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I have studied traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for several years. It’s hard to say how much technique I’ve truly learned, but my mindset has gradually become moderate and no longer extreme. This article well embodies the Doctrine of the Mean. You can also read it in conjunction with 谈谈我眼中的倪海厦
Original Link
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/eBmDIg2EBkwhwxsf50samg
Main Text
Zhao Yan of traditional Chinese medicine is a self-taught TCM practitioner who came from a public hospital background. Disclaimer: This is a forum for friendship through literature, please do not argue. This is a personal opinion and does not seek attention. All articles on this account reflect Dr. Zhao Yan’s clinical practice insights and are for TCM exchange and sharing only, not advertisements. Patients should discern on their own and follow a doctor’s advice for medication. No online diagnosis or responses to online consultations.
Recently, I saw a post online attacking Ni Haixia and Xu Wenbing, even containing some insults. My personal view is that this is unnecessary.
Everyone is inheriting and promoting TCM, so why should there be favoritism or mutual attacks? Folk veteran TCM doctors rely on their unique skills and remain open-minded. Hospital TCM practitioners rely on hospital resources and platforms to widely participate in integrating Chinese and Western medicine (collaboration). Primary-level TCM doctors rely on treating common and frequently occurring diseases to show their efficacy to the community.
Beyond that, we must not forget those diligent Chinese medicine documentarians who organize ancient TCM literature under lamplight and deliver good TCM books to the clinic. We must not forget those who research and cultivate Chinese herbal medicine varieties, planting, and processing workers. We must not forget the teachers who dedicate their energy to nurturing students’ fundamental theories. Nor can we forget the administrative officials at various levels of TCM, who strive for policies, make suggestions to superiors, and work hard in many ways for the development of TCM.
For a TCM practitioner to calmly diagnose and treat patients, many people silently contribute behind the scenes. Many industries related to TCM work together—from leaders in the TCM regulatory bureau to farmers who cultivate medicinal herbs—all supporting the efficacy of TCM and the entire industry.
With the development of the internet, many online TCM educators or popular science workers have emerged. Although their theories may not be entirely accurate, and their actions may not be wholly selflessly devoted to the noble medical spirit, they still have to earn a living and support employees. Objectively speaking, they spread TCM knowledge. Many people have come to understand TCM because of Mr. Xu Wenbing, and many have self-studied TCM following Mr. Ni Haixia.
It’s impossible for everyone interested in TCM to attend a TCM university, and not everyone wanting to learn TCM can quit their jobs to pursue TCM master’s or doctoral degrees. At this moment, the efforts of Mr. Ni Haixia and Mr. Xu Wenbing benefit many people—this is an objective fact.
Maybe their academic views are somewhat extreme, but historically, TCM has had many schools and sects. Which school dares to claim itself as completely orthodox and strictly adherent to tradition? Furthermore, so many people listening to online courses differ in IQ and experience, so their understanding of the theoretical knowledge heard naturally varies. One cannot deny the overall effect just because of a few discordant voices.
I personally have deep experience. When I first wrote this public account, the purpose was to provide patient education and popular science. Later, I found that some of the dietary therapies, proprietary Chinese medicines, and external TCM treatments I introduced enabled many readers to manage their illnesses at home, spending less money and suffering less.
Several years ago, a patient with chronic stomach problems who took medicine for years improved his stomach condition by using the foot bath method I introduced… A patient with microscopic hematuria eliminated it through my dietary therapy… A patient with chronic hand tremors basically stopped trembling after using my method… Some with menstrual disorders improved after using my method… As for common minor illnesses such as colds, fever, coughs, many people easily solved them with the methods I introduced. I receive similar feedback and thanks almost daily, and I have met almost none of these people in person, which would have been unimaginable in ancient times.
Therefore, I really do not support completely denying Mr. Xu and Mr. Ni. If you feel they are wrong somewhere, you can correct or argue with them, but there is no need to completely negate or defeat them. In the internet age, someone needs to speak out online for TCM. If everyone just silently treated patients and made money and fame without voicing for TCM, fewer and fewer people would know about and trust TCM or be willing to try TCM treatment. Frankly, each of us TCM clinical doctors probably enjoys this dividend without realizing it.
TCM is not only a technique but also wisdom and philosophy. Therefore, I think the more you study TCM, the more your mindset should become peaceful, tolerant, broad-minded, and calm; you should transcend the small self and seek the greater self. Only then is one truly entering the inner sanctum, rather than being overly entangled in trivial personal matters.