needles and herbs

The first time I mentioned my interest in paediatrics Doctor Zhu brought up 大安丸 da an wan, which is her favourite paediatric formula. Even though I had studied paediatrics textbooks closely and been to a number of paediatric workshops in Australia I had never heard of this formula before. Doctor Zhu Hong uses it in 90% or more of paediatric cases.

This is because the spleen and stomach in a child are not fully matured at the time of birth. Therefore Chinese medicine says they need to be nurtured and protected until they have reached maturity, especially the spleen. If the spleen is overworked at this immature state, many childhood illness can occur.

Of course Doctor Zhu Hong always modifies 大安丸 da an wan depending. The basic combination usually has 焦三鲜 jiao san xian in, which is the combination of，焦山楂 jiao shan zha，焦麦芽 jiao mai ya，焦神曲 jiao shen qu.

My days in the military hospital are spent with Doctor Zhu a female doctor. Her favorite herb is ma huang 麻黄, she spends her days prescribing ma huang among other medicines. However, when it is absolutely necessary will give someone acupuncture or gua sha.

Today was the first day I saw her skillful hands in action. A 78 year old man who had not officially registered to see the Chinese medicine department was dragged to our door by his wife and a cute young grinning nurse. All of whom looking confused as with what to do with this breathless blue lipped man. He stood at the door hiccuping for five to ten minutes before doctor zhu hong finally called him in. She had decided to put him before the other 8 people waiting in the small crowed room.