Chinese medicine is an independent medical system that is drastically different compared to the western medical system. The theory behind Chinese medicine is that all illnesses are a result of energy imbalance. Keeping the delicate balance between “yin and yang” is what makes us healthy. If “yin and yang” are working in harmony, the energy flow called "qi" would perform functions to maintain our health, keeping us in good shape.
In Hong Kong, the most commonly used methods of treatment are herbal medicine and bone setting. Chinese herbal medicine uses substances, mostly plants but also parts of animals, e.g the shell of an insect. These herbs are combined together to form a formula that will cure or improve a particular problem or illness. Chinese bonesetters can treat physical wounds from a sprained ankle to dislocated joints. |
It is not hard to find traces of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong but it is facing the threat of extinction. Majority of people nowadays rely on the western medical system because they believe that it is scientifically proven, causing the industry to shrink. As the situation worsen, the younger generation will choose to seek other career options. Therefore, most Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong are of an old age.
In order to survive, some clinics implemented innovative business techniques such as boiling the patient's medicine and pouring it in a plastic container so they can drink it later. The medicine in the container are often cooled down by the time it is collected, which is very different from Traditional Chinese herbal medicine which requires patients to drink it while it is boiling hot. Having the medicine cooled down before drinking saves time, which is extremely important in a face-paced city like Hong Kong where every second counts. Another way to keep the business running is passing it from one generation to the other. Youngsters are trained early in their childhood to guarantee that they will be qualified to eventually take over the business. |