour bus in Beijing, China. There were 10 of us on our way to see the Great Wall as well as a visit to doctors of TCM (Traditional...
Why the Number 8 is Lucky in China
- Why is Number 8 a Lucky Number?
While traveling in picturesque Beijing a year before the 2008 Olympics, my fun tour guide talked about lucky numbers. The number 8 was and is considered a very lucky number. She explained that this is the...
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Thank you Violet Sun. I'm with you there - I have given up on this medical/pharmaceutical industry that pushes the most toxic drugs on earth. It pains me to see the sickness of people in their 50s and 60s - they can barely walk and function and every single one is taking some type of prescription medicine.
I had the best time in China and met such a fun group. We had so much fun hanging out that day. I fell in love with the impotent guy because he was so...so honest.
Of course the TCM doctors all told us prevention is the best route and that is done by eating the right foods and in season.
Thanks so much for commenting!
This was so cool BkCreative. You continually amaze me with your wealth of knowledge and travel experiences. I had no idea there was a such thing as upper, middle, and lower herbs.
I appreciate how you broke them down and explained what they consisted of and how some may be used.
Excellent information!
Wow..what an interesting experience, BK! It's great to hear about this subject from someone who has some experience with it!
Beside the correct fact that sometimes Chinese Medicine uses strange components, and the even more correct fact that these days everything that comes from China seems to be polluted, I think the greatest reason for having so much difficulties in finding a TCM doctor in the West derives from the fact that they are usually pretty successful in a short time. Is it better to solve an impotency problem or to have someone to take Viagra for the rest of his life? Or is it better to solve quickly a brain fog or to have someone to go for years to a psychotherapist?
Very beautiful and interesting hub BKCreative. Rated and stumbled. Well done. :)
This must have been quite some experience! Have you tried Ayurveda? The medicines are herbal with this system as well, but they smell to high heavens and are very pungent. Although I must add they work!
These Chinese doctors are fantastic. I had that done in Toronto, Canada, which has the biggest Chinese population outside China. I had an infected ear and she too put her three fingers on my pulse. She gave me drops and the moment I put it there it tried up and then healed. She also gave a collection of herbs for a brew to drink. I swear by their medecines.
Fantastic. There is no doubt there is something about TCMs.
What a lovely hub. Thank you BkCreative.
I myself have not gone to a TCM but a few of my friends have and they too had fantastic visits so I would make it a point to go to one when I go to China, one day.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Veronica Allen! It was such a wonderful experience. I truly wanted to experience TCM and I felt China was the best place on earth to do it. And I always run in to such fun people in my travels. There is no shortage of wonderful people in the world. I had no idea about the different levels of herbs - it makes sense. And I have to say - the amount of information given to us that day was overwhelming - there is so much to TCM! Whew!
You're welcome Ann Nonymous! I always like to see for myself and I was not disappointed. And had a fun day!
Yes, please solve the impotency problem - I agree with you hypnodude - there is always a cause! A medication that you may be stuck on for life can be doing nothing at all but suppressing the causes, - then there is the high costs and the side effects. And my brain fog is gone!
Ayurveda is amazing, Cashmere! My dear friend had a serious skin problem. She used every treatment on the market. Finally, she went to a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine and was told she should never eat corn (which she loves) - she gave up the corn - and her skin started clearing up immediately and is perfect today - and this was years ago! Fortunately, I live in NYC where we have access to legitimate TCM and Ayurvedic Practitioners!
Thanks for your input Hello, hello! I'm glad you shared your success story. And I'm so happy hubbers are spreading and sharing healthy information.
No doubt Rudra - I'm sold. When I lived in S. Korea I had acupuncture done and it cleared up my head immediately. I had no idea that somewhere around my nasal passages something was not right - you just get used to breathing a certain way. My sinuses have remained clear since and that was over 3 years ago.
You're very welcome msorensson! It feels so good to know that I can still be so awed - and healed in the process - and with no pain, no blood drawn, no x-rays - just an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate herbs.
Thanks so much for the comments! I must return to China!
This is so incredible. You did a fantastic job here. It was very enjoyable. Thank you!
Thank you Micky Dee! I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. I had so much fun in China - and that Great Wall - wow! I'm still pain free years later.
Wow! Great story! Now I want to go to China and I never even considered going there before. Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Austinstar! I was surprised at the massive size of Beijing - it is a gigantic city! Due to the Olympics, there is amazing new architecture! The Bird's Nest stadium is a beautiful design and that Olympic bubble pool - so unique. There is so much to China that I'd like to go again and again and spend much more time.
I hope you get there soon so you can share your hub!
Thanks for the explanation about the herbs. I am chinese and grew up in the UK, with my parents going on about chinese medicine but i didn't really understand it. I had conflicting issues since I understood western medicine better -having had a western education. I do think there is a lot to be said for TCM but it needs to be regulated so it can get the credit it deserves.
Hello hellomoo - there is so very much more to TCM beginning with another branch of Chinese medicine known as CCM! We were absolutely overwhelmed when we went to the clinic - there were so many exhibits and ancient books and then the figure with all the acupuncture points.
I'm glad your parents go on and on about TCM - it is something we should embrace - and here in the US, where our medical profession is not health-driven but profit-driven - we are embracing so-called alternative practices.
I read many years ago that one of the philosophies of TCM was to keep people healthy - and that way they can pay their bills! Here in the U.S. health care has left people bankrupt or on pharmaceuticals for life.
Nice to meet you by the way!
What a very interesting hub and to experience this in China was a great experience for you. You explained things very well. Great hub.
Bk...
As always powerful stuff! Incredibly, God has always given us all the medicine we need, and men decided to synthesize it. Because of big fish greed they add some other stuff that in the long run are not good for us. Sad but true! So if it is dangerous to self-medicate, it is much more to do it with medicine whose content is chemical rubbish. Great hub!
Thumbs up!
warmest regards and blessings,
Al
Great hub about TCM. Informative and entertaining at the same time.
I'm with most people here; I haven't been to an allopathic doctor since 1990 when I got real sick with upper respiratory track problems. After that, I started paying very close attention to my health. Have been very healthy since, except for the flu back in August and a shoulder problem that lasted several months. Both those problems came from acute stress. Have taken steps to reduce the stress and, at almost 60, am feeling fine now.
Sounds from you description of TCM diagnostic procedures that they consider the body a hologram where every part of the body contains the whole body. Does that make sense?
Terrific hub, now I want to go to Beijing. Thank you!
I like Eastern Medicine, but I especially like it now I know their pholosophy about having a stomach pouch. "A TCM doctor with a small stomach pouch proves that he knows how to breathe properly. For example, when you take a deep breath you should fill your stomach with air and that should be noticeable." I didn't know that, but I think breathing is important. I hope he wasn't teasing.
This is such a cool story--experiencing TCM in Beijing,no less. Funny too, if you ask me. We practice lots of that in Singapore, as our ancestors were from China. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Pamela99 - I aim to have fun when I travel and I met up with such a fun group. And our tour guide - she was amazing and so naturally witty!
Oh Mystique1957 - pretty neat new avatar. And yes, imagine - something great in nature and the best we can do is create a synthetic version and swear it is just as good. In my research I found that overwhelmingly the dietary supplements on the market are synthetic - there is nothing natural about them. Fortunately, in this global environment we can be exposed to information.
You know PWalker281 - there was a time back in the 50's and 60's that the medical profession here in the U.S. said that stress will not make you sick. Such a lack of holistic knowledge, how can you separate the mind from the body - it can sicken and kill. I got that impression about TCM that each part of the body has yin and yang but is then a part of the whole body and its yin and yang.
I want to return to Beijing too Paradise7 - because there was so much to do and so little time. Visiting a hutong was fun too - that is an ancient village right there near the Red Square - I did this on my own being driven in one of those little bicycle carts and the people were so nice and friendly.
Isn't that great HealthyHanna - about a little stomach pouch? And each doctor had a bit of stomach. It makes sense to me. I found myself practicing breathing more and actually filling out my stomach. Feels good.
Cool I like - thank you anglnwu - I think our tour guide made the difference. She was just so good and so well informed - and she constantly gave us a running commentary about everything. I'm a big believer in feng-shui too so to hear her talk about the good luck bok choy - and the lucky number 8 - she was wonderful!
Thanks for all the great comments!
That is a very good experience you shared with everyone,I would try acupuncture one fine day ,I heard it is good to refresh our body!Thank you for sharing
It was a great experience sord87! I tried acupuncture while in S. Korea and yes, it did seem to refresh my body - I like the way you describe it - because it seemed to immediately clear my head.
Thanks for writing!
What a rich experience BkC. My sister had try once some herbal remedies for her ilness but didn't work very well for her complicated condition. But she was pretty happy though. I think that traditional medicine has still a lot to teach us.
I love that you had cookie on your tongue! lol Such a fabulously interesting hub...as yours always are. I want to see one of these doctors!
Great story.
Agreed cameciob! There is so much to learn from traditional medicine. The guiding principal I really like - and that is to - prevent illness. TCM also promotes eating properly.
Thank you theherbivorehippi - it makes me think that you noticed the cookie on the tongue because you enjoy a fine cookie every now and then, yes? Love your new avatar!
Thank you Michael E. Horton. Glad you enjoyed the hub. Nice to meet you too!
This was a really interesting hub. I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you nancy_30! I'm glad you enjoyed my adventure!
This was a trip of a life time. I'm so into alternative medicine. My mother has often complained that why when women go to the doctor for say a cold you have to get undressed and put your feet in the stirrups??
I feel the same way. I had one doctor in a little town called Phelan in California, was young but practiced medicine like a real doctor. When I first visited him regarding a growth, he didn't ask me to disrobe. I said do you want me to undress? His retort: "not unless you've got more on your mind than me removing this growth". I am bookmarking this excellent hub, what an exciting adventure.
That was an awesome experience BK, When I was in the Philippines there was Chinese doctor recommended by a friend whom I always visit when I get sick, I bought herbal in the form of capsule from her store. She was educated in China as a doctor -- Chinese education for herbologist. She was great and when my father got sick, he precribed some garlic capsule for maintaining blodd pressure. She also gave me three different capsules for maintenance.
You were very lucky to be one among those who experienced TCM, now, when re ayou going back to China. hehe, Maita
This was a great hub. Thank you for sharing. My husband has shoulder pain. Sounds like you had some fun and wonder also.
Good information
That was so funny pmmcray about your doctor - so clever! I wonder if we have been undressing because we just assume we are supposed to...and never really had to. I think of all those times I had on one of those ridiculous gowns and the doctor listened to my chest with the stethoscope - but what did getting undressed have to do with it? Hmmm! You're mother was soooo right. Thank you for your fun comment!
Hello Maita - I so appreciate you sharing your experiences! What I love about TCM is that the whole objective is to stay healthy - to eat properly and prevent illness. But if you get sick - the medicines you use should help restore your health is a way that is as safe and natural as possible. I'm sold. Thanks for your input.
Thanks for the compliment lctodd1947. My shoulder pain is gone - thanks to the herbs I took. I hope your husband finds relief that is safe and long-term. Thank you for writing!
Wonderful story BkCreative! My sister has visited a TCM doctor before and was very amazed at what she was told by a similar exam like you described. When the economy picks back up I want to go and have a diagnosis as well.
The only draw back to having it done in the states is the high cost of the visit and the herbs. Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats on being featured in our newsletter. :)
Thanks for your input Money Glitch. I'm glad you shared your sister's very positive experience.
And you raise a good point about cost. So far here in NYC in Chinatown prices seem to be very reasonable. Perhaps because there is so much competition. Would love to hear your results when you go!
This is definitely a good share.I would have loved the experience, for me herbs are truly the way to go. I love hearing about how new customs come about. Thanks for sharing.
Hi BKC
It is amazing what can be seen when you know how to look. Making such an accurate diagnosis of your aliments from taking your pulse and looking at your tongue would seem to the sceptics among us to be impossible. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Amber
Hello loveofnight - thank you so much for your input. There is so much safe health care that has existed for thousands of years. Even here in the US our elders knew about herbs and roots. Ahhh, but they were always discounted.
I'm still amazed Amber Allen. And it was 4 different doctors diagnosing 10 people - and every diagnosis was accurate. I think of all the blood tests I have submitted to and all the toxic x-rays, and wearing an awful paper gown waiting for a check up. Yet non-invasive diagnostic testing has existed for thousands of years. As well as non-toxic healing.
Thank you both for the comments!
Wow. Awesome articles. I wish I knew where there was a TCM doctor near me. Thanks for the info.
You're welcome Susan Carter! I think we are going to start seeing more TCM doctors because we are now demanding it. Nice to meet you too!
Thanks for sharing the info on the herbs.
You're welcome Tony. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!
Hi Bk, prevention is always the best and it is TCM, I agree with you, Night, Maita
Good morning Maita! Yes, for sure. Prevention is the key - it is possible. Good to see you!
BKcreative, this is not a comment but a request. One of my hub, "use of herbal therapy in chinese medicine," made it to top 10. If you can find the time, please vote for me. Lots of thanks from your little disciple.
Absolutely anglnwu - it's such a great hub!
thank you so much!
I was in Bejing in 2000, It was a wonderful experience. When my husband got sick we went to the American hospital. Chinese medicine is very effective and has so much to offer!
Thanks so much for your input 2bsure. I'm glad this worked out for you and glad you shared the positive experience.
I'm enjoying your hubs, by the way!
Loved this hub. Want to find a chinese doctor here where I live in Spain. Anything that is not invasive is fine by me. I hate how european doctors do nothing but shove tubes down you to try and find out what is wrong with you - so invasive!!!!!
I'm with you there stagnetto. I want to now investigate more of the healthy preventative choices in traditional medicine. I want to be the picture of glowing health as I get older. I just can't imagine being so chronically ill like people my age.
Thanks so much for writing!
This is a very good hub! My health is generally very good but I would like to visit a TCM doctor just to find out how good it is. I don´t know of any here in England but there may be. Thanks for this hub.
Very good hub. What an interesting experience.
There is nothing like a checkup Hummingbird5356 to confirm that we are on the right path. Any tips from a TCM doctor for improved energy, etc. well, nothing wrong with that!
It was interesting Sandyspider. And lots of laughs. I'm convinced that people are naturally funny!
That is a great story. I have always been interested in natural medicines. Is there anywhere in the US where you can get the same TCM experience?
A very interesting subject, very well told.
Many thanks...:-)
Hello Natalie Bonanski - my friends and I are forever on the lookout for alternative options - in fact I have started writing more about them and listing the websites as well. There is a lot of great stuff out there. Here in NYC we do have a large old vibrant ChinaTown where we may be able to find a doctor - there are so many listed - so which one to pick. That is the question.
Thanks for commenting De Greek. And you're welcome. Nice to meet you too, by the way! It was a great experience - from the moment the plane touched down!
Hi Bk, I thoroughly enjoyed this hub...very interesting and informative. rated you "UP"
Thank you EnLydia Listener! I'm glad you liked the hub and thanks so much for the 'up' rating!
This is a great hub and particularly since I would like to visit there some day, I found it very interesting. I have some Chinese friends here and they are kind as well as hard working people. Great job.
It was the greatest experience mquee. I will always consider this type of medicine before I considered conventional medicine. I was awed. Thanks for writing!
Once my friend visited Shanghai from Paris with his girlfriend, the girl sprained her ankle when skiied, the doctor acupunctured her related acupoint on opposite leg, 1 hour later, girl was better than she went in clinic.
I was so impressed EJ Travel - and I am totally convinced of the benefits of TCM. Fortunately, I live in New York City where I can find experienced practitioners.
Thank you for writing!
You are wecome man! I live in Shanghai and totally Shanghainese..Just posted comment for more info to whom wants to experience TCY, not AD..lol~~
You know it's not my field, and if you want more travel info in China, I could be teacher here..haha, just check our website..
Thanks - I will check. China is a place I must come back to again and again. It is just so overwhelming - you can not possibly do it in a week or two. I really enjoyed also seeing all the people out on the street dancing and doing tai chi and more. Fabulous!
I'm going to check your newsletter now!
Thanks for checking back and you may want to check my hub about why the number 8 is lucky. I'd like your opinion!
Yeah, Ta Ji is usually popular in North China, and street dancing is belongs to yoong guys..
Great hub! thanks for sharing your experience. There is a lot to be said for traditional chinese medicine, and it is great to read about your experience. I hope you get back to China soon and share your trip again.
It was so amazing toknowinfo. I hope to get back soon and try a doctor again and see what's what with my health. There is also so very much to see in China - and it is so affordable.
Thanks for your comment!
Which TCM clinic did you goto in Beijing.
Hi CKK!
I don't remember the name and checking my boxes and prescription form - well it is all written in a Chinese language. What I did - I had the hotel arrange it for me - and a guide came. It seems to be a fairly common tour practice.
I can say it is near or part of a large hospital and TCM museum - because we got quite a tour of several facilities and a lecture.
Thank you for sharing your visit to TCM. I enjoyed reading it and it is very informative. Voted up.
Now Thelma Alberts - I only seek alternative treatments. I simply cannot justify subjecting myself to this brutal Western medicine with its devastating side effects. And of course prevention is the key. Thanks for writing!
Nice trip to China! You motivated me to visit China.Thanks for sharing your experience.
You're welcome ChristinCordle12. I usually don't go around being awed - but the Drs, the Great Wall and so much more did it!
This is so true!! i had breathing difficulties and when he took my pulse he said that i had weak lungs..and he prescribe some herbs now im getting better.
I'm so glad to hear that William Jnr - and I'm glad you shared that. What's wrong with trusting in a medical profession that is more than 5,000 years old and based on herbs and not synthetics. I never go to pharmaceutical-pushing doctors anymore - and am healthy (I'm 62) - unlike my many friends who are all on heart medication, statins, and one drug or another or several. They are all virtually disabled but under a doctor's care. I'll pass.
I have become so hopeful after reading about your visit. My wife has a low ovarian reserve at a young age and we were looking for alternative therapies. Though we belong from India but could not get any good ayurvedic treatment result therefore are now focussing on chinese medicines. Is there a place/hospital/institution you would recommend in China (any city) since I see you so deep in TCM
Hello Bunzzzzz! My great experiences took place in Beijing! You may be interested to know that of the 10 of us that went to the Beijing hospital, 4 of the men were from India and were very pleased. After several years I do not recall the name of the hospital but I found it through the concierge at the hotel. I think there were 2-3 local hospitals that welcomed foreigners and gave us quite an extensive tour of the facility discussing everything about TCM, what qualifies a doctor, acupuncture, there was even an extensive museum.
I think you can find what you want in Beijing. Best of all, treatments are simply herbal, never toxic Western meds.
Thanks for writing.
Can I get TCM clinic's address in Beijing?
I am going to beijing in 2nd week of May 12
VioletSun Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
Oh, wow, I would love to meet a TCM! This is so cool, he was actually able to diagnose everyone correctly by just taking your pulse and checking your tongue and prescribe natural remedies that brought healing. I do my best to stay way from allopathic docs, or any doc, they have a place in an emergency, but prefer holistic practitioners. I enjoyed your story, was sipping tea, ( I should be British, love my tea, LOL) and smirking along with you guys, and was smiling a little at the identifyng characteristics of a TCM doc.
I don't think we have TCM docs here in Oregon, but will check for just in case...I am really curious and believe!