Editor's notes: Since being introduced to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) through ancient Chinese philosophy books in high school, science student Wang Yuxuan embarked on the path of TCM out of love. She committed to better understanding TCM with people with her professional knowledge and passion. She believes that although it is a long way to go, it is worthwhile!
Interviewee Wang Yuxuan
"I got to know Chinese medicine from Chinese philosophy books. Although I majored in science in high school, I was always interested in traditional Chinese culture. While reading ancient Chinese books, I realized that the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) have a deep bond with ancient Chinese philosophy. That interested me greatly, so I chose TCM as my major and work."
The interviewee Wang Yuxuan in her office (Yu Mulin/iChongqing)
"Nowadays, many people doubt TCM. Some time ago, my relative was diagnosed with a malignant tumor, and I suggested that she use Chinese herbal medicine as adjuvant chemotherapy to relieve symptoms and discomfort. She was hesitant, saying, 'I am not sure about it. Because I am concerned that the herbal medication will affect the chemotherapy effect.' So I tried to convince her with professional medical knowledge. I showed her a lot of modern medical research and explained them to her. If we want more patients to take TCM as treatment, we better have people around us start to have confidence in TCM."
"I went to Iceland in my freshman year. The farm owner I was staying at had frozen shoulder, and I had just learned Tui Na (Chinese massage). Then, I had a strong passion for helping her with my learned skills. So, I gave her Tui Na for two days in a row. It was not easy because she was quite heavy, but I said, 'I get to show the magic of TCM.' I tried my best. On the third day, she came to me and asked me if we should continue because her pain did get eased."
Wang is giving acupuncture to the patient. (Yu Mulin/iChongqing)
"I bring up TCM to people a lot in daily life. I don't mind being doubted. Because whether it's traditional Chinese or Western medicine, the most important thing is to help relieve patients' pain. I will continue to give a better understanding of TCM to people."