Mole remover changes fate in half an hour - believe it or not

On the mainland, doctors provide modern mole-removal services by laser at reasonable prices at public hospitals and clinics. This has not, however, stopped people from patronising Qin Jinquan, 50, whose traditional mole-removal business has carried on at a street-side stand in Shenzhen for 25 years.

When and why did you start the mole-removal business?

I began the business in Shenzhen in 1986 with a secret herbal recipe for mole or freckle removal inherited from my grandfather. Before migrating to Shenzhen, my family struggled as farmers in Maoming, western Guangdong. Villagers there could not afford doctors and many used herbs to cure diseases according to traditional Chinese therapies.

We can't afford any advertising because it's only a street business. My elder sister, sister-in-law, wife and I all pitch in to keep it going.

Is it true that according to Chinese traditional mole reading, moles on different parts of the body bear special meanings and are sometimes linked to one's fate?

Yes, that's the reason why many Chinese people want to remove their moles, especially those on the face. According to the ancient Chinese art of facial mole studies, not all moles are bad but those on the face serve as a warning or reminder. Many Chinese people try to protect themselves from harm by removing moles that symbolise bad luck or misfortune. Of course, there are also many who get it done for the sake of looking beautiful and boosting their sense of self-esteem.

Some moles are known to become cancerous over time, so mole removal helps eliminate such a possibility. For that purpose, I suggest to clients to seek clinical procedures in hospitals.