For foreigners in Beijing who are seeking traditional Chinese medicine but are concerned about the language barrier and cultural divide, the Oriental Health Solution Clinic (OHS) could be just what the doctor ordered.
For more than a year, the clinic has been offering TCM care tailored to the needs of the foreign community, by providing English and Russian translators who work alongside overseas-trained Chinese doctors.
Located in the Oriental Kenzo in the business and diplomatic center of the city, OHS Clinic services include diagnostics, herbal treatment, message therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, cosmetology and moxibustion burning herbs to target acupuncture points. The cost of services ranges from 60-635 yuan (US$8-80).
The health center specializes in treating a slew of health problems foreigners frequently suffer from in Beijing, especially those caused by adjusting to a new environment and lifestyle. These include physical problems such as digestive, menstrual and joint ailments and psychological problems such as stress, insomnia and depression.
"A foreigner's first year is usually their worst," says administrative manager Lola Saidmuradova. "Since they are in China, they are often in a different climate. They are already stressed out because they are not in their home country and often have to work long hours. Allergies are very common here because of the pollution and different types of pollen they encounter."
Saidmuradova says many foreigners aren't aware of the benefits of TCM, which operates on the principle that many health problems are caused by a prolonged imbalance of two dichotomous energies yin and yang which dictate a person's physiological and psychological well-being. TCM uses various methods to correct imbalances of yin and yang, as well as improve the overall flow of qi, what is believed to be a vital life force that courses throughout the body.
Compared to Western medicine, TCM is more holistic in its approach and more personalized in its treatment.
"TCM teaches you how to take care of your own body, based on your own feelings and own problems," Saidmuradova says. "While Western medicine tries to treat the symptoms, TCM seeks the root of the problem."
Each of the clinic's three doctors are certified as level-8 practitioners the highest certification available by China's Ministry of Health and come from a long lineage of TCM doctors.
"We believe TCM should be practised by Chinese doctors, because they know more culturally," she says.
In addition to TCM, the doctors are certified to practise modern Western medicine and also burrow knowledge from aboriginal Tibetan and traditional Thai practices.
According to Saidmuradova, foreigners in Beijing face more health problems today than ever before.
"When life was slower in Beijing, we had fewer health problems," Saidmuradova says. "Now, with the increased pace of life and longer working hours, there are more health problems arising."
Open time:Mon-Fri, 9 AM-12 AM, 1 PM-6 PM.
Place: 29F/D B Wing, Oriental Kenzo Building, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie.
Tel: 8594-4891.
(China Daily October 10, 2006)