Healthy option
WHEN IT COMES to Chinese medicine, many of us may recall that 'bitter' experience of sipping huge bowls of a dark and smelly herbal brew fed to us by our grandparents.
But now Chinese medicine is gaining popularity among the younger generation and some even regard it as a means of improving their appearance.
Yan Shu-wing, a Chinese medicine practitioner since 1979, says people often consult him about improving the shape of their bodies or their appearance.
'Some of them want to lose weight, some want to look prettier, and some just want better figures,' Dr Yan says.
So, can Chinese medicine make someone more beautiful?
According to Dr Yan, Chinese remedies seek a balance of the body's mechanisms. Once this balance is spoiled, the effects can be visible on the face. For example, if a person has a liver disorder, the area around the eyes will darken. Chinese therapies focus on curing the root causes of diseases and maintaining balance.
As a master of the ancient art of qi gong, Dr Yan says one patient lost about 14 kilograms in a month through a combination of qi gong and Chinese herbs.
For two years, Mars Po Kwok-tai, 23, had suffered from a variety of digestive problems, despite consulting Western doctors whose advice to him was to eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
A friend then referred him to a Chinese medicine practitioner. After just a few treatments with Chinese medicine, Mr Po was cured.
'Chinese therapy really works,' he said. 'Before, I thought [my ailment] couldn't be healed.'
With Chinese remedies and the practitioner's advice - no sugary food, milk and coffee - Mr Po found himself slimmer, healthier and looking more 'spirited' than before.
He said Chinese medicine was 'unexpectedly fabulous' in improving his appearance.
'Maybe Western doctors are good at operations, but I now prefer Chinese medical practitioners because they seem to cure a disease entirely,' Mr Po said.
'I also urge my friends to consult Chinese medical doctors.'
As more people use Chinese medicine to improve their appearance, many tradition herbal shops have launched products such as herbal pills, masks and soups which 'promote youthfulness, reduce weight and maintain smooth and healthy-looking skin'.
If you are interested in Chinese medicine, visit the newly-established Herbal Garden at the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences (HKMMS).
According to Andrew Lam Hon-kin, the museum curator, the garden aims to give the public a more comprehensive understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. And after the Sars outbreak, such Chinese remedies have become more prevalent.
The garden has 340 species of medicinal herbs and a database of 600 entries, allowing the public to further understand how various herbs are used to promote health and treat illnesses.
Most practitioners are listed in the register of Chinese medicine practitioners. Beware of fradulent qualifications and practices.
or call 2549-5123.
