A Research Week At Shen Nong Chinese language Medication Hospital

This summer season, I had the particular alternative to study for per week at Shen Nong Chinese language Medication Hospital, positioned within the metropolis of Hohhot in China.

(The Chinese language characters say “Shen Nong Chinese language Medication Hospital”)

I’m extraordinarily grateful to Dr. Kun Liu for giving me this chance. She’s been my TCM (Conventional Chinese language Medication) physician for the previous two years, and my well being has not solely improved, however I maintained nice well being by following her steering.

I used to be already interested by TCM earlier than I met her, and after assembly her, I gained much more religion in TCM. She’s ready to make use of English and western medication ideas to clarify Chinese language medication, which actually resonates with a westerner like me. I additionally requested her to provide medical recommendation to my mom, and she or he actually took the time to grasp my mom’s persona and mind-set, and she or he was in a position to advise my mom to alter sure food plan and life-style components in a manner that resonated together with her. After we adopted Dr. Liu’s recommendation, we each had noticeable enhancements fairly shortly. For instance, my vitality ranges had been significantly better, and my mother’s varied aches and discomforts diminished.

Dr. Liu’s experience and kindness actually earned my respect and admiration, so I requested her if there have been any TCM books that she’d suggest I learn. She beneficial a e-book referred to as “The Foundations of Chinese language Medication” by Giovanni Maciocia. From that e-book, I realized plenty of TCM foundational information (I am nonetheless within the technique of studying it). I am actually grateful that at any time when I completed studying a chapter, I might report my learnings and inquiries to her, and she or he’d patiently reply every time.

Dr. Liu visits her household in Hohhot, China each summer season, and her household runs Shen Nong Hospital there. This yr, she requested me if I’m interested by visiting to study what it’s like at a Chinese language Medication hospital and expertise genuine Chinese language medication remedies. I enthusiastically leaped at this chance, and it’s been a terrific studying expertise for me.

Beneath, I will share my expertise and learnings from the week. Be at liberty to click on on the desk of contents to leap to that part:

Throughout my first day, Dr. Liu gave me a tour of your entire hospital. It was actually cool to see a Chinese language medication hospital. The hospital has 4 flooring, and it makes use of western testing instruments to enhance Chinese language medication analysis, and as an alternative of drugs, sufferers get natural treatments from the Chinese language medication pharmacy and Chinese language medication remedies.

(Moxibustion remedy room)

(One other ground’s corridor with a ready space)

After the tour, Dr. Liu advised me that I can observe and study on the departments of my selection within the upcoming week. I wished to undergo all of the departments, however I didn’t assume there could be sufficient time to actually study in so many departments in per week, so I needed to prioritize. I believe Tui Na therapeutic massage is essentially the most becoming for me as a result of I typically give massages to my mom at dwelling, in addition to to academics and classmates on campus on the faculty I am attending in Fuzhou. Thus, I selected to spend most of my time within the Tui Na division.

There are two docs there: Dr. Su does therapeutic massage for adults, and Dr. Yun for kids. I realized that youngsters’s our bodies are completely different from adults, so that they get completely different massages than adults (sounds apparent if you say it, however I wouldn’t have considered this if nobody advised me). A lot of the youngsters that come to Dr. Yun for therapeutic massage achieve this for digestive points, signaling that we as a society should be extra conscientious of wholesome consuming.

I spent most of my time observing and speaking to Dr. Su, who is a big muscular man with over 20 years of therapeutic massage expertise. His arms are tremendous muscular, and even the world between his thumb and index finger (location of Hegu level) protrudes with muscle.

(Dr. Su massaging a affected person)

I advised him that I by no means went by means of formal TCM faculty, nor have I had formal therapeutic massage coaching. I’m merely a westerner who acquired actually interested by TCM, and I do therapeutic massage for myself and my mom just about day by day.

He advised me, “Tui Na therapeutic massage isn’t one thing you’ll be able to study by looking ahead to a pair days. It takes years of apply underneath the steering of a instructor. While you watch my actions, it seems actually easy, nevertheless it’s not straightforward to do. For instance, this rolling technique seems easy, nevertheless it takes 3 to five years to get good at it. The sensation {that a} affected person will get will differ as your approach improves. Sufferers don’t like being massaged by new college students as a result of when the instructor offers the therapeutic massage, it’s actually comfy, however when the coed offers a therapeutic massage, it’s painful and uncomfortable.”

I replied, “What! I at all times thought Tui Na therapeutic massage ought to be painful as a result of we therapeutic massage the locations with blockages, and when there’s a blockage, there’s certain to be ache, proper?”

He stated, “Sure, ache in a spot indicators a blockage in that space, however in case you have good therapeutic massage approach, you’ll be able to assist them unblock that space with out making them really feel a lot ache.”

That was a giant paradigm shift for me. Up to now, I at all times appeared for the painful factors on individuals and massaged these factors with extra drive. Because of this, I believed that not many individuals would really like Tui Na therapeutic massage as a result of it entails ache. However Dr. Su made me understand that skilled Tui Na therapeutic massage isn’t painful but nonetheless very efficient. You do not have to make use of a lot drive on painful factors, and you should utilize completely different strategies which can be extra comfy. Studying this gave me much more motivation to enhance my Tui Na skills.

One thing else I realized from Dr. Su is that posture and type is tremendous necessary. It’s analogous to weight lifting: earlier than making an attempt to carry heavy weights, first study correct type. In any other case, it’s straightforward to injure your self. A therapeutic massage therapist must study correct type, in any other case they’ll put on down their physique shortly and even injure themselves.

A 3rd main studying level is that when giving a therapeutic massage, I ought to be relaxed. I shouldn’t tense my muscle groups and use plenty of drive from my fingers or decrease forearms. The drive ought to be a pure drive that comes from the motion and rotation of my joints, whether or not it’s the wrist, elbow, or shoulders. This not solely gives extra drive, nevertheless it’s additionally much less tiring for the therapeutic massage therapist. These are all widespread errors that non-professionals make, and I’m actually glad Dr. Su pointed these out to me.

Most of Dr. Su’s sufferers come to him for neck and shoulder issues, signaling that we as a society should be extra cognizant of our desk posture. Other than neck and shoulder issues, some sufferers additionally come for decrease again points. I additionally acquired to look at him do a therapeutic massage for native accidents on the leg.

I requested him how we are able to forestall these neck and shoulder issues, and he advised me that it is actually not that difficult: Other than correct posture, we must always stand up and do some easy neck and shoulder workout routines for a couple of minutes after sitting at a pc desk for 1-2 hours.

I requested if there are any particular workout routines to do. He stated, “No, any are wonderful. It is not that difficult.” He then confirmed me some primary workout routines, and certainly, it is simply what you’d anticipate for those who searched up “neck and shoulder workout routines” on the web.

One other factor is to not have AC blowing instantly onto our necks as a result of that chilly wind will enter our physique and trigger muscle groups to tense and contract. Additionally, in TCM, wind is a reason for illness. For instance, if you’re scorching and sweating lots, you then enter a chilly room with AC blowing in your again, it’s straightforward to catch a chilly (I personally skilled this not too long ago).

He often makes use of extra superior therapeutic massage strategies just like the hand rolling technique and vibration technique, as these strategies don’t take plenty of vitality and are very efficient. However he stated these should not straightforward for me to study, so he took the time to show to me some newbie therapeutic massage strategies similar to palm pushing and sliding, double finger pushing, and round therapeutic massage actions. He additionally confirmed me a therapeutic massage routine for the again and legs, in addition to one to help sleep (I requested this one as a result of lots of people I met have bother falling asleep). I recorded movies of all of those, and I look ahead to working towards them sooner or later.

I additionally requested if there’s a therapeutic massage process for treating colds. He stated, “Probably not. If you wish to deal with a chilly, Gua Sha and cupping alongside the neck and higher again are simpler.” All in all, I acquired plenty of gems from my time within the Tui Na therapeutic massage division, and I am actually grateful to Dr. Su for being so prepared to show me.

I had by no means gotten acupuncture from an expert earlier than, and this time, I acquired acupuncture from Dr. Liu, whose specialty is acupuncture, and whom I love lots, so I felt very honored.

Final yr, I noticed an elder doing acupuncture on himself, and I requested him to point out me how one can do it. Then I requested Dr. Liu if I can do acupuncture on myself. I believe since Dr. Liu is aware of I’m tremendous interested by TCM, have a little bit of foundational information, and practiced different TCM remedy strategies already, she agreed and gave me some directions.

(Simply to be clear, do NOT strive acupuncture on your self and particularly not on others with out a medical skilled’s permission and recommendation!)

I then practiced acupuncture on myself at dwelling. At first, my logical thoughts is aware of this needle is tremendous skinny and received’t harm me. However at a unconscious stage, my physique nonetheless felt worry in direction of the needle. However after making an attempt acupuncture on myself for some time, I acquired used to the needles, and I don’t get as nervous.

When doing acupuncture on myself, I take advantage of a small tube to angle the needle, after which I merely press on the needle deal with. The needle simply goes into the pores and skin, then I take advantage of my hand to push and rotate the needle. The principle drawback I confronted is that generally, I’ve bother pushing the needle in deeper, so I used to be very keen to look at how Dr. Liu does acupuncture.

I already watched her insert needles into many sufferers. From her approach, I can see she’s tremendous proficient and skilled. She doesn’t want a tube. She inserts the needles in a short time however artfully, after which she’ll manipulate the needles through flicking, rotating, pulling, pushing, and angling. I really feel like I’m watching a dance between her fingers and the needles.

I requested her if there’s any profit to utilizing a tube versus free-hand. She defined that in North America, the legislation requires practitioners to make use of a tube as a result of it makes the insertion simpler. However in China, practitioners can use free-hand, and practitioners would possibly do that as a result of they’re expert sufficient and it saves them time when there are plenty of sufferers to deal with.

(Dr. Liu utilizing a tube to insert a needle. She places the needle in a tube and faucets it in, then she rotates it for additional insertion.)

(Dr. Liu inserting a needle free-hand)

When it got here time for my flip, I used to be very excited. She identified my pulse and stated I don’t have any diseases to deal with, so she picked some acupoints for well being upkeep, and most of those factors are ones I needled earlier than.

Dr. Liu stated within the west, most individuals are somewhat unfamiliar with acupuncture and afraid of needles, so she’ll often use thinner needles. Though the impact is lower than thicker needles, the sufferers received’t be so nervous and will not really feel a lot ache. If they’ve an excellent expertise the primary time, they’ll be prepared to come back again, which is essential as a result of it takes a number of periods of acupuncture for optimum outcomes. As soon as the sufferers achieve some confidence and luxury with acupuncture, then she will be able to use thicker needles for bigger results.

She introduced the top quality needles that she makes use of in her clinic in America, so I skilled what she’d give her sufferers. When the needle went in, I barely felt something. The motion was tremendous quick, such that my eyes might barely catch the insertion. Then she manipulated the needles, and I felt stimulation alongside my meridian.

(Dr. Liu doing acupuncture on my arm’s Chize acupoint)

She additionally used a thicker needle, and I felt the insertion. It was a fast slight ache, and I might really feel the needle in my physique extra. Dr. Liu pointed to the pores and skin across the needle, and I noticed it was a bit purple. Dr. Liu stated the purple signifies Deqi, which suggests blood and qi has flown to the acupoint, and the impact may be very noticeable. Thicker needles can Deqi simpler, however the trade-off is that they harm extra.

Dr. Liu generally inserted needles for her relations after they had been consuming, sitting down and chatting, touring in a automobile, or napping. I simply love how handy and time-efficient acupuncture might be, and I plan to maintain working towards on myself.

My mom and I each have an excessive amount of coldness in our our bodies, so Dr. Liu beneficial us to do moxibustion at dwelling. She even despatched us a field of moxa sticks, pads and instruments. Naturally, I view moxibustion as an necessary division to take a look at.

I requested the physician in cost there, Dr. Wang, about the most typical situations he sees. He stated that first is a deficiency in Yang vitality or having an excessive amount of coldness within the physique. This is likely to be as a result of environmental components (e.g., chilly winters, AC) or dietary components (consuming an excessive amount of cold-natured meals). The second is a weak spleen (the primary digestive organ in TCM) and a chilly abdomen.

The hospital has plenty of set-up that enables for a lot bigger and simpler moxa remedies than one might do at dwelling. They provide two fundamental forms of moxa remedies. First is moxa alongside the Governing Vessel meridian (additionally referred to as the Du Mai in Chinese language), which runs alongside the backbone. This helps people who find themselves poor in Yang vitality. The opposite is moxa alongside the Conception Vessel meridian (additionally referred to as the Ren Mai in Chinese language) on the abdomen space, mixed with moxa sticks on the Zusanli level. This helps with a weak spleen and chilly abdomen.

(Dr. Liu explaining the hospital’s moxibustion technique to me.)

Since I acquired plenty of remedies on my again, similar to Gua Sha and cupping, Dr. Liu prompt I strive the moxa for spleen and abdomen. The docs there first ready a medicinal paste, which they placed on the pores and skin. Then they put some crushed ginger items onto of the paste (ginger has warming properties). Then they put moxa fluff on prime and burn it. When the moxa burns, it should ship warmth down by means of the ginger and medicinal paste into the physique’s meridian channel under. This manner, not solely does the affected person soak up the moxa warmth, additionally they get the medicinal priorities of the ginger and paste. As soon as the moxa fluff is all burnt, the physician comes and does one other spherical, for a complete of three rounds (in TCM, odd numbers are thought-about Yang, whereas even numbers are Yin).

(Me getting moxa alongside the Conception Vessel and Zusanli acupoints on the leg)

Throughout the entire course of, I needed to simply lie there. I used to be deciding whether or not I ought to do stuff on my telephone or simply lie there and nap. I made a decision that it’s very uncommon for me to in a position to simply lie down and loosen up, and the moxa remedy may be very heat and comfy, so I closed my eyes and napped. Afterwards, I felt heat and energized. I’m not tremendous poor in Yang, so the impact in all probability isn’t as noticeable for me, however I’m positive for different Yang poor individuals, the impact could be extra vital.

I even have to understand how handy it’s to get moxa on the hospital. You don’t have to carry a moxa stick your self or fear concerning the smoke. You will get an enormous space moxa’ed unexpectedly, and you’ll simply lie there and nap!

I bear in mind one time, I acquired meals poisoning, and I messaged Dr. Liu. She beneficial me to do cupping alongside my neck and again. My mom’s buddy gave us a set of vacuum suction cups earlier than, however we by no means used them. That was my first time utilizing them.

After doing the cupping, I puked and felt significantly better. I despatched an image of my cupping outcomes to Dr. Liu, and she or he defined that it’s clear that my abdomen acquired invaded by coldness (I ate some critically bitter and uncooked lettuce stems stuffed with bitter milk), however puking helped to filter the toxins, and I’ll get better shortly.

From that have, I acquired fascinated by cupping, and I requested Dr. Liu extra about it. She stated that I can do cupping as soon as each few weeks for well being upkeep, because it’s a great way to see the state of our inner organs and filter toxins.

Cupping is definitely fairly straightforward to do with these plastic vacuum suction cups, however Dr. Liu talked about that I ought to strive hearth cupping if I’ve the prospect. This week, I did. The cups for hearth cupping are made from glass, and the practitioner makes use of a “torch” to shortly crate a vacuum contained in the cup, then the practitioner places that cup onto the affected person’s again and twists.

(Me getting hearth cupping.)

After I tried it, I observed that the glass cup has a a lot thicker and smoother rim, so it feels extra comfy than plastic suction cups. It’s additionally barely heat because of the warmth of the fireplace. Dr. Liu stated the suction drive of fireplace cups can also be stronger, so it is likely to be painful. However I didn’t really feel a lot ache, in all probability as a result of I’ve carried out cupping many instances already, so my pores and skin is used to it. I bear in mind at first, I felt cupping is painful, however over time, it harm much less. Total, hearth cupping was a enjoyable expertise!

I requested the physician in cost there, “What are the most typical situations you see for cupping sufferers?”

She stated, “Normally it’s for coughs, again issues, and liver stagnation.”

I discussed that I do cupping usually for well being upkeep. She stated, “That’s nice. As soon as each month or so is nice for that.”

I first tried Gua Sha at dwelling purely out of curiosity. I puzzled if I’d really be capable of get some Sha (seen purple or purple dots on the pores and skin that signify toxins) out from my mother’s shoulders and higher again. I barely acquired any. I requested Dr. Liu about it. She stated not everybody may have Sha (toxins) come out, particularly those that have a chilly or poor physique structure (which was the case with my mother).

One other time in Malaysia, I began rising a rash on my elbows. I requested Dr. Liu about it. She stated it’s as a result of damp warmth. Certainly, Malaysia may be very damp and scorching, and I ate fairly a little bit of spicy meals there. She prompt I do cupping or Gua Sha alongside my elbow space. I didn’t have cupping instruments, however I introduced my Gua Sha instrument. This time, purple Sha (toxins) got here out, and I felt fairly glad. I additionally stopped consuming spicy meals, and my rash went away quickly after.

On the hospital, I wished to look at and expertise Gua Sha from an expert practitioner. The practitioner who does Gua Sha is similar one that does hearth cupping, and her identify is Dr. Wang. I watched her do Gua Sha on somebody, and I observed that her arm may be very relaxed. Coincidentally, Dr. Su got here in, and I commented that what he taught me about having relaxed arms whereas massaging appears to use to giving Gua Sha as nicely. Each docs affirmed my statement.

I requested Dr. Wang if I can expertise skilled Gua Sha from her. She stated “Positive. my specialty is the higher again and shoulders, so that is what I will do for you.” I puzzled if the Gua Sha could be painful, nevertheless it wasn’t. She placed on some therapeutic massage oil after which used the Gua Sha instrument to scrape my higher again and shoulders.

There have been some purple Sha (dots), which signify coldness. I requested, “Is it due to air-con blowing on my again? I caught a chilly due to it.” She stated, “That is undoubtedly a purpose for coldness. Your chilly is not absolutely healed but, so it isn’t shocking.”

Later, I requested Dr. Liu if Gua Sha can be utilized for different areas of the physique just like the 4 limbs, and she or he stated Gua Sha is mostly used for the again and neck areas, however it may be used on the limbs, similar to on the Lung meridian alongside the arms.

I additionally requested if any oil works, together with meals oil. She stated, “The purpose of the oil is to cut back friction alongside the pores and skin, so meals oil works. Sesame oil is an instance. However Chinese language natural oil is greatest due to its natural properties, which suggests extra outcomes with much less effort. Subsequent greatest could be important oils, then meals oils.”

Cup sliding is when the practitioner makes use of a suction cup to drag or slide alongside the affected person’s again. It’s type of like a mix of Gua Sha and cupping, nevertheless it goes deeper than Gua Sha, and it’s not stationary like cupping. One other distinction is that Gua Sha pushes on the pores and skin and makes use of friction to carry out Sha (toxins), whereas cupping and cup sliding pulls on the pores and skin to carry out toxins. Because the suction cups exert a pulling drive, it could pull out Yang vitality too, however Gua Sha will not. Additionally, cup sliding may also help to align and dredge complete meridians alongside the again, which is one thing Gua Sha and cupping can’t do.

I had by no means carried out cup sliding earlier than, and I heard it may be painful. However regardless, I used to be very to strive it. Dr. Zeng did this remedy for me, and he first put a glob of gel (the identical kind used for ultrasounds) on my pores and skin, then he shortly places hearth contained in the glass cup to create a vacuum, then he slid the cup alongside my again.

(Dr. Zeng doing cup sliding on a affected person.)

Total, I really didn’t really feel a lot ache, perhaps as a result of my issues aren’t that severe. My outer shoulder space felt a bit ticklish, and the practitioner stated that signifies wind. A small space on my again harm, and I do know I’ve a knot there from dangerous desk posture. Afterwards, I had plenty of purple Sha on my higher again, which I wasn’t shocked by since I do know it’s as a result of AC blowing on my again. I noticed others with each purple and purple Sha, indicating each coldness and warmth, and that is actually because after chilly wind enters the physique, it could flip scorching because of the physique having inside warmth.

The practitioner advised me to drink extra heat water afterwards to assist excrete the toxins that got here out from the cup sliding; in any other case, the physique will re-absorb some. Later, my again muscle groups felt fairly relaxed and comfy. Total, it was an excellent expertise for me.

Auricular acupuncture is one other TCM remedy that basically acquired my curiosity. I do know that in principle, the ear represents your entire physique, and needling particular factors on the ear helps to deal with issues in particular areas of the physique.

(The left facet reveals that completely different elements of the ear corresponds to completely different elements of the physique. The correct facet reveals all of the acupoints on the ear.)

I additionally acquired auricular acupuncture from Dr. Zeng, however he didn’t really use needles. As a substitute, he used little beads on bandage tape and caught them onto my ear. Surprisingly, plenty of these factors harm.

(The beads are pressed onto particular acupoints)

He advised me many of the acupoints he picked are associated to the mind and considering an excessive amount of since he is aware of my persona is the kind to overthink.

He requested me, “How is your sleep?”

I stated, “Good. I often go to sleep fairly shortly.”

He stated, “Do you get up simply?”

I stated, “I don’t assume so.”

He stated, “If these factors harm, it’s probably that you simply lack deep sleep.”

I then considered it, and I noticed I do get up fairly simply at sounds. He helped me understand that I do sleep fairly frivolously.

I additionally stated, “The factors on my left ear harm greater than on my proper ear. Does that imply I take advantage of my left mind extra?”

He stated, “Keep in mind that that the left mind controls the fitting facet of the physique and vice versa. So really, you employ the fitting facet extra. Put in different phrases, your overthinking is usually for random issues versus logical considering for work associated issues.”

I used to be fairly shocked and stated, “Actually? However my persona is a really logical kind, and I really feel like I’m at all times utilizing my mind for work. I do know I’m a left-brained individual.”

He stated, “This non-logical considering that drains your vitality is likely to be unconscious, so that you’re not very conscious of it.”

Later, I mirrored on his feedback. I noticed that certainly, random wandering ideas typically pop up in my thoughts, and if I don’t attempt to cease them, they only preserve wandering and persevering with. It’s very noticeable throughout meditation as a result of I’m making an attempt to clear my thoughts. However once I’m not meditating, these wandering ideas are nonetheless there within the background; I’m simply not conscious of them, however they’re certainly draining my vitality. The purpose of meditation is to keep up that serene frame of mind all through the day, so this auricular acupuncture expertise helped me understand how restricted my cultivation is.

He pressed on some extra beads on my ears, which in fact harm, and stated, “These factors are associated to your liver. You’ve got some liver stagnation.”

I stated, “Oh…I’m not too shocked as a result of I’ve been sleeping a bit late for the previous whereas, and I went by means of a really busy and bodily worrying time earlier than coming right here.”

On the finish of the remedy, he stated, “I’ll go away these beads in your ears. To optimize the remedy outcomes, it is best to therapeutic massage time everytime you bear in mind. A minimum of 5 instances a day. After 3 or 4 days, you’ll be able to take them off. They’ll in all probability fall off naturally after showering.”

I requested him, “So can I purchase these beads and put them on my ear myself?”

He stated, “Properly, you in all probability can’t precisely discover the factors in your ears, so the impact received’t be stellar.”

I additionally requested, “How come I not often see individuals with these beads of their ears? Is that this a uncommon remedy?”

He stated, “It’s not that nicely promoted in China. Some main hospitals present it although. It’s fairly efficient for sure situations like these associated to the mind, ear, and insomnia.”

I requested additional, “What if I merely therapeutic massage my ears? Would which have the same impact?”

He replied, “Merely massaging your ears would have a comparatively small impact in comparison with the beads as a result of the beads can precisely give plenty of drive to the right factors. In the event you merely therapeutic massage your ears, you won’t hit the required factors, and your drive is somewhat small and dispersed. It’d take a yr of therapeutic massage to get the identical quantity of impact as this remedy you bought in the present day.”

All in all, auricular acupuncture/beads was a extremely cool expertise, and the physician helped me see extra clearly the state of my thoughts and physique.

Chinese language natural medication is somewhat complicated and requires formal medical training, which I don’t have, so I didn’t spend a lot time on the herbs division. Nonetheless, I used to be nonetheless curious to look at them a bit. My first impression was, “Wow, that’s plenty of herbs. Most likely a whole bunch of herbs.” I additionally noticed that the herbalists are very busy. They get plenty of prescriptions, so they’re working continuous to satisfy these requests.

I went early one morning to speak with the herbalists earlier than they acquired busy. A number of Chinese language natural medication can also be meals, similar to Chinese language yam or jujubes. I requested an herbalist, Dr. Tan, if the standard of those are increased than what you’d discover at a grocery store.

He advised me, “Natural medication has completely different high quality ranges. Top quality medication are somewhat costly. The grocery store high quality ones are less expensive. As docs, we now have to have medical ethics. We have to bear in mind the severity of the affected person’s sickness together with their monetary scenario. We received’t suggest a medication they’ll’t afford.”

I additionally observed that they use an fascinating scale instrument from historical instances somewhat than a contemporary digital scale to measure most herbs.

(Dr. Tan utilizing a measuring scale to weigh herbs)

They demonstrated it to me, and I observed that the measuring course of may be very quick. I requested concerning the accuracy of this scale. They stated, “Relating to natural medication, you don’t must be actual to the milligram. Once we get a certain quantity of natural medication method and cut up it into a number of days, the precise quantity of every ingredient will differ from daily. That’s wonderful. There’s at all times an appropriate vary.”

Dr. Tan stated if I’m interested by studying natural medication, I ought to get a e-book and begin accumulating. He additionally taught me the primary method that college students ought to study. It could possibly nourish Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang. I’m very grateful for his help and encouragement.

I simply occurred to go to the hospital through the San Fu interval of the yr, and the hospital was providing a medicinal paste software particularly for that interval. Principally, San Fu is the most well liked interval on the Chinese language lunar calendar, and it’s an opportunistic time to deal with winter diseases and make the physique stronger for the winter. The San Fu natural paste is designed for this, and the physique can soak up the properties of the paste by means of bodily contact.

(Left: Me getting the San Fu paste patches utilized. Proper: After the paste patches had been taken off.)

I had patches of the paste utilized to acupoints on my again and throat for about an hour earlier than eradicating them. What a neat approach to put together the physique for the winter!

Each western and Chinese language medication emphasize the significance of normal train for well being upkeep. Within the west, train might be categorized into 4 main classes: cardio, power, flexibility and mobility, steadiness and coordination. Sports activities, going to the gymnasium, and yoga are all extremely popular, and folks often train to enhance their physique form, to extend their power, or to strengthen their coronary heart and lungs.

Chinese language workout routines (e.g., Taichi, Qigong, Baduanjin, and so forth.) have fairly a unique taste and completely different objectives, similar to to

1. Train the assorted inner organs (not simply coronary heart and lungs)

2. Domesticate a relaxed and concentrated thoughts

3. Flexibility and steadiness

4. Energy and endurance (however to a lesser diploma than power coaching and cardio)

The aim that is in all probability hardest to grasp is the primary one: how can we train organs aside from the center and lungs, such because the liver or kidneys or abdomen? In TCM, each organ has corresponding meridians that movement by means of the organ, and these meridians run alongside your entire physique. So after we do stretches, similar to in yoga and Chinese language workout routines, we stretch and stimulate the meridians, which in flip workout routines the corresponding organs. Once we train the interior organs, we enhance total physique well being and longevity.

Chinese language workout routines additionally are likely to alternate between clean and sluggish actions with sudden forceful actions. The entire time, the thoughts must be calm and centered. The sluggish and clean actions typically contain positions that enhance our steadiness or stretches that enhance flexibility and perhaps power, and the length of those workout routines can enhance our endurance and supply some cardio impact.

Shen Nong hospital is positioned subsequent to a river, and one morning, Dr. Liu took me for a stroll alongside that river. She advised me her father and many individuals stroll alongside this river each morning and do their morning workout routines there.

(The river beside Shen Nong Hospital)

That morning, Dr. Liu demonstrated Baduanjin to me. Baduanjin can actually be translated as “Eight Phase Brocade”. Brocade means a woven cloth, sometimes with gold or silver thread. The implication right here is that these are a collection of eight workout routines that are supposed to be carried out or woven collectively, and they’re valuable workout routines in that they’ve nice well being advantages.

I attempted to study Baduanjin earlier than from YouTube movies, and it is alright, however I am positive my actions aren’t absolutely correct. After I watched Dr. Liu do it, I observed a few of her actions are completely different from what I noticed on YouTube.

(Dr. Liu doing Baduanjin)

She defined that there are other ways to do a few of the actions, and no matter I favor is ok. When she noticed me doing the actions, she simply discovered inaccuracies and helped me right them. This was actually useful for me, and now that I do know I can do these actions correctly, I am far more prepared to apply them at dwelling.

I simply occurred to go to through the yr and week of their thirtieth anniversary celebration, and I used to be honored to attend.

(The banner in Chinese language says “An enthusiastic congratulations to Shen Nong Chinese language Medication Hospital for its thirtieth anniversary”)

Other than the purple carpet and fireworks on the hospital, additionally they held a lunch banquet celebration. I noticed plenty of the docs and employees within the hospital working towards for his or her performances after work, and so they had been fairly entertaining. I used to be additionally shocked that these docs needed to carry out, however I suppose it is a Chinese language tradition factor: organizations need their employees to carry out of their banquets.

(Shen Nong Hospital employees performing on the banquet)

(Half of the viewers on the banquet.)

Throughout the banquet, Dr. Liu’s dad, her brother, and Dr. Liu herself all gave speeches. I realized about all of the difficulties and challenges that they went by means of over the previous 30 years. Many individuals would possibly envy the success of her father, however once I heard concerning the hardships he is needed to endure, I really feel that he is completely deserving of his success, and most traditional individuals would not be prepared to endure such hardships.

Throughout the banquet lunch and later one other banquet dinner, I skilled extra of Chinese language tradition. I observed many individuals from different tables coming round to provide congratulatory messages or good needs, after which everybody clinks their cups collectively for a toast. This occurs time and again.

At first, I assumed it is the identical as a western toast, however Dr. Liu identified to me that respecting elders is essential in China, so for those who do a toast with an elder, it is best to be sure that your cup is decrease than theirs. Furthermore, humility is necessary in Chinese language tradition, so an elder will in all probability attempt to put their cup decrease than yours, so it’s essential make a acutely aware effort to place your cup decrease than theirs. Additionally, for those who give toast to others, it is best to begin with the eldest/highest (e.g., the highest chief) after which go down the hierarchy. Earlier than, I knew that the Chinese language actually worth respecting elders and hierarchy, nevertheless it was fairly eye-opening to see it in actual life in banquet etiquette.

Dr. Liu is interested by studying a Chinese language stringed instrument referred to as the Guzheng. She stated that taking part in music is an effective way to loosen up the thoughts and free it from all of the energy-draining considering that almost all of us are at all times doing. Taking part in music also can create a way of peace and nurture constructive vitality in order that our thoughts is sharper after we return to our work.

This all jogs my memory of the aim of meditation, however I do know that meditation might be fairly exhausting and unappealing for some individuals, and taking part in a musical instrument could possibly be an excellent different. Actually, a lot of actions might be meditative, similar to music, artwork, studying for pleasure, knitting, operating, gardening, and so forth, and what works greatest for every individual differs.

Anyway, Dr. Liu managed to e-book a lesson with a famend instructor referred to as Mrs. Luo Bing on Monday, and I had the prospect to take a seat in on that lesson.

(Dr. Liu studying Guzheng from Mrs. Luo)

Mrs. Luo’s mom got here to the hospital that day, and Dr. Liu personally gave her remedy. Throughout the Guzheng lesson, Mrs. Luo primarily centered on educating Dr. Liu, whereas a few of Dr. Liu’s relations had been ingesting tea and chatting with Mrs. Luo’s mom. There have been two Guzhengs within the room, and after I listened and noticed for an hour or so, the instructor invited me and different relations to strive taking part in too.

It was a really distinctive expertise taking part in the Guzheng. I bandage-taped little picks (just like guitar picks) onto my fingers and used them to pluck the strings. Surprisingly, I used to be in a position to study a easy 1-minute track in about an hour, and within the course of, I realized lots of the primary actions.

(Me studying the Guzheng)

Dr. Liu stated that Mrs. Luo is actually good as a result of she did an important steadiness of educating the fundamentals in an fascinating manner whereas additionally giving the coed a way of accomplishment all in simply a few hours. Different academics would possibly make you apply the identical motion time and again for a number of periods, which could make college students really feel bored and like they are not enhancing.

I additionally observed that this instructor actually loves the Guzheng, and she or he’ll play songs for us too to extend our curiosity and admiration for the Guzheng. Once we practiced, she gave us house and time, and she or he got here by from time to time to assist. When she gave recommendation, she used intelligent analogies. For instance, she stated issues like “Chill out your fingers. Use the center finger as for those who’re scratching your head. Use the thumb as for those who’re urgent on a pen.”

I bear in mind Einstein stated, “If you cannot clarify it merely, you do not perceive it nicely sufficient.” From these intelligent analogies, I can inform Mrs. Luo is an knowledgeable on the Guzheng. Later I noticed a few of her movies on social media, and she or he really carried out on worldwide levels and taught well-known individuals from different international locations. Wow, what an honor it was to take a seat in on this lesson!

Within the west, we often steep a considerable amount of tea in a cup or teapot for a very long time. However in China, particularly southern China, they steep tea leaves in a cup for a really brief period of time, perhaps simply 20 to 30 seconds, after which pour out that tea into small cups (roughly the dimensions of shot glasses) for everybody to drink. Then they repeat the method time and again. With every steep, the flavour modifications a bit. At first, it is a bit gentle, then it will get stronger, then it will get lighter once more on the finish.

It is type of just like how within the west, individuals wish to drink alcohol at social gatherings, and you retain refilling that alcohol.    In conventional Chinese language social gatherings, they drink small cups of tea. As time goes on, the flavour of the tea modifications, and so they really feel extra energetic from the tea. The host also can change up the tea to provide everybody a unique expertise. I really fairly take pleasure in it because it feels extra cultured and more healthy in comparison with alcohol.

Beforehand, Dr. Zeng was a provider of tea leaves, and he’s an knowledgeable as regards to Chinese language tea. Throughout many gatherings on the hospital’s tea room, he talked about tea to friends.

(Dr. Zeng speaking about tea to friends)

(Certainly one of Dr. Zeng’s stunning tea cups. He’s a collector.)

From him, I realized many issues:

• The explanation the Chinese language do not steep tea for a extremely very long time is to stop the bitter taste that comes out from over-steeping.

• To maximise the style of the tea, first sniff the tea, then take a sip, then swallow and breathe out.

• Good tea may be very salivating, particularly after you swallow.

• If the tea may be very scorching, you’ll be able to keep away from burning your tongue by slurping the tea.

• When utilizing these small cups to drink tea, we often drink it in three sips. Do not drink it in a single sip.

• Smelling the nice aromas of tea and salivating have well being advantages.

• Various kinds of tea really all begin out as the identical tea leaf, however by means of completely different preparation strategies, they turn out to be completely different teas.

• Various kinds of teas have completely different results. For instance, inexperienced tea is cooling (extra appropriate for the summer season), whereas black tea is warming (extra appropriate for the winter). That is as a result of black tea went by means of a frying course of, whereas inexperienced tea did not.

• Do not decide a tea by its value. An affordable tea that tastes good to you is best than an costly tea that does not style good to you. If a tea tastes dangerous to you, regardless of the value, it isn’t an appropriate tea for you.

Dr. Zeng’s assortment of teas are fairly high-end, and I do not assume somebody like me can absolutely recognize the greatness of his teas, however I am very grateful for his generosity, and due to him, I now have an appreciation for and primary understanding of Chinese language tea tradition.

Dr. Liu’s household is actually hospitable, and so they wished to ensure I acquired the chance to discover Hohhot’s vacationer spots in my restricted time there. They took me to many locations, together with WenHua Gong Meals Road, Dazhao Temple (and the entire outside market round it), a fountain present at Donghe Sq., and the Huhtala Grasslands.

(Wenhua Gong Meals Road)

(Me consuming bamboo sticky rice and candied hawthorn at Wenhua Gong Meals Road)

(Me outdoors the Dazhao Temple)

(The buying space outdoors Dazhao temple)

(A buying road outdoors Dazhao temple)

(Fountain present at Donghe Sq.)

(Fountain present at Donghe Sq.)

(Huhtala Grasslands shortly after sundown)

(Me at Huhtala Grasslands close to sundown)

(Me making an attempt archery for the primary time at Huhtala Grasslands)

Other than the fantastic vacationer websites, I additionally acquired to eat a lot of scrumptious meals, together with hotpot, BBQ, banquets, and conventional Mongolian meals. My favorites are

• Tempura BBQ (it is like regular Chinese language BBQ, however with tempura-like batter)

• Sticky rice in a bamboo tube (the sticky rice absorbs the flavour from the bamboo)

• Mango rose pudding (I actually recognize that meals artwork)

• Mongolian roasted bread (crispy on the surface, gentle and fluffy on the within)

(Me consuming tempura BBQ and a bowl of rice noodles)

(Left: Mango rose pudding. The restaurant proprietor stated they freeze mango items to make that rose. Proper: Mongolian roasted bread.)

(Conventional Mongolian meals. I actually preferred their stir-fried mushrooms and skinny gentle pancakes. The watermelons are contemporary and domestically picked, and they’re tremendous candy.)

I did not come to Hohhot for tourism and meals, however I can say it is an important place to go to if that is what you are in search of!

This complete week was such a wealthy expertise for me. I used to be already a giant fan of TCM earlier than as a result of it gives free and easy-to-do-at-home well being recommendation for everybody (I wrote about this in my TCM collection). However after this examine journey, I’m much more keen on TCM. My fundamental aim was to study extra about Tui Na therapeutic massage, and I acquired a lot of gems that I’ll apply at dwelling. As a bonus, I acquired steering on acupuncture, cup sliding, and Chinese language workout routines.

Other than Chinese language medication learnings on the hospital, I acquired to expertise plenty of Chinese language tradition, similar to banquet etiquette, Chinese language music, and Chinese language tea tradition. And naturally, it was actually enjoyable to go to lots of the vacationer websites and eat a lot of scrumptious Mongolian meals. A giant heartfelt due to Dr. Liu, her household, and all of the individuals at Shen Nong hospital for this unforgettable week!