Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

"The tongue is red with a yellow, greasy coating, the finger veins are purplish and sluggish, and the pulse is floating, slippery, and rapid."

Zhuang Qiwen pondered for a moment and said to the child's mother, "This is an external wind-heat disease. The pathogenic factors have invaded the lungs, scorching the body fluids and turning them into phlegm. The phlegm and heat are blocking the lungs. The antibiotics used in the hospital are cold in nature. Although they have temporarily suppressed the body temperature, the root cause of the disease has not been eliminated. Instead, they have caused the pathogenic factors to stagnate and generate internal heat, which is why the cough has worsened."

Chen Yang nodded slightly. Zhuang Qiwen's analysis was clear, logical, and to the point, perfectly in line with the traditional Chinese medicine explanation for the chronic and difficult-to-cure pathogenesis of pediatric bronchitis.

"Then... what should we do?" The woman didn't quite understand, but she felt that what Dr. Zhuang said made sense.

"Now we can't just clear the heat; we need to promote the flow of lung qi, clear the internal heat, and at the same time resolve phlegm and relieve asthma."

As Zhuang Qiwen spoke, he picked up his pen and wrote out a prescription: "I used Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang combined with Xie Bai San, with some modifications. Ephedra is used to clear the lungs and relieve asthma, apricot kernel and gypsum clear lung heat, mulberry bark and lycium bark purge latent fire in the lungs, and I added fritillaria thunbergii and trichosanthes peel to enhance the expectorant effect, and charred hawthorn, malt and malt to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion."

As he spoke, Zhuang Qiwen wrote out the prescription and handed it to the child's mother.

"Dr. Zhuang, can my child use this medicine? I've heard that many medicines are not suitable for children," the child's mother asked hesitantly.

Zhuang Qiwen put down his pen and patiently explained, "Don't worry, elder sister. Using medicine is like using troops; the key lies in the compatibility and dosage."

"The child is currently suffering from phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs and difficulty breathing. Ephedra is exactly what is needed to open the lung's qi gate. I have controlled the dosage very carefully, making it specifically for the child. Moreover, the formula contains gypsum, which has a cooling effect to counteract the warming and drying nature of ephedra. The two complement each other, so there will be no problem. Go back and decoct the medicine as I instructed. Take two doses first and observe. Once the fever subsides, the cough and shortness of breath will improve significantly."

"Thank you, Dr. Zhuang," the child's mother said, then carried her child out to get the medicine from the pharmacy.

He Pengjun lowered his voice and said to Chen Yang, "Dr. Chen, this Dr. Zhuang is indeed worthy of his reputation. His diagnosis is accurate, and he is skilled in using medicine. In particular, his use of ephedra is bold yet meticulous, and his prescriptions are rigorous."

Since last year, He Pengjun has been studying traditional Chinese medicine on his own, reading many books. He also gained some exposure to traditional Chinese medicine at the Kyoto International Medical Center. Although he can't treat patients, he can at least get a general idea of ​​its principles.

Chen Yang nodded slightly, already having made his judgment.

Zhuang Qiwen's diagnosis and treatment process just now was clear in its thinking, and the theory, method, prescription and medicine were closely linked. It was by no means the "wild thinking" and "reckless use of medicine" described by Liu Qiming. On the contrary, it showed a solid theoretical foundation and rich clinical experience. Its rigor and standardization even surpassed that of many doctors in large hospitals.

"Let's observe for a while longer," Chen Yang said in a low voice.

Next to enter was an elderly man in his sixties who introduced himself as Mr. Wang. He had been suffering from chronic knee pain for many years, diagnosed by Western medicine as degenerative knee disease. The pain worsened on rainy days, and for the past six months, he had even had difficulty walking. He had visited several hospitals for treatment, but the results were unsatisfactory.

Zhuang Qiwen carefully examined the old man's knee joint, inquired about the specific location and nature of the pain—whether it was a stabbing or aching pain—as well as symptoms such as chills, dry mouth, and bowel movements. He then took the pulse and examined the tongue coating.

"Uncle Wang, your illness is caused by wind, cold and dampness obstructing the meridians, which over time leads to deficiency of the liver and kidneys and poor circulation of qi and blood. It is a case of deficiency in the root and excess in the branch."

Zhuang Qiwen diagnosed: "Simply relieving pain has limited effect. It is necessary to dispel wind, cold and dampness to treat the symptoms, while tonifying the liver and kidneys, promoting blood circulation and unblocking the meridians to strengthen the root cause."

Zhuang Qiwen did not rush to prescribe medicine, but instead had the old man lie down on the treatment bed next to him and took out a set of shiny silver needles.

"I'll give you acupuncture first to relieve the pain, and then I'll prescribe some medicine."

Chen Yang peered through the curtain and saw that Zhuang Qiwen had accurately selected acupoints, mainly focusing on points around and distal to the knee joint, such as Xiyan, Yanglingquan, Zusanli, Xuehai, and Liangqiu.

The needle insertion technique was skillful, sometimes gently twisting and turning, sometimes lifting and thrusting in an orderly manner, with just the right amount of force. The old man soon felt a warm current flowing around his knee joint, and the excruciating pain was immediately relieved.

"Oh my, Dr. Zhuang, that's amazing! I feel so much better!" The old man exclaimed, both surprised and delighted.

"This means you've gained energy; it's a good sign."

Zhuang Qiwen smiled slightly and said, "Leave the needles in for twenty minutes, and I will remove them for you in a moment."

After speaking, Zhuang Qiwen prescribed a modified version of Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang based on the old man's constitution, and explained in detail the decoction method, precautions for taking the medicine, as well as daily methods for keeping warm and appropriate rehabilitation exercises.

After the needles were removed, the old man tentatively took a few steps on the ground, his face full of disbelief: "I really feel much better! Dr. Zhuang, your treatment really works!"

.......

In one morning, Zhuang Qiwen treated more than a dozen patients with a wide variety of illnesses, involving internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.

From colds and coughs, stomach aches, and insomnia to menstrual irregularities and infantile malnutrition, he can handle them all with ease.

His diagnostic accuracy and individualized medication or acupuncture treatment plans far surpass those of simply applying pre-existing prescriptions. Even more remarkable is his exceptional patience with each patient, explaining their conditions in a clear and concise manner, and offering comforting words like a gentle spring breeze.

In fact, the moment Chen Yang first saw Zhuang Qiwen, he cast a detection spell to check Zhuang Qiwen's information.

Zhuang Qiwen, 45 years old, is at the level of level 7 in internal medicine and pharmacology, and level 6 in acupuncture. His overall level is indeed a step above Xun Jiahong.

You should know that Director Xun is a chief physician at Kyoto Hospital.

As noon approached, the number of patients gradually decreased. Zhuang Qiwen's clinic was an old one, and the patients were all familiar with Zhuang Qiwen's situation. Dr. Zhuang had an hour for lunch, and patients who felt they couldn't get a table during lunchtime would go find somewhere else to eat.

Beside the medicine cabinet, the women who were getting their medicine also began to tidy up the counter.

Zhuang Qiwen saw off the last patient, his face showing obvious fatigue. He poured himself a glass of warm water, walked slowly to the waiting area, and his gaze fell once again on Chen Yang and He Pengjun.

These two people spent the whole morning here, not seeing a doctor, not talking, just silently observing, which was really strange.

Zhuang Qiwen frowned. Could it be that Zhao Chen really didn't intend to let him go?

"Gentlemen, are you here for a medical consultation, or..." Zhuang Qiwen stepped forward and asked in a calm tone, his eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny.

Chen Yang stood up, calmly removed his mask and glasses, revealing his handsome face, and smiled as he extended his hand: "Dr. Zhuang, hello."

Upon seeing Chen Yang's face, Zhuang Qiwen was first taken aback, and then a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Director Chen...?"

Zhuang Qiwen found it hard to believe that Chen Yang would appear in his small clinic.

You should know that Chen Yang is now a highly sought-after and renowned doctor in the country. He is not only deeply accomplished in traditional Chinese medicine, but also an authority in cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and hepatobiliary surgery. He is incredibly famous, while Zhuang Qiwen is just a village doctor in Heshan County.