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

Chapter 1252 Rural Free Medical Services (Part 1)

Then Old Han said to Shi Yun, "Xiao Yu, the prescription for that 'yin poison' patient has been finalized by me and a few old friends after careful consideration. It's basically based on your idea, with slight adjustments. The medicine has been prepared and her brother has taken it back to decoct and take it. I will have someone inform you of any further changes."

"Thank you, Mr. Han!" Yu Shiyun said gratefully.

"It is your own merit in making a correct judgment."

Old Han waved his hand, "In the future, when you encounter similar difficult cases, you can think about them from the perspectives of 'toxins,' 'stasis,' and 'deficiency,' especially for those strange diseases with long courses of illness and ineffective conventional treatments."

As night fell, Chen Yang and his group bid farewell to Old Han and headed back to their hotel.

Xia Hongliang reflected on the conversation and exclaimed, "Old Han is truly a master; he has no airs at all and is willing to teach us anything."

Zhuang Qiwen said with deep feeling: "What is even more commendable is his clear understanding of the current state of traditional Chinese medicine and his earnest expectations for the next generation. The burden on our shoulders is indeed not light."

Chen Yang handed the book given to him by Elder Han to Yu Shiyun. Yu Shiyun hugged the book as if it were a precious treasure: "I must study these manuscripts carefully."

Zeng Yunhui said, "The local specialty medicines and experiences that Mr. Han mentioned will definitely be of great help to our practice in Jiangdong."

Chen Yang walked ahead, the moonlight shining on his calm profile.

Professor Han's words gave him a deeper reflection on his trip to Jiangdong. It was not just an academic exchange, but also a transmission of spirit and a handover of responsibility.

Back at the hotel, the other team members returned one after another.

Li Chengjie and the others who did not go with Chen Yang to Han Lao's residence excitedly recounted their experiences at the museum, especially the precious ancient medical artifacts and historical materials on the development of local medicine in Jiangdong.

Chen Yang convened a short meeting with everyone to share the details and takeaways from his visit to Elder Han, and to convey Elder Han's instructions and expectations.

"Our clinical clerkship at the First Affiliated Hospital will continue over the next few days."

Chen Yang assigned the task: "At the same time, we need to start preparing for the next important step—going deep into the grassroots to conduct a three-day free clinic and research in a county under the jurisdiction of Jiangzhou City. That place is one of the Jiangdong Chinese medicinal herb producing areas, and its folk Chinese medicine ecology is more representative."

"Free medical consultation?" Everyone's eyes lit up.

This is more challenging than simply visiting a hospital, and it allows you to get a real look at the situation at the grassroots level.

"Yes. The location is Qinglin County. The First Affiliated Hospital will send a car and a doctor will accompany us. We will have to deal with a large number of patients at the grassroots level, handle various common and frequently occurring diseases, and may also encounter difficult and complicated cases."

Chen Yang smiled and said, "This is a good opportunity to test our comprehensive capabilities and learn from the grassroots. Everyone, be prepared."

Everyone was eager and nervous.

In the stillness of the night, Chen Yang was in his room flipping through the handwritten copy given to him by Old Han.

On the yellowed paper, neat small regular script with a brush pen records vivid case studies and simple reflections.

There are successes and failures; there are brilliant ideas and moments of confusion and reflection. Through the lines, one can almost see a young doctor tirelessly exploring the art of medicine in the fields and under the dim light of an oil lamp.

This kind of inheritance that transcends time and space stirred Chen Yang's heart. He closed the book, walked to the window, and looked at the myriad lights of Jiangzhou.

The path of traditional Chinese medicine is long and winding.

But as long as there are predecessors like Han Lao to guide the way, younger generations like Chen Yang, Zhuang Qiwen, and Yu Shiyun who dare to explore and continue the work, and countless doctors who are rooted in practice to work silently, this ancient yet young road will surely become wider and wider.

The next day, under the arrangement of the First Affiliated Hospital, Chen Yang's team split into two groups and went to the outpatient department and wards to conduct clinical internships.

With the foundation laid in the previous days and guidance from Professor Han, their exchanges with the doctors at the First Affiliated Hospital became more in-depth, and their insights became more targeted.

Xia Hongliang witnessed firsthand the swift and powerful "Overlord Needle Technique" performed by doctors from the First Affiliated Hospital in the acupuncture department, and discussed with them the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in treating pain and arthralgia.

In the oncology department, Zhuang Qiwen participated in the follow-up treatment discussion for that patient with advanced pancreatic cancer, and his proposed "symptom reduction" approach was implemented in a more concrete way.

Yu Shiyun, working in the dermatology department, combined the local hot and humid conditions mentioned by Dr. Han with the department's doctors to optimize the treatment plan for the patient with intractable eczema; Zeng Yunhui, working in the orthopedics department, learned some unique local bone-setting techniques and trauma medication experience.

Everyone gained a lot.

Meanwhile, good news came from Xiao Juan, the girl who was diagnosed with "yin poisoning" at the "Grassroots Medical Association".

After taking one dose of the medicine, the severe pain in her hands and feet lessened, and the purplish-blue color faded slightly; after two doses, she even felt a long-lost warmth, and her aversion to cold lessened. Although she was still very weak, it was undoubtedly a sign of improvement.

Old Han sent a message to confirm the direction of treatment and instructed that the prescription be continued and the patient be observed, with adjustments made as needed.

This news greatly encouraged Yu Shiyun and her entire team.

Three days later, the vehicles for the free clinic in Qinglin County were ready.

The First Affiliated Hospital sent Director Sun, who was familiar with the local situation, to accompany them.

Two minibuses, carrying Chen Yang's team of fifteen people, as well as some basic medicines and equipment, drove away from Jiangzhou City and headed towards Qinglin County, which is surrounded by mountains.

As the car drove along the winding mountain road, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from city buildings to rolling hills and fields.

The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass, trees, and soil, and occasionally you can see large medicinal herb plantations on the hillside.

"Qinglin County is one of the important Chinese medicinal herb producing areas in Jiangdong. The quality of Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, Eucommia ulmoides, Polygonatum sibiricum, etc."

Director Sun explained, "Many of the local people believe in and use traditional Chinese medicine. Almost every household knows a little about herbal medicine, and there are also many local folk doctors. Hewan Town, which we visited this time, is one of the more representative places."

"What are the medical conditions like there?" Zhuang Qiwen asked.

"There is a health center in the town, but the conditions are limited. When people have a headache or fever, they still prefer to see a local doctor or pick some herbs themselves."

Director Sun said, "So we expect a lot of people to come for this free clinic, and the types of illnesses will be quite varied. Everyone should be prepared."

Xia Hongliang laughed and said, "This is exactly what I wanted! I'm tired of seeing standard medical records in the hospital every day. Let's have something 'natural'!"

Yu Shiyun was somewhat worried: "Can we... handle it? We may never have seen many of these diseases before."

Chen Yang calmly said, "It doesn't matter if you haven't seen it before. As long as you firmly grasp the fundamental principles of 'combining the four diagnostic methods' and 'differentiation of syndromes and treatments,' start from the patient's specific symptoms, and combine them with the local climate and lifestyle, you will always find a way to think about it."

Chen Yang smiled and reminded everyone: "Remember, we are here to learn and to serve. Be realistic and do your best."