Patient

A woman with irregular menstruation, weakness, and a soft voice came to my morning clinic. As soon as she entered the examination room, a strong scent filled the air, almost overwhelming. The patient had a fine, wiry pulse and a pale tongue with white coating. Upon questioning, I learned that she worked at a perfume counter. I advised her, “The first thing you need to do to improve your health is to use less or no fragrance.” Here’s why in more detail. Perfumes mainly consist of alcohol and fragrances, which can be divided into natural and synthetic fragrances based on their origin. Natural fragrances refer to the aromatic parts of plants or animals used directly or processed without changing their original components. Many natural fragrances found in nature also serve as aromatic traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). According to TCM, strongly fragrant substances should not be used by those with insufficient yin and blood. They can exacerbate heat and dryness in individuals with excessive heat and fluid loss, as noted by Ye Tianshi, who said, “In cases of dried-up blood and fluids, strong fragrances are strictly prohibited.” Additionally, those slightly deficient in vital energy should use them cautiously, and those with…

ACCRA, July 27 ( tasteallchina ) -- Early in the morning, many patients are waiting outside the herbal medicine unit of the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, known as LEKMA Hospital, at Teshie, a suburb of the Ghanaian capital of Accra. Many of them came for receiving treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which has become increasingly popular with the people in the West African country. Even those living far away from the national capital would spend several days traveling to the hospital for treatment. Chen Gao, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor of the Chinese medical team to Ghana, talks to patients and medical staff at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital in Accra, Ghana, July 24, 2023. Richlove Agyepong, one of the patients from the Bono Region in western Ghana, came to the hospital as she had severe chronic pains in her back, neck, waist and shoulders. "I met Doctor Chen Gao when I first came here. His warm reception, psychologically, made me feel better because I knew I was in good hands," Agyepong said. After two courses of treatment, she said the pains disappeared with her health improving rapidly. Agyepong said Chen, a member of the Chinese medical team to Ghana,…