Reflections on Clinical Observation
I am grateful to my master for approving my application to observe clinical practice, allowing me the fortune to come to Peach Blossom Island (which feels more like a place for heroes), where I have made many good friends and like-minded seniors from all directions. Upon arrival, I discovered that they are truly an outstanding group of individuals! Among them are university students, PhD candidates… all highly educated intellectuals! I feel incredibly fortunate to be under my master’s guidance, while I am just a novice with only a secondary school education and poor English skills! I sincerely thank my master for guiding and sharing knowledge with all students, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences.
After more than thirty hours of connecting flights, I eagerly arrived at the Han Tang Clinic on May 2nd, feeling more anxious than excited. However, it was a touching day; as soon as I arrived at the clinic, my senior sister hurriedly took us to the morning class. After the class, Brother Yan informed us that Teacher Ma Jingyao had also arrived. At that moment, I saw my master visibly relax, as if a father were waiting for his son to come home: “Son! You have finally returned home!” His expression showed that all his worries had been lifted!
I was truly surprised. We are merely teacher and student online, with a student whom he has never met, yet he shows such deep concern! Each time he teaches clinically, I deeply feel my master’s parental love, which is both profound and strict. This experience is truly unforgettable! He treats us as his children, hoping that we can surpass him in the future and benefit more people!
My master’s compassion is something I have never seen in other teachers, which deepens my admiration for him. This month’s learning will benefit me for a lifetime and is truly unforgettable. My master, like a strict yet loving father, guides us step by step into the essence of classical formulas. Every day, I see my master exhausted from his busy clinical duties, yet he remains tireless. This passion and perseverance, seen through my eyes, fills me with gratitude and deepens my respect for him! My master’s evaluations of the students observing with him are all praises, yet I feel quite embarrassed. His positive encouragement is meant to instill confidence in everyone!
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a profound and extensive field of study. Unless one possesses exceptional intelligence, most people cannot enter the field of TCM without a master’s guidance. I am aware of my limited aptitude, so since I embarked on the path of TCM, I have sought out renowned masters. Over the years, I have consulted many famous doctors, and the question of “where the principles of TCM lie” has always troubled me. My studies at TCM colleges and many TCM books have not clarified this for me.
Since studying the Renji Series, I have gained a clear understanding of TCM physiology and pathology. Observing at Peach Blossom Island further confirmed that my master is indeed a rare talent. Through my master’s treatment principles, using simple diagnostic methods, one can deduce and predict the changes and outcomes of diseases. It is a truth that can be seen from the outside in; it is truly the simplest of great principles! To be my master’s disciple and to learn clinical TCM from him is the greatest fortune of my life. For me, a day of observation is worth more than reading thousands of books; the gains are immense! Besides gratitude, I can only express my thanks. The insistence on truth and understanding of worldly matters in my master is something I have much to learn from!
During my time at Peach Blossom Island, I also watched my master’s Tianji and discovered that my master had begun teaching principles over a decade ago, and today they remain unchanged, indicating that what my master teaches is indeed the truth. In contrast, the modern plethora of papers and journals is filled with theories that contradict each other, and who suffers? The common people! My master often says he has a bad temper, yet he tirelessly and patiently tells people the true nature of truth. Moreover, my master’s sincere intentions, appearing cold on the outside but warm on the inside, bear immense psychological pressure for the results of patients and students, which outsiders cannot comprehend. During my observations, I felt that the clinic was very special! Unlike many clinics, I secretly examined the clinic’s orientation and door opening direction. I could not discern anything! It seems that only by delving into Tianji can I find the answer!
My master’s quick and accurate differentiation methods, along with his profound skills in prescribing, truly left me speechless! My master cares for patients not only in their physical health but also in their psychological well-being. “A physician treats the heart as well.” During my observation days, many critically ill patients appeared anxious, fearful, or trying to remain calm; my master could always see through the patients’ thoughts and personalities at a glance, immediately speaking directly or humorously, timely pulling patients from the depths of confusion, providing them with psychological relief.
Seeing patients transition from fear and worry to peace of mind, from doubt to clarity, confidence restored = Yang has returned! The patient has been saved halfway. In the world of medicine, patient emotions are one of the variables that affect medical outcomes. If emotional issues cannot be alleviated, or if patients and their families harbor doubts, swaying under the destructive and controlling therapies of Western medicine, even the best prescriptions and remedies can lead to deadlocks in treatment. My master often tells patients: “Your pain is my concern; you just need to go home and live happily!” This statement is not something one can say lightly; it carries immense responsibility!
During my observation, I caused a lot of trouble for the clinic, and I am grateful to all my seniors, Brother Yan, and staff members like Jennifer and Uncle Jack for their care. I sincerely thank my master for his selfless dedication and tireless teaching! I remember my master once said in a DVD that he hopes each of us can start from his level, just like standing on the shoulders of giants to climb higher and further! My master selflessly expends effort to pass on the Renji knowledge, hoping to preserve this extraordinary art of TCM for the benefit of more people, and I look forward to my master’s next work, the Diji.
After returning to Malaysia, I hope to apply what I have learned to help patients, using correct TCM knowledge to alleviate their suffering and restore their health, so as not to disappoint my master’s earnest teachings. I look forward to diligently improving my medical skills and aligning my aspirations with my master’s, contributing to TCM!Finally, I pray that my master takes care of his health and successfully completes the Diji!During this observation period, my seniors recorded the consultation process of Teacher Ni to benefit more people. The joyful learning atmosphere during this process is truly moving and unforgettable. This beautiful learning time makes me reluctant to part.
Respectfully, Malaysian practicing TCM physician Ma Jingyao
Teacher’s Comments:
This student, Ma, is a practicing TCM physician from Malaysia with a strong desire for knowledge, which is the main reason I accepted him as a disciple. Learning TCM does not require a high level of education; having a heart is the most important. The spirit of TCM is simple, but for thousands of years, it has been conveyed through written words, making it easy to misunderstand. Additionally, the Warm Disease School has continuously misled students into incorrect research directions, causing them to lose focus in their studies, resulting in graduates who still cannot truly understand the essence of TCM. After learning through observation, Ma has now become a standard classical formula practitioner. He began his journey into TCM by studying Chinese herbs, so he understands the strengths and weaknesses of herbal medicine very well. Now that he has returned to Malaysia, if local people believe in classical formulas, they can certainly seek him for treatment; he is a trustworthy quality classical formula practitioner.
His clinic address in Malaysia is
NO.31，Jalan 10/125D，Taman Desa Petaling，
57100 Kuala Lumpur.Malaysia.
Tel:+60340213577
Han Tang TCM, Ni Haixia, recorded in Taipei 06/04/2008
Recommended Learning:
Introduction to Teacher Ni Haixia and Dialogue with Liang Dong
Teacher Ni’s Tianji and Renji Series Video Learning
Teacher Ni’s Clinical Log
Teacher Ni’s Comments on Disciples’ Case Studies
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