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

The girl's brother was overjoyed upon hearing this and repeatedly bowed to Yu Shiyun, pleading, "Doctor, please save my sister! We'll pay any price!"

Yu Shiyun quickly helped him up: "Please don't do this. I'm just suggesting an idea. The specific treatment needs to be carefully considered, and the process may be quite long. It will also require your full cooperation."

Han Jimin said to the organizer, "For this case, we can follow Dr. Yu's approach and gather several experienced senior doctors to discuss and formulate a specific prescription. I will oversee the process. If the necessary medicinal materials are not readily available in the local area, they can be obtained from the pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital."

The organizers readily agreed.

Old Han then looked at Yu Shiyun, his eyes full of admiration: "Dr. Yu, you are a promising young man."

Yu Shiyun hurriedly said, "Elder Han, you flatter me. Actually, I saw a similar case in my grandfather's medical records."

"Good, you have a strong family tradition in learning and can think independently. Very good."

Han Jimin praised, then his gaze swept over the direction of Chen Yang's team, and he said loudly, "Director Chen Yang, may I have a word with you in private?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yang stepped out from the crowd, approached Elder Han, and respectfully bowed: "Elder Han, this is Chen Yang, your junior."

"Chen Yang? It's actually Chen Yang?"

"Chen Yang from Kyoto International Medical Center?"

"Chen Yang, who's been making headlines lately?"

"Holy crap, a Yang Shen?"

A chorus of exclamations erupted from the sidelines; Chen Yang was quite famous.

Han Jimin carefully examined Chen Yang and smiled, "Indeed, heroes emerge from among the young. I have long admired you, and seeing you today, I am amazed to see that all the young people you have brought are extraordinary."

"Mr. Han, you flatter me," Chen Yang said modestly.

It's getting late today.

Han Jimin smiled and said to Chen Yang, "Tomorrow afternoon, I will have some free time at home. If Director Chen and all of you young friends are available, you are welcome to come to my humble abode for a chat, a cup of tea, and a discussion about medicine."

This was an invitation! Chen Yang's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately replied, "I am deeply grateful for Elder Han's kindness. I will certainly pay my respects on time."

Han Jimin smiled and nodded, then slowly left with the help of the young man.

After Han Jimin left, the "Grassroots Medical Association" continued, but Chen Yang's team had become the focus of attention.

Many traditional Chinese medicine practitioners gathered around, curiously inquiring and exchanging information.

Yu Shiyun was even pulled aside by several senior doctors to discuss in detail the medication for that "insidious" case.

On the way back, Yu Shiyun was still very excited, her face flushed: "Director Chen, I...was I too bold just now?"

Chen Yang smiled and said, "No, you did very well. Your dialectical thinking was accurate, you dared to put forward your arguments, and what's even more commendable is that you have a strong family background in scholarship. Even Elder Han has approved of it, which means that your approach is correct."

Xia Hongliang grinned and put his arm around Yu Shiyun's shoulder: "Well done, Shiyun! You've been quiet all along, but now you've made a name for yourself! You're going to be famous in Jiangdong!"

Zhuang Qiwen also sincerely praised, "Shiyun's performance today was truly brilliant. That 'insidious' dialectic opened up new avenues of thought."

Yu Shiyun was a little embarrassed, but her eyes were shining.

.......

The day I visited Mr. Han Jimin was the afternoon of the third day after I arrived in Jiangdong.

The turmoil at the "Grassroots Medical Association" had already quietly spread the day before.

The fact that Yu Shiyun diagnosed "yin poison" and obtained Han Lao's approval has caused quite a stir in the Jiangzhou TCM circle.

After lunch, Chen Yang, along with Zhuang Qiwen, Xia Hongliang, Yu Shiyun, Zeng Yunhui, and others, went to Old Han's residence.

Mr. Han's residence is not in the bustling city center, but in an old residential area nestled against the mountains and beside the water on the outskirts of the city. The community was built in the 1980s and 1990s, with red brick walls covered with vines, tall and lush trees, and a quiet environment.

Walking down to the first floor of a building, there is a unit with a small courtyard, which is where Old Han lives.

When the door was opened, a kind-looking woman in her fifties, the caregiver hired by Mr. Han, answered.

The nanny warmly welcomed Chen Yang and his group into the courtyard.

The courtyard is small, but it is well-maintained.

Several clumps of medicinal plants such as mint, perilla, and mugwort were planted in the corner, and several pots of orchids were placed on the bluestone slab, full of vitality.

Under an old locust tree in the courtyard, there was a stone table and several rattan chairs. Old Han was sitting in one of the rattan chairs, with a set of antique purple clay teaware in front of him, steam rising from the teapot.

"Old Han," Chen Yang stepped forward and greeted him respectfully.

"You've arrived? Please have a seat."

Old Han smiled kindly and pointed to the rattan chair next to him: "It's a simple place in the countryside, but it's quiet and peaceful."

Everyone sat down as instructed, and the nanny brought over a few more chairs.

"This is Zhuang Qiwen, Xia Hongliang, Yu Shiyun, Zeng Yunhui..." Chen Yang introduced them one by one.

Old Han's gaze lingered on each person's face for a moment, then he nodded and smiled: "They are all young talents, very good."

Yu Shiyun was a little nervous, after all, she had just tried to show off her limited skills in front of Master Han the day before.

Old Han seemed to sense her unease and said gently, "Dr. Xiao, there's no need to be so reserved. Medicine is all about communication, and daring to try is the most important thing."

"Thank you, Mr. Han." Yu Shiyun felt a little relieved.

"Is this Dr. Zhuang?"

Old Han looked at Zhuang Qiwen: "Although we didn't talk directly the other day, I saw your calm demeanor and heard about your deeds in treating critically ill patients with bloating in the province. You are courageous and insightful, which is rare."

Zhuang Qiwen hurriedly and modestly replied, "Mr. Han, you flatter me. It is thanks to Director Chen's excellent guidance and the patient's strong will to live."

Old Han then looked at Xia Hongliang and Zeng Yunhui and said with a smile, "Dr. Xia has an ingenious way of thinking and is good at using classical prescriptions; Dr. Zeng is down-to-earth, hardworking and willing to take on responsibilities. Director Chen's team is indeed full of hidden talents."

Xia Hongliang chuckled: "Old Han, you have a keen eye. We've only learned a little bit from Director Chen."

Old Han shook his head: "Excessive modesty is complacency. I can see that none of you are ordinary people."

After exchanging pleasantries, Mr. Han began to brew tea.

Master Han's technique was skillful, unhurried, and possessed a tranquil rhythm.

The tea is a local wild mountain tea, with a clear and bright liquor and a delicate aroma.

"We people from Jiangdong love to drink tea and also love to study the art of tea."

Old Han distributed teacups to everyone: "Actually, the way of tea and the way of medicine have much in common."

"Oh? Please enlighten me, Elder Han." Chen Yang took the teacup and listened attentively.

Old Han took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Tea depends on its origin, season, processing, and storage; water depends on its source, temperature, and timing of cooking; and the vessel must be suitable—purple clay, porcelain, and glass each have their own characteristics. This is just like when we treat a patient, we need to consider the timing, location, the patient's constitution, the nature of the illness, and also choose the right method, prescription, and dosage."

"To brew a good cup of tea, the water temperature must be just right. If it is too high, the tea will be bitter; if it is too low, the aroma will not be released. If the brewing time is too long, the tea will be astringent; if it is too short, the tea will be bland. The same applies to treating illness. If the medicine is too strong, it will harm the body's vital energy; if it is too mild, it will be ineffective. If the treatment is not timely, it will be delayed; if you are too impatient, it may also cause harm. The key is 'moderation' and 'timing'."

"Furthermore..."

Old Han continued, "There are thousands of kinds of tea, and people have thousands of illnesses. No tea can suit everyone, and no prescription can cure all diseases."

"We must tailor our approach to the individual, the time, and the place. Sometimes, the medicines used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in Jiangdong seem 'strong' because the area is humid and the population tends to have damp-heat stagnation, which can only be cleared by strong remedies. If we apply this approach to the dry north or to elderly people with weak constitutions, it may cause problems."