17th August 1997

Lure of the Chinese cure

Ten years ago, there was a massive boom of Chinese restaurants in the city, which made everybody rush for a delectable Chinese dish. A decade later, we have Chinese health clinics flourishing in the city.

These clinics, largely patronized by upper and middle class people, appear to be financially viable. They have established themselves as business ventures with approval from the Ministry of Health and the Board of Investment. But what makes them so attractive to the sick when both Western and Eastern treatment are available here, and come relatively cheaper? Is Chinese treatment just a fad with people seeking the "in thing" though having little or no idea of the merits or demerits of the system? Or is its system of healing proving more suited to Sri Lankans?

Many people we spoke to said the lack of side effects was the reason they chose traditional Chinese treatment as against Western medicine. Ms.Nilakshi Kodikara who was waiting at the reception of a plush Chinese health clinic situated right in the heart of the city said that she would rather spend a bit more and get traditional treatment with no side effects. She was there getting acupuncture treatment for the early stages of arthritis.

So, why not the unani or ayurveda systems which are available here? Some of the patients said that they believed that since Chinese treatment has a history spanning centuries it has stood the test of time. Rather than going to Lankan practitioners who have learned these methods from China, now they have the opportunity to seek direct help from Chinese doctors which was more acceptable.

Many welcomed this as an improvement of the health service, and an expansion of the available methods of treatment.

But in the eyes of some , it is only a way to fleece the country's coffers by charging patients exorbitant amounts and preventing our homeopathy physicians from earning some money. Ms. Wakwella an Ayurvedic physician said she believed local doctors were equally competent to provide the same kind of service and treatment to the people at a lesser cost. But many people feel that only Chinese nationals could give proper acupuncture treatment.

"This is absurd because we have had similar training. Do people want English doctors to come here and practice Western treatment? This is only a fashion where people are blindly following others," said Dr Wakwella with vehemence.

But the Chinese doctors are definitely playing a vital role in the lives of many Sri Lankans who have no desire to seek treatment elsewhere.

To find out why this treatment is so popular among the public, we visited some of the leading clinics in town and talked to doctors and their patients about this new trend in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Tao has over 20 years of experience as a doctor, and eight years in Sri Lanka as the head of a Chinese acupuncture clinic. He is also member of the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Shanghai Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Science Association of Shanghai, China and the Chief Doctor of Jin An Center Hospital Shanghai, China. Most Chinese doctors here hold similar qualifications.

Dr. Tao explained that in China, some hospitals were devoted to traditional Chinese medicine, while the others dispensed Western treatment.

Even in the traditional homeland of this extraordinary system of medicine, the majority believe in seeking Western treatment and there are thousands of medical clinics there, similar to Sri Lanka.

The Shanghai main hospital has over 1200 doctors, he says, adding that China has more doctors than the country needs.

How do they view the popularity in Sri Lanka for this kind of medicine? He explains simply that the Chinese methods have been time tested and are respected all over the world. People obviously want some way to improve their health without risking their health in a different manner-meaning the side effects.

"People have tried out everything, and want a cure without any other hassle. When we treat someone, they do not return with a complaint that they have a new ailment elsewhere. This is what the health conscious people want today," he says.

Ms. Irushi de Saram has taken continuous treatment for two years, but her arthritis was getting more complicated. This led her to seek ayurvedic and subsequently Chinese medical assistance. "The Chinese doctors cured my ailment within a relatively short time, and I am finally able to properly attend to my daily chores without assistance," she said.

But some Chinese doctors practising here were surprised that patients wanted to be treated by Chinese doctors in particular, while having Ayurvedic doctors of repute and experience in the country. Nevertheless, they all emphasize that Chinese methods cannot be equated to any other method of treatment.

" Our prowess in treating ailments cannot be compared with any other, for this entails no risks as well as side effects.

It is spreading the world over for people are sick of treatments that give you a new ailment."

The traditional medical 'secrets' of China were not exposed to the world at large for a long time. But Chinese doctors have practised these methods for over 5000 years, with books being written on them about 3500 years ago.

The history of the Chinese methods of treatment is an interesting one. It began when people began experimenting to overcome their various ailments.

Massaging a swelling or placing something warm on a painful joint were measures discovered to ease the pain. Then they also identified certain places in the body as trigger points, which are vitally important in treating an ailment.

This knowledge led to the Chinese to start practising what they call very basic 'methods of cure.' Years later, they became the established methods practiced all over the country, and other systems were also nurtured. 2000 years hence, these various medical practices were compiled by the Chinese in order to preserve the ancient prescriptions.

Why are the Chinese doctors here ? Is it for money , or is it that avenues for them are limited in their own country? Dr. Chen who has a well-patronised medical clinic explained that he was here because he liked practising here.

"Some people come here, and they do not find work. We operate as a business, and we need to make money as well. As foreigners, we have to set up our clinics as BOI concerns, and there are certain concessions granted for a few years until we get established here.

"Some doctors have had to pack up and go because they had no business. They are here as travellers looking for some temporary ground. That is the wrong approach. We are doctors, and in a sense also businessmen. Unless we learn to manage these places, there is no hope for us," says Dr. Chen.

Chinese clinics advertise extensively in local newspapers. Asked why they were advertising treatments for ailments that are normally not considered serious health problems, Dr. Tao says that the Chinese medicine is not meant to cure a malignant cancer or perform serious surgeries.

There is only one tool, the acupuncture needle. The power of the needle is immeasurable, but it has its limits.

What are the most common ailments that people seek help for?

Mostly spinal problems, arthritis, impotence and stiff neck. Patients are also happy to be treated this way for three reasons: There is no bleeding, no infection and no side effects. Herbal plants are used by these doctors and there are special Chinese institutions which prepare the medicine.

The doctors claim that they do not want to substitute any of them with the local herbs even though they are similar as there is particular quality of products that they purchase. So all these practitioners import the medicine from China.

Charges for treatment differ, according to the ailment. The highest charge is about 600 rupees per single visit, but these differ from doctor to doctor.

Doctors assure that a patient is mostly required to seek treatment a maximum of 10 times, for a relatively chronic complaint.

According to a Health Ministry official, these clinics having been set up here as business ventures come under the purview of the BOI. Also, there is an understanding with the Chinese government about the same. They operate for a certain period for which they have obtained a licence .

However, the authorities can take action against the clinic operators , but only in extreme circumstances, he said.

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