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

Chen Yang nodded in agreement: "Old Han is absolutely right. Medicine must be combined with the specific human and geographical environment, which is also the essence of the traditional Chinese medicine principle of 'adapting to local conditions based on the three factors'."

Old Han smiled: "It seems Director Chen is a wise man. I heard that in your lecture in the bulk province, you talked about 'breakthroughs and boundaries of thinking,' and you mentioned that one of the 'boundaries' is the foundation of classical theories and regional cultural characteristics. Very good."

"Mr. Han, you flatter me. You can just call me Xiao Chen," Chen Yangqian said with a smile.

It must be said that all the senior doctors who have a great reputation and high level of medical skills in the medical field are of very good character.

"hehe."

Old Han smiled, then changed the subject, looking at the young people: "You came from the capital, traveled through the Central Plains and scattered throughout the land, and now you've arrived in Jiangdong. Don't you feel that the styles of traditional Chinese medicine are very different in each place?"

Zhuang Qiwen pondered and said, "Yes. Zhongzhou is located in the Central Plains, and its medicines are mostly mild and gentle, focusing on regulating the spleen and stomach; the Wu School of medicine in the province uses light and agile medicines, and is good at regulating the Qi mechanism; while Jiangdong... seems to emphasize 'force' and 'quick effect' more."

Xia Hongliang added: "Moreover, the atmosphere among the common people is particularly strong, and there are many different schools of thought, giving it a 'hundred schools of thought contending' feel."

Master Han nodded: "That's right. This is the diversity of traditional Chinese medicine, and it's also where its vitality lies. But beneath this diversity, are there any commonalities?"

Yu Shiyun thought for a moment and tentatively asked, "What they have in common is... the core thinking of dialectical treatment? And the ultimate pursuit of 'yin-yang balance' and 'qi and blood harmony'?"

"well said."

Master Han praised, "No matter how things change, the principle remains the same. Whether the medicine used is mild or strong, whether the approach is orthodox or unorthodox, the ultimate goal is to adjust the body's imbalanced state. This principle cannot be lost."

As he spoke, Old Han put down his teacup, his gaze becoming distant: "When I was young, I traveled from village to village, a true 'grassroots doctor.' Back then, there weren't many rules or instruments; all we relied on was our eyes, our hands, and our hearts. We treated patients according to their condition. If we had the chance, we would learn a few tricks from the older generation; if not, we would figure it out on our own."

"Later, I went to the hospital, learned systematic theories, and standardized my operations, which was progress. But there were also some things that seemed to be restrictive."

Old Han sighed: "Some doctors can't diagnose without the test results; some prescriptions clearly need to be modified, but they dare not deviate from the prescribed steps; some effective folk remedies are rejected because they are 'unexplainable'."

"Therefore, I admire your unconventional and thought-provoking spirit."

Old Han looked at Chen Yang and said, "Especially you, young Chen, your advocacy of 'precise diagnosis' and 'daring to establish theories' is actually about finding the most authentic and dynamic aspects of traditional Chinese medicine. I'm seeing less and less of this in many of the younger generation."

Chen Yang solemnly replied, "Elder Han, you flatter me. We simply believe that for traditional Chinese medicine to develop, it must continuously innovate on the basis of inheritance, and the source of innovation lies in a profound understanding of each patient's specific situation and a willingness to put it into practice."

"Take responsibility..."

Old Han repeated the word, a look of emotion flashing in his eyes: "Yes, responsibility. The word 'doctor' carries immense weight. Without responsibility, without daring to take charge of patients, no matter how high one's medical skills are, one will never achieve great things."

As he spoke, Elder Han looked at the young people and said, “You have a long road ahead of you, and you will encounter more difficulties, more critical situations, and more criticisms. Remember what I said today, uphold the principles of ‘benevolence in medicine’ and ‘treatment based on syndrome differentiation,’ explore boldly, and practice cautiously. The future of traditional Chinese medicine rests on your shoulders.”

These words, spoken with earnestness, stirred the hearts of Zhuang Qiwen and others, making them feel a profound sense of responsibility for carrying on the legacy.

After a few rounds of tea, the topic returned to specific medical techniques.

Professor Han inquired about several typical cases they had handled in the bulk goods province. Chen Yang asked Zhuang Qiwen and others to explain their diagnostic reasoning and medication experiences. Professor Han listened very carefully, asking questions or making comments from time to time, often hitting the nail on the head and giving the speakers a sudden enlightenment.

For example, the idea of ​​"yin deficiency and damp heat" for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes proposed by Shi Yun in the province of Sanzhuang.

While affirming this, Dr. Han added, "There are many patients like this in Jiangdong, but they often have more severe damp-heat and blood stasis."

“Here, we might add blood-activating herbs like Salvia miltiorrhiza, Paeonia lactiflora, and Leonurus japonicus earlier on top of nourishing yin, clearing heat, and resolving dampness. Sometimes we might even use ground beetles and leeches to break up blood stasis, which makes it even more effective. This is due to regional differences.”

When discussing Xia Hongliang's use of Bupleurum and Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction to treat depression, Old Han smiled and said, "This idea is brilliant. In fact, this formula is often used with modifications in folk medicine in Jiangdong to treat some 'strange' or 'unusual' diseases. It is also often combined with some calming and stabilizing herbs, such as Polygonum multiflorum, Albizia julibrissin bark, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder."

“A dysfunction of the Shaoyang meridian is indeed a key location for many emotional disorders and intractable diseases.”

When asked about Zhuang Qiwen's treatment of critically ill patients with abdominal distension, Old Han's expression turned solemn: "We see many patients like this here too."

"Late-stage liver cancer and cirrhosis, with persistent ascites. The Didang Decoction combined with Jijiao Lihuang Pills and Shenfu Decoction that you used is very potent."

“Sometimes we also add some local diuretics, such as Lobelia chinensis, Polygonum aviculare, and mole cricket, or use some external diuretic ointment. Treating both internally and externally can sometimes give us a better chance of survival.”

Dr. Han shared his local clinical experience and medication characteristics in Jiangdong without reservation, which greatly benefited Chen Yang's team.

These experiences, many of which are not found in books or are only vaguely described, are extremely valuable.

Before we knew it, the sun was setting, and the courtyard was bathed in golden afterglow.

Old Han invited everyone to stay for dinner, saying it was a simple meal. The food was simple, mostly light seasonal vegetables, but there was a medicinal chicken soup that smelled delicious.

"This is made with astragalus, codonopsis, goji berries, red dates, and our local free-range chicken, simmered over low heat for four hours."

Dr. Han explained, "We doctors also need to know how to take care of ourselves. You are young, but you are constantly on the go and mentally exhausted, so you should also pay attention to that."

The atmosphere at the dinner table became more relaxed.

Old Han recounted some interesting and thrilling stories from his early years as a doctor, such as encountering a pack of wolves while making house calls late at night, using acupuncture to save a villager who had drunk pesticide, and personally tasting a herbal prescription and getting poisoned himself... The young people listened with both admiration and longing.

After the meal, Chen Yang's team drank a cup of digestive tea and then got up to say goodbye.

Before leaving, Old Han took out several thread-bound handwritten books from the house; the paper was already yellowed.

"These are some cases and insights I recorded when I was practicing medicine in my early years, as well as some folk remedies I collected."

Old Han handed the book to Chen Yang, saying, "It's not anything profound, but it's all derived from practical experience. I'm giving it to you; it might have some reference value."

Chen Yang solemnly accepted it: "Elder Han, this is too precious! I will definitely study it carefully and live up to your generous gift."

"Knowledge loses its meaning if it's kept hidden away."

Old Han smiled freely: "If you can use it and it can help more people, then it is the best destiny for it."