Nourishing the Body During The Major Snow (Dàxuě): Warming Foods for the Deep Winter Season

Kit Li

Today, December 7th, marks Dàxuě (1) in the Chinese lunar calendar - the Major Snow (Dàxuě) solar term.

The Major Snow solar term marks the depth of winter, when Yang energy turns inward and becomes concealed. Nature enters a quiet, cold state, and the body follows by drawing its Yang energy into the Kidney system. Wellness during this period centres on nourishing Yin, protecting Yang, and supporting the body’s natural need for conservation.

As temperatures drop, often with pronounced differences between morning, noon, and night, those with less flexible blood vessels may experience abnormal constriction and dilation. This can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, coronary discomfort, facial numbness, or, in severe cases, stroke. During Major Snow, keeping the meridians warm and the circulation steady becomes especially important.

This season naturally calls for warming, nourishing soups. Yin-enriching and Qi-tonifying options such as rice-wine red-date chicken soup help warm the stomach and replenish the blood. Simple preparations like Sweet Potato Ginger Syrup are also ideal: sweet potato strengthens the stomach’s warmth, while ginger dispels cold, making it a comforting and supportive choice for the winter months.

I) Rice Wine Red Date Chicken Soup: for warming, nourishing blood and supporting the circulation

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

• 500–700 g chicken pieces
• 8 pitted red dates
• 2-3 slices ginger
• 1–2 tbsp goji berries (optional)
• 150–200 ml rice wine (Shaoxing or sweet rice wine)
• 1–1.5 L water
• Salt to taste

Pressure Cooker Method:

• Boil the chicken briefly for 1–2 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse.
• Add chicken, red dates, and ginger to the pressure cooker. Pour in the water.
• Cook on high setting for 25 minutes.
• When it’s done, open the lid, pour in the rice wine, and simmer on normal heat for 5–10 minutes to preserve aroma and warming properties.
• Add salt to taste. Add goji berries in the last 3–5 minutes if using.  
• Enjoy hot for optimal warming and circulation-supporting effects. 

Caution:

This formula can intensify internal heat.

1) Not suitable for people with “heat” or inflammation

Because this soup is warm-to-hot in nature (chicken + ginger + rice wine + red dates), avoid it if you have:

• sore throat
• mouth ulcers
• acne flare-ups
• constipation with heat
• fever or infection
• very red tongue, strong thirst

2) Avoid when you have a cold/flu with fever: even if you feel weak, the alcohol and warming herbs can trap the pathogen and worsen symptoms.

3) Not ideal for pregnancy (first trimester): small amounts of rice wine in postpartum tonics are traditional, but during early pregnancy, alcohol and warming blood-moving foods are avoided.  Later stages: some women use it, but it’s best to check individually.

4) Not suitable for hypertension that spikes with heat:

the warming nature might increase: facial flushing, irritability, tension headaches

5) mindful if you are Yin-deficient with heat signs

Symptoms: night sweats, hot palms and soles, dry throat at night.  Warming alcohol and ginger can make these worse.

6) Alcohol sensitivity / medication interactions

Even though the alcohol evaporates partly, individuals with: 

• alcohol intolerance
• liver issues
• certain medications (especially sedatives or antibiotics)

should use little or no rice wine.

7) Digestive sensitivity

If your stomach is easily irritated by ginger or alcohol, reduce ginger slices and simmer the wine longer.

II) Sweet Potato Ginger Soup: for warming, soothing the Stomach, dispelling cold

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 5–6 slices fresh ginger
• 500–600 ml water
• 1–2 rock sugar (optional)

Cooking Method

• Peel and cut into small cubes for quicker cooking.
• Add the sweet potato cubes and ginger slices to a pot with the water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the sweet potato softens.
• Add rock sugar and let it dissolve.
• Best enjoyed hot to support stomach warmth and dispel winter chill.

Caution:

This soup is simpler and milder, but still warming. Here’s what to note:

1)    Not suitable for “heat in the Stomach”

Avoid if you experience: acid reflux that worsens with heat, burning stomach pain, mouth ulcers, excessive thirst.  Ginger may aggravate these.

     2)  Avoid if you have diarrhoea due to heat or infection: this soup warms the middle, which is helpful for cold-type diarrhoea, but not for: acute gastroenteritis , food poisoning, diarrhoea with fever.  Warming foods can worsen these patterns.

       

      3)    Blood sugar consideration: sweet potato and rock sugar turn into higher glycaemic impact.  Avoid large portions if you have: insulin resistance, diabetes, reactive hypoglycaemia

        

     4)    Not ideal for people with chronic heat or strong Yang constitution: if you naturally run hot, get red easily, or sweat easily, daily ginger-heavy recipes can feel too stimulating.

    5) Avoid too late at night: ginger can be slightly stimulating; some people become alert instead of relaxed.

As Major Snow brings the coldest part of winter, warming and nourishing foods become essential for staying balanced. Whether you choose the rich Rice wine red date Chicken Soup or the gentle Sweet Potato Ginger Soup, these dishes help protect Yang and warm the Stomach through Winter's quiet, inward-turning days.

References: 

1) The Major Snow (Dàxuě): 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daxue_%28solar_term%29?utm_source

Official Announcement: Pre-Publication Release of Discover the Science Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine Dec2025

Kit Li

I’m pleased to share that today I’ve received the pre-publication copy of Dr. TieJun Tang’s first book, Discover the Science behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, published by Maple Publishers.

The past nine months, from April to now, have been both intense and rewarding. During this time, I’ve supported Dr. Tang through liaison and coordination with Maple Publishers, alongside editing and proofreading all 12 chapters, totalling approximately 300 pages.

My thanks go to Dr. Tang for his confidence in my work, and to Ms. Isha and her team at Maple Publishers for their professionalism and collaboration. I am also grateful to all who have supported me during this project.

This book encapsulates Dr. Tang’s 40 years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, drawn from his long-standing practice in China and in the UK. It offers an insightful and comprehensive look into the scientific foundations behind TCM as understood through decades of practice.

The official publication date is set for January 2026 in the UK. The book will be available on Amazon and will be archived by the British Library (大英图书馆), the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford (牛津大学图书馆), the Cambridge University Library (剑桥大学图书馆), the National Library of Scotland (苏格兰国家图书馆), the Library of Trinity College Dublin (都柏林圣三一学院图书馆), and the National Library of Wales (和威尔士国家图书馆).

Please keep an eye on my blog, updates will follow soon.

A thank you note from Dr. Tang:

'I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Fan Daiming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former President of the Fourth Military Medical University, and to Professor Ma Yuling, a distinguished expert in Chinese herbal medicine research at the University of Oxford, for writing the forewords for this book and for their high praise.

This book represents the culmination of my more than forty years of clinical experience both in China and abroad. It incorporates many clinical insights from my mentor, Professor Deng Tietao. Focusing on the treatment of dozens of common diseases in the UK, the book explains the scientific basis and clinical applications of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Using language accessible to most Western readers and scientific concepts they can readily understand, it illustrates the mechanisms through which Chinese medicine and acupuncture treat illness. It is suitable for doctors of both Chinese and Western medicine, as well as for patients.

My sincere gratitude goes to all my teachers in both Chinese and Western medicine, to the five alma maters that nurtured me, and to all the friends and colleagues who have supported and encouraged me.'

TCM Management of Chronic Prostatitis: A Case Study

Kit Li

Prostatitis (1) symptoms include pain in the pelvic area, lower back, testicles, or penis, painful or difficult urination, and pain during ejaculation.  Some people experience flue-like symptoms such as fever and chills, particularly with acute prostatitis.  Chronic prostatitis symptoms often develop slowly and can come and go.

Sign and symptoms:

• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Difficulty starting the urine steam or a weak/interrupted stream
• Needling to urinate often, especially at night (nocturia)
• Feeling a sudden need to urinate (urgency)
• Blood in urine
• A weak or slow urine stream 

Pain and discomfort:

• Pain in the lower back, groin, or lower abdomen
• Pain in the penis or testicles
• Pain with bowel movements or ejaculation
• A feeling of pressure in the rectal area

Other symptoms:

• Fever and chills (more common with acute prostatitis)
• Discharge from the urethra
• Erectile dysfunction or a reduced sex drive
• Blood in the semen
• Feeling generally unwell, tired, or experiencing muscle aches

How is Prostatitis Addressed in TCM?

Case Study:

Mr. S, Male, 50+ years old

This is his first visit to our clinic.  He has been experiencing prostatitis symptoms since July. These include urinary urgency and frequency, along with a burning sensation and a dull, aching pain in the perineal region. He reports no fever. He previously consulted his local GP, where he was diagnosed with a chronic bacterial condition and completed a course of antibiotics. Despite this, his symptoms have continued, therefore he has been so stressful.

Treatment Principles:

• Soothe Liver Qi stagnation
• Strengthen Kidney deficiency
• Clear damp-heat from the Lower Jiao

Acupoints:

Point selections for this case focus on addressing the underlying patterns identified in the assessment.

• soothe Liver-Qi stagnation, points such as LV-3 may be included.
• support Kidney deficiency, points like KI-3 can be considered.
• clearing damp-heat in the lower-jiao, points commonly used for regulating fluids and transforming phlegm, such as KI-7, SP-6, and ST-40.
• improve urinary systems and Kidneys' functions, points like Baliao (八髎).

Additional points along the Ren Mai may be selected to regulate the lower abdomen, with Dao-qi techniques; Scalp acupuncture areas, such as Foot-Motor-Sensory Area (FMSA) and Spirit-Emotions Area (SEA), to support symptom relief and overall regulation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

In TCM, this refers to Urinary difficulty, frequency, burning or painful urination caused by patterns such as Damp-Heat, Qi-Stagnation, Blood Stasis or Deficiency, we also called 'Lin Zheng' （Stranguria, 淋证）

Modified Ba Zhen San (八正散)(2): Clears heat and damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, promotes urination, relieves painful urinary dysfunction, commonly used for acute damp-heat presentations with symptoms such as burning urination, or scanty urine, urgency, or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

• Chē Qián Zǐ (Plantago Seed / Plantain Seed, 車前子)
• Biǎn Xù (Knotgrass Herb, 扁蓄)
• Qú Mài (Dianthus / Fringed Pink Herb, 瞿麦)....etc

Modified Er Miao San (二妙散)(3): Clears damp-heat, drains heat and reduces swelling and addresses heaviness, soreness, and damp-heat obstruction in the lower body.  This classical base formula is specially for damp-heat affecting the lower limbs, lower-jiao, or genitourinary region, presenting with heaviness, warmth, or discomfort.  

• Huáng Bǎi (Phellodendron Bark, 黄柏)
• Cāng Zhú (Atractylodes Rhizome, 苍术)

We combined the above formulas with several additional key ingredients tailored to his condition.  After taking one week of decoctions, his burning and scanty urination improved significantly.  He is also sleeping better and reports feeling more relaxed overall.  A follow-up visit is recommended to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

References:

1) Prostatitis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostatitis/

2) The effects and prospects of the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine on andrology in China: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3739612/

3) Elucidation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Er Miao San by integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34838694/

Highlights from the CAHMA and ASA Joint Conference Nov2025

 

Kit Li

The annual Joint Conference of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA) and the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture (ASA) was successfully held at BCOM this past weekend, on Sunday, 23rd November. This was my second time attending the event, and once again it offered valuable insights into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

During the Conference, we had the privilege of hearing from our first speaker, Dr. Joseph Kwan (1), a Consultant in Stroke Medicine, who delivered an engaging presentation on Post-Stroke Pain to open the day's programme. He outlined the three major categories: Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and pain associated with peripheral mechanisms. His talk focused particularly on CRPS and explained the regulatory mechanisms through which Scalp Acupuncture may lead to significant improvements, which I found both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Dr. T.J. Wang, an expert in Scalp Acupuncture and the president of ASA, who presented on 'The Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture: Brain Stimulation Targets for Stroke'. He gave a concise overview of the three proposed mechanisms of Scalp Acupuncture: Channel Theory, the Bio-holographic Hypothesis, and Cortical Functional Areas (2).  He also shared one of his most successful cases, demonstrating how Scalp Acupuncture was applied on Speech Areas  to treat a patient with post-stroke aphasia.

Dr. Ye Liuzhong, President of CAHMA and founder of Xunzhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics (3),
presented on 'Tonification and Reduction Effects in Auricular Acupuncture Based on Xunzhen Meridian Palpatory Differentiation.' He demonstrated how his unique Xunzhen approach can be integrated with auricular acupuncture, sharing a case in which a patient with chronic lower-back pain experienced notable improvement after just three treatments.

The remaining speakers also shared their expertise with great dedication, offering valuable insights through their presentations, including:

• 'Highly Effective Acupuncture Program for First-Time Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation'
• 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Is Acupuncture an Effective Treatment'
• 'Chronic Pain and Central Nervous Sensitisation'
• 'Treating Pain Utilising Pulse-respiration Technique of Changsang Jun Pulse'
• 'Case Analysis: A Case of Refractory Pain'

Overall, this year’s conference was informative and inspiring. Each speaker shared practical knowledge and real clinical cases that expanded my understanding of pain management and the applications of acupuncture in stroke and chronic pain. I left the event with clearer insights and renewed motivation, and I look forward to attending again next year.

References: 

1) Dr Joseph Kwan: https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/doctors/4083890-dr-joseph-kwan

2) Neural control of cerebral blood flow: scientific basis of scalp acupuncture in treating brain diseases: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1210537/full

3) XunZhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics - Dr Ye Liuzhong: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/625877704656314609/328292646819951088

A TCM Approach to Post-Chemotherapy Fatigue and Neuropathy: Clinical Observations and Patient Feedback

Kit Li

Chemotherapy (1) can affect many parts of the body, so side effects differ from person to person.  Common physical symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, hair loss, and skin or nail changes.  Many people also develop Peripheral Neuropathy (2), causing tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet.

It can also reduce blood cell levels, which may lead to Anaemia (feeling tired or shortness of breath), a higher risk of infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.

Digestive symptoms such diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, and dry mouth are also frequent.  Emotionally and mentally, some may experience low mood, anxiety, or poor memory and lack of concentration.

Other possible side effects include dizziness, changes in menstrual cycles or fertility, and changes in Kidney, Liver or Heart function, depending on the specific drugs used.

Most of my patients at Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (3) are experiencing the post-cancer symptoms described above, and the most common issues they face are persistent fatigue and neuropathy in the hands and feet.

From a TCM perspective, these presentations are often associated with patterns such as Liver-Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, and Spleen and Kidney deficiency. These imbalances can lead to reduced nourishment of the limbs, impaired circulation, and diminished vitality, which manifest clinically as fatigue, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

TCM Treatment Approach (4):

1. Acupuncture once a week for 30 minutes
2. Scalp acupuncture targeting key areas such as the Sensory Area, Central Area, FMSA, and others, combined with selected points on the Du Mai or Ren Mai using the Dao-qi technique
3. Abdominal acupuncture using specific points along the Ren Mai

Each individual responds differently depending on their constitution. Some patients may benefit from three to four sessions as a standard course.

Here are my two patients' positive feedbacks:

Miss FW:

'I wasn't sure what to expect having, never had acupuncture before, I went in with an open-mind.  Meeting Kit for the first time was an absolute pleasure.  Kit was able to easily work out my areas of problem.  It was like she was reading my mind almost.  After my first session, my bowel movement issues I had from bowel cancer had been resolved.  Kit did tell me that the neuropathy may not be fully reversed as I have had it for a long period of time, however, it brought back a twitch and aware of issues I had just been living with and getting on with.  Neck pain, mood, hormonal issues and circulation.  All these have at worst seen a significant improvement and best completely gone away.  This is my 5th session, I have 3 more to go and am blown away by Kit's work.  Thank you!

Mrs GS:

'I thank Butterfly House for letting me see Kit, I never knew of the treatment but with Kit: kind, consolidate, professional knowledge, and understanding of my post-chemo difficulties, she pointed me and treated my symptoms in a connect way to make me feel better, gain self-confidence and get back to my normal happy self.  Thank you Kit.  Love from GS.'

Post-cancer symptoms such as fatigue and neuropathy can significantly impact quality of life. Combining conventional understanding of chemotherapy side effects with a TCM perspective allows for a more holistic approach to patient care. Acupuncture and individualized TCM treatments can help restore balance, improve circulation, and support physical and emotional well-being. Patient experiences demonstrate that even after challenging treatments, meaningful improvements in vitality, comfort, and overall quality of life are achievable.

References:

1) Sign effects of Chemotherapy 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects-of-chemotherapy

2) Peripheral Neuropathy

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/

3) Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

https://fnhospice.org.uk/hospice-care/therapies-rehab/

4) Acupuncture

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/acupuncture

Acupuncture in cancer care

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10940387/

Effects of acupuncture-related intervention on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life: An umbrella review

Effects of acupuncture-related intervention on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life: An umbrella review - ScienceDirect

Sudden Temperature Drop Triggering Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Wind-Stroke: A TCM Perspective

Kit Li

  

I remembered one Friday morning during my clinical placement at the A&E department of the Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University ⁽¹⁾, the waiting area was crowded and busy. Approximately two-fifths of the patients presented with Neck Pain,  Dizziness, or Minor Stroke  ⁽²⁾. This surge in cases followed an overnight temperature drop in Guangzhou, from 29c to 20c.

Many of these patients had a history of Hypertension or previous Stroke, and some also suffered from underlying chronic health conditions. They exhibited symptoms such as Bell's Palsy  ⁽³⁾, deviation of the mouth and eyes, numbness, stiff neck, dizziness, and tinnitus (4) . According to TCM theory, these manifestations arise from Internal Wind , which develops due to disharmony within the body.

Pathogenesis in TCM

In TCM, there are six types of external pathogenic factors, which knowns as the Six Evils: Wind, Cold, Summer Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire. Among these, Wind is considered the primary and leading pathogenic factor.

When external Wind invades the body, it obstructs the meridians, leading to neck stiffness. As the obstruction deepens, Qi and Blood circulation become impaired, resulting in dizziness. Prolonged stagnation may generate Internal Wind, and if left untreated, this can culminate in Wind-Stroke.

Characteristics of Wind Evil

Wind is Yang in nature, mobile, changeable, and rising upward. It is also known as 'The Leader of a Hundred Diseases'.

Typical characteristics include: 

1. Sudden onset and rapid change
2. Migrating symptoms (pain or numbness that moves from place to place)
3. Tendency to affect the upper part of the body and the superficial layer of the skin.

Common disorders associated with Wind:

1. Common cold, allergies, dizziness, tremors, Wind-Stroke (Internal Wind)
2. Skin conditions such as itching or hives

Wind's tendency: It easily combines with other pathogenic factors, forming patterns like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat.

Internal Wind Mechanism

Internal Wind tends to attack the upper body, especially the head and neck, obstructing the meridians and disturbing the clear orifices (the brain, eyes and ears). In severe cases, when Yin and Yang collapse, symptoms such as loss of consciousness and paralysis occur, typical of Wind-Stroke.

Common internal causes include:

1. Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind stirring due to Yin-deficiency
2. Phlegm-Fire obstructing the channels
3. Qi and Blood-deficiency, allowing Wind to invade the meridians

Neck Pain

In TCM, neck pain arises from Qi and Blood stagnation in the meridians, especially those of the Taiyang channels (Bladder and Small Intestine), and sometimes the Shaoyang channels (Gallbladder and Sanjiao).

Possible causes include:

1. External invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp, which blocks the flow of Qi, leading to stiffness and restricted movement.
2. Internal causes, such as Liver Qi-stagnation, Blood Stasis, or Kidney-deficiency (often seen in chronic cases with weak bones or tendons).
3. Emotional tension or stress, which constrains Liver Qi and affects the Gallbladder and Shaoyang channels running along the sides of the neck.

Dizziness

In TCM, dizziness isn't viewed as just a symptom of the inner ear or blood pressure, but rather as a manifestation of internal imbalance, particularly involving the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and the movement of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. It occurs when “Clear Yang not ascending, Turbid Yin not descending”. The main underlying causes include:

1. Liver Yang-Rising or Liver-Wind stirring (most common)
2. Phlegm-Damp obstructing the clear orifices of the head
3. Qi and Blood Deficiency, failing to nourish the brain
4. Kidney Essence-Deficiency, leaving the marrow and brain undernourished

Interconnection between Wind-Stroke, Neck Pain and Dizziness

These three conditions are closely interconnected. Neck pain and dizziness can be viewed as early warning signs of Internal Wind formation. When similar pathological patterns, such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm Obstruction, or Qi Stagnation, intensify or suddenly flare up, they may progress to Wind-Stroke.

Shared mechanisms include:

1. Liver involvement: The Liver governs Wind and regulates of Qi flow. When Liver Qi stagnates or Liver Yang rises, internal Wind develops, manifesting as neck stiffness, dizziness, tremors, or stroke-like symptoms.
2. Wind pathogen progression: External Wind first invades the Taiyang or Shaoyang channels of the head and neck. If not expelled, it can transform into Internal Wind, initially causing neck pain, then dizziness, and in severe cases, Wind-Stroke.
3. Qi, Blood, and Phlegm obstruction: When channels in the head and neck are blocked, Qi movement becomes impaired, leading to dizziness, headache, stiffness, and sometimes facial deviation or paralysis.
4. Yang Rising and Yin-deficiency: With again, stress, or chronic imbalance, Yin fails to anchor Yang, resulting in Liver Yang Rising and Wind stirring. This may manifest as dizziness, hypertension, and an increased risk of Wind-Stroke.

Summary

1. Neck pain often indicates meridian blockage, particularly in the Taiyang or Shaoyang channels.
2. Dizziness reflects an imbalance between clear Yang and turbid Yin, often related to Liver or Phlegm disturbances.
3. Wind-Stroke represents the acute and severe stage of these pathological developments, when Internal Wind suddenly rises to disturb the brain and channels.

Treatment Approach

1. Scalp acupuncture combined with electro-acupuncture (5) , applied to key functional areas such as the Sensory Area, Head Area and Chorea-Tremor Area..etc, along with selected points on the Du or Ren meridians, using the Dao-qi technique.
2. During the first two sessions, body acupoints on the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians are applied to the stronger side of the body to enhance Qi and Blood circulation, promoting recovery of the affected side. Needles are retained for 30 minutes, followed by stimulation of Shu-points on specific Yin meridians, following Professor Zhou's Twelve Meridian Method (6).
3. Moxibustion is applied on the affected side to warm the meridians and promote the flow of Qi and Blood.
4. Chinese herbal prescriptions should be tailored to the patient's individual constitution and pattern differentiation. Professional consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is essential for accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.

This clinical experience deepened my understanding of how sudden climatic changes can provoke Internal Wind and related disorders. It also reinforced the importance of early intervention and the integrative power of TCM in restoring balance and preventing more serious outcomes like Wind-Stroke.

References: 

1) Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Southern Medical University: https://www.nfzxy.com/

2) Minor Stroke

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9616153/

3) Bell's Palsy

https://www.mdpi.com/2813-7914/1/3/24

4) Tinnitus

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39331935/

5) Early intervention with electrical stimulation reduces neural damage after stroke in non-human primates: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61948-y

6) Professor Zhou Guoping, Chief Physician, Professor, Medical Doctor, Doctoral Supervisor, serves as the Director of the Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation Department at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Southern Medical University. He is recognized as a "Lingnan Acupuncture Master" and a "Renowned Doctor of Yangcheng."

My unexpected Clinical Placement in Guangzhou 2025

Kit Li 

During my visit to Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Southern Medical University ⁽¹⁾, with the invaluable support and assistance of Professor TJ Tang and Vice President Huang, I had the opportunity to engage in learning and discussions with numerous experts and professors.

Over five consecutive days of observation in the Outpatient Department, I had the honour of shadowing Professor Zhou ⁽²⁾, an expert in stroke treatment, to observe diagnosis and treatment processes and discuss the significant of ‘Twelve Meridians Therapy’ for stroke patients. I also learned ‘Pain Management Methods’ from Director, Dr Yang and Dr Wang, and observed the ‘Autohemaotherapy’ ⁽³⁾ and ‘Catgut Embedding’ ⁽⁴⁾ techniques performed by Deputy Director, Dr Chen and Dr Zhan.

At the Rehabilitation Centre, I exchanged insights with Dr Chen and met many diligent second- and third-year students. Subsequently, I visited Head Nurse Professor Ding ⁽⁵⁾, and Director, Dr Song of the Oncology Centre. The traditional Chinese medicine equipment and methods employed there were highly enlightening. 

Thanks to the assistant of Professor Tang and Dr Chen, a meeting with Professor Wang ⁽⁶⁾ was arranged at short notice, allowing me to learn from his ‘Jin’s Three Needle Therapy’ ⁽⁷⁾ acupuncture technique.

My heartfelt thanks go to every mentor and friend who accompanied and cared for me during these five days, I look forward to the possibility of reuniting in the future.

References:

1) Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Southern Medical University: https://www.nfzxy.com/

2) Professor Zhou Guoping, Chief Physician, Professor, Medical Doctor, Doctoral Supervisor, serves as the Director of the Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation Department at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Southern Medical University. He is recognized as a "Lingnan Acupuncture Master" and a "Renowned Doctor of Yangcheng."

3) ‘Autohemaotherapy’ evolved from aquatic acupuncture therapy and was first documented in Li Shizhen's Compendium of Materia Medica during the Ming Dynasty.   Also known as Meridian Blood Injection Therapy (i.e., Autologous Blood Acupoint Injection Therapy), this method involves injecting a patient's own venous blood into specific acupoints to achieve therapeutic effects. It primarily intervenes in diseases through immunoregulatory mechanisms. By combining the effects of acupuncture, autologous blood, and acupoint stimulation, it achieves comprehensive efficacy. Notable for its minimal yet precise acupoint selection, reliable outcomes, safety, and simplicity, it is particularly suitable for treating immune system disorders and chronic refractory diseases.

4) 'Catgut Embedding Acupuncture' is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that uses "threads instead of needles." It involves embedding absorbable catgut or biological protein threads into specific acupoints. Through the continuous stimulation of the acupoints by the threads, a long-term therapeutic effect is achieved. This method can be applied for weight loss, body contouring, chronic pain, gynecological diseases, and more, serving as an extension of traditional acupuncture. This technique is more convenient than traditional acupuncture, as the effects can last for approximately one to two weeks, thereby reducing the frequency of medical visits.

5) Professor Ding Lingying, Head Nurse of the Second Oncology Ward Nursing Unit, Associate Chief Nurse, National Backbone Talent in Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Intravenous Therapy Specialist Nurse of Guangdong Province. Specialized in oncology nursing, chemotherapy care, psychological nursing for cancer patients, biotherapy nursing, minimally invasive and photodynamic therapy nursing, PICC catheterization, Sedinger technique, and related nursing care.

6) Professor Wang Shengxu, a native of Hubei Province, holds a Medical Doctorate and serves as a professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University. He is a council member of the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Vice President of the Guangdong Provincial Acupuncture Association. He is primarily engaged in the teaching of acupuncture and clinical research. As a key member of the national-level teaching team for the integrated Chinese and Western medicine internal medicine program, he has contributed to the development of university-level elite courses and promoted the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teaching methodology.

7) 'Jin's Three-Needle Therapy' is a clinical acupuncture school developed by Professor Jin Rui, characterized by the selection of three sets of acupoints in each treatment session, from which it derives its name. This therapy employs standardized acupoint prescriptions and needling techniques to form an efficient diagnostic and treatment system, applicable for neurological disorders, motor dysfunction, and ENT conditions.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Kit Li

 

My last visit to Beijing was in 2008, the year of the Olympics. At that time, the lifestyle in China was quite old-fashioned. After almost 18 years, I had the chance to visit Guangzhou by myself, and visiting Southern Medical University Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (1) for Clinical Placement and shadowing a couple of well-known Professors at A&E department.  

The preparation for this Guangzhou trip was hectic. Initially, I was supposed to go to Nanjing to join my professor, Dr. Wang, and his team for a study tour at Nanjing University to observe and learn.  However, due to complications with my visa application, my plans changed. Perhaps it was meant to be. 

I spent a weekend exploring Guangzhou and realised that the rapid growth and transformation of the quality of life in China have been phenomenal and unexpected. Generally speaking, in every city, you can see that structures like buildings and train stations, and even traffic flow, are systematically well-managed.  To see and feel such a transformation left me speechless.

On Sunday morning, I saw the Canton Tower, went to Yongqing Fang, but my favorite spot was Baohua Road. Its little alleys have this amazing nostalgic atmosphere. 

I didn't even expect to spend the whole afternoon strolling leisurely through Dongshan, feeling so content that I almost forgot to leave. Along the way, I tried a freshly baked scallion pancake, fragrant with scallions and crispy on the outside. Paired with a cup of herbal tea that clears heat and detoxifies, it was just perfect.

This unexpected trip to Guangzhou has been a profound lesson.  I've learned that a country's true soul isn't just in its modern skylines, but in the quiet, simple moments, like the smell of a street-side scallion pancake or the bitter taste of Chinese herbal tea.

My journey started with a changed plan, but it has given me a wonderful insight.  I'm currently here,  learning not only about the advanced medical knowledge from the hospital, but also a culture that beautifully balances an exciting future with a rich and warm past.

References:

1) Southern Medical University Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine : https://www.nfzxy.com/

2) Guangzhou Travel Guide: Guangzhou Travel Guide: Canton Transportation, Attractions