Possibly it was some kind of urge or need to help others that drove me towards studying Chinese Medicine. Add a little curiosity for this ancient and strange approach to the human body and as a result I got totally hooked on and fascinated by what I gradually discovered.
I just had books and done some small classes by a Chinese doctor whom I knew from North Point (Hong Kong Island). But I wanted to know more and especially understand the basic theory.
I tried to get into a course in one of Beijing TCM Universities. I had asked two different colleges and they both had agreed to provide teachers in English. I chose the one that had sent a teacher’s plan and schedule in English to me which I thought was more welcoming.
There I was on my own as a humble student ready to take a full dive into what I consider very astute and precious knowledge. Easy not to give in to distraction if outside was snow and a cold that kept even a Swiss indoors. But honestly I could not wait for a warmer season I was too eager to take up my studies.
In my little studio I had plastered the walls with all the Acupoint charts that I could get hold of，even ears chart which were not on my teachers’ plan. I was covered with ink having drawn the meridians on my skin. All over the place were the rubber models man, woman even a dog, a cat and a cow. I learned the dog’s point for the benefit of my two little dog’s health like every body in Hong Kong they also have their ailments. It works very well on them too and they love it.
With moxibustion and acupressure we already got rid of chronic conjunctivitis, asthma attacks and arthritis on hips. Of course I work on people too and I get more and more experience and happily see how much I can help even as a beginner. The more I know the more I think Chinese Medicine is quite matter of facts and by no means “old fashioned”. When people say that it sends me up the wall. What do you mean by “old fashioned”, the body? Eating? Sleeping? Getting babies and what happens 9 months before is not considered old fashioned, Is it?
TCM is based on thorough observation of the human body and that one has not changed much even in many centuries.
Using the five elements to clearly distinguish different quality of human tissue and condition are comparison or metaphors and are made to understand. Yin and Yang are about harmony and balance in the system. Do I need to say that we are all part of a universal system and that Yin and Yang can be applied everywhere? Also to plants and cycles and whatsoever can be found in this world. It is also in this world that we find the herbs and medicine.
Personally I think the future of TCM lies also in its marketing. We should get the dust off it’s shoulders and stuffiness out of the way and bring people understand that this is a holistic way of care, including every aspect of life that must be checked on like intake of foods, lifestyle etc so people feel pampered. Adding to a comfortable feel is the clinique as a neat surrounding. The room should be fitted with light colored wood and white or off white wall and curtains. Possibly potted plants and pleasant Chinese art could be used to decorate. Scents and light background music are an option too. These ideas maybe some from my designer past but they could help to “sell the goods”since we want to make a living from it，don’t we?
For myself I wish I can one day be a really good Chinese doctor as told by one teacher in Beijing. I asked her when that would be, she answered in about 10 years and she was not joking.