Taoist Doctor - Chapter 11

Wu Shenyu now had considerable confidence in Zhou Jinyuan, even though he really looked like a swindler…

However, first, Huang Tian Lin had recommended him to her and mentioned Madam Xiao’s case as evidence. Second, Zhou Jinyuan himself spoke very knowledgeably about her condition, and many details were consistent with what famous traditional Chinese medicine doctors she had consulted previously had said.

Thus, Old Zhao also became Zhou Jinyuan’s patient. Zhou Jinyuan first prescribed him an Invincible Hair Growth Elixir and mentioned some cases he had previously treated to boost his confidence, and at the same time, to boost Wu Shenyu’s confidence.

Or perhaps there was an additional effect: proving he wasn’t one of those doctors advertised on utility poles.

“Next, I’ll discuss Ms. Wu’s treatment,” Zhou Jinyuan said. “The previous doctor should be an experienced practitioner. You can continue taking his prescription for five doses. Meanwhile, I’ll perform acupuncture treatments for you.”

Wu Shenyu nodded. The provincial renowned traditional Chinese medicine doctor she previously consulted had been practicing for decades and was quite reputable. Unfortunately, the old doctor, who had been practicing for years, probably hadn’t seen many patients who lost sleep due to their husband’s baldness and were in such deep denial about it.

Zhou Jinyuan continued, “But for the acupuncture, there’s a point where we need to coordinate. I will use the Zi Wu Liu Zhu acupuncture method, which emphasizes selecting acupoints based on time.”

He explained that this method advocates aligning human beings with heaven and earth, achieving harmony between humans and nature.

The twelve meridians of the human body correspond to the twelve hours of the day and to the heavenly stems, earthly branches, and the principles of the Five Elements. The Qi and blood in the meridians wax and wane with the different times of day and natural conditions.

With the rotation of the seasons and the movement of the sun, moon, and stars, each day’s natural conditions are different. Considering various conditions, the specific times for acupuncture during the day are deduced to achieve the best therapeutic effect.

In other words: adjust according to the time dictated by nature!

Wu Shenyu was suffering from insomnia, her biological clock was out of sync. Zhou Jinyuan chose the Zi Wu Liu Zhu acupuncture method because it corresponded well with her condition. Using a method that emphasizes the coordination of humans and nature could better treat her insomnia.

But if Wu Shenyu accepted, she couldn’t come for treatment whenever she wanted. She would have to come at the times he had deduced. If his deduced time was in the evening, he would have to work overtime in his personal time!

Wu Shenyu was hearing for the first time about such a novel-like method of selecting acupuncture times, but she was quite willing to try it.

“Okay, then I’ll select the acupoints for you.” Zhou Jinyuan said, starting to rummage through his cabinets.

Liu Qi, who was watching from the side, asked, “Great master, can’t you find the chart?”

This ancient method of acupuncture was rarely used, but Liu Qi, being a professional, knew about it. He also knew that the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method had mnemonics and charts to aid memory, such as “Yin time Qi enters the lungs, Mao time enters the large intestine, Chen time enters the stomach,” and so on.

“No…” Zhou Jinyuan said as he took out an antique compass from his cabinet, “Haha, found it.”

Just at this moment, the vigilant Xie Min returned from a meeting and happened to stroll into their clinic.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw Zhou Jinyuan holding a compass, with two patients beside him.

Xie Min: “…”

Zhou Jinyuan: “…”

Xie Min closed the door, “Doctor Zhou! What are you doing!”

Didn’t they agree not to practice superstition in the office? If you can’t draw talismans or tell fortunes, now you’re playing with a compass with the patients?

And Liu Qi, who was supposed to be watching over Zhou Jinyuan, was just sitting there idly.

Seeing Xie Min’s eyes on him, Liu Qi quickly stood up, “He just took it out! I didn’t know!”

This was a disaster. Everyone knew the director routinely stopped the great master from practicing superstition, but why did she arrive at such a coincidental time? Or was it Murphy’s Law—the more you don’t want something to happen, the more it does.

“No!” Zhou Jinyuan hurriedly explained, “Director, I’m not. I plan to use the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method to treat this patient’s insomnia. This is a compass I made specifically for selecting acupoints!”

He feared Xie Min wouldn’t believe him, so he turned the compass around, showing her the words printed on the back: “Zi Wu as longitude, Mao You as latitude.”

Compared to the general methods of selecting acupoints in Zi Wu Liu Zhu acupuncture, Zhou Jinyuan had also added the Taoist method of choosing auspicious days, making a special compass.

Xie Min gave him a suspicious look but finally believed him, “…Alright.”

Before leaving, Xie Min gave Zhou Jinyuan a warning look.

Zhou Jinyuan: “…”

…

After selecting the acupoints, Zhou Jinyuan scheduled the acupuncture sessions with Wu Shenyu. Based on the compass deductions, if Wu Shenyu started acupuncture today, the treatment time should be between 7 PM and 9 PM.

Zhou Jinyuan could stay at the hospital to work overtime, while Wu Shenyu would come during this time frame. 

In the evening, Wu Shenyu came alone for treatment. Zhou Jinyuan selected acupuncture points such as Shenmen, Neiguan, Taichong, and Zhaohai, not only using the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method but also other diagnostic-based points.

After the acupuncture session, she experienced a significant improvement that very night. Wu Shenyu felt much sleepier than usual. Although it still took some time to fall asleep, she managed to sleep for a full six hours, which was much longer than before. She slept deeply and the quality of her sleep was excellent. She woke up feeling refreshed.

Wu Shenyu immediately called Zhou Jinyuan to report her condition and express her gratitude.

“No problem. Come again tonight. A few more acupuncture sessions combined with the herbal medicine will consolidate the effect,” Zhou Jinyuan said. He estimated that after two more sessions, Old Zhao’s hair would stop falling out, and Wu Shenyu would be able to sleep for more than eight hours.

“Alright, thank you so much for working overtime to treat me,” Wu Shenyu gratefully said before hanging up.

However, at six in the evening, Wu Shenyu called again.

“Dr. Zhou, I’m sorry, but please just leave work at your normal time today. I have some matters to handle and can’t leave,” Wu Shenyu said apologetically.

Since it was just the end of the workday, it hadn’t been a waste of Zhou Jinyuan’s time, but he wasn’t very pleased. “The treatment needs to be consistent for the best results. If this happens frequently, it will affect the efficacy. Also, part of your condition is due to overwork. If you continue like this, even if Mr. Zhao’s hair grows back…”

“Uh, well… can I come by around 9:30?” Wu Shenyu hesitated.

“9:30 is too late. The acupoints need to be treated on time,” Zhou Jinyuan replied, exasperated. “How about this, where is your office? If it’s on my way, I can come over and give you the treatment there.”

He checked the address and found it wasn’t too far, and it was near a subway station.

“I’m really sorry to trouble you…” Wu Shenyu felt very embarrassed. “And to have you come all the way here.”

Zhou Jinyuan sternly said, “Just this once. Please take care of your health.”

Wu Shenyu quickly replied, “I understand, I understand.”

Zhou Jinyuan packed his tools, informed Xiao Xue, and took the subway to Wu Shenyu’s office. The timing was just right, so he performed the acupuncture there.

After the acupuncture session, Zhou Jinyuan glanced at Wu Shenyu’s neck, “Your shoulders and neck are particularly sore today, aren’t they?”

Wu Shenyu responded, “Uh? Yes, yes, I’ve been staring at the computer all day.”

She initially felt surprised but then remembered that Zhou Jinyuan was a doctor, and it made sense.

“In the future, raise your monitor higher and take breaks to relax,” Zhou Jinyuan said as he unexpectedly reached out and squeezed the back of her neck.

“Ah!” Wu Shenyu felt a sudden intense soreness that almost brought tears to her eyes, but it quickly turned into comfort as Zhou Jinyuan continued to massage her shoulder and neck area. It felt like the tension was melting away.

“This feels so good…” Wu Shenyu couldn’t help but close her eyes. The initial sharp sensation wasn’t really painful and soon turned into a relaxed feeling.

Zhou Jinyuan’s massage was more effective than any she had experienced at beauty spas, making her almost want to melt into the chair.

Zhou Jinyuan casually said, “Consider this a five-minute massage session.”

“This is massage?” Wu Shenyu murmured with her eyes closed, “Why does it feel so good…”

She felt Zhou Jinyuan pressing on the acupoints along her neck and shoulders, following the meridians, creating a sensation of soreness and warmth. Normally, when she went for a massage, the process of unblocking the meridians was quite painful, but this felt progressively more relaxing.

“This is normal. Proper massage shouldn’t always be painful,” Zhou Jinyuan explained. Other than at specific pain points, a correctly performed massage should make the patient feel extremely comfortable. The soreness she felt was a response to the correct pressure on the acupoints.

Acupuncture causes a sensation of soreness when it hits the acupoints correctly, known as the Qi response. Similarly, proper massage at the acupoints can also cause this reaction. Modern so-called massages that are purely painful and claim ‘pain equals blockage’ are unreasonable.

Every time Zhou Jinyuan gave a massage, his patients would react slightly to the pain points, but mostly they would end up completely relaxed and even fall asleep.

“Linda,” someone said, opening the half-closed door with documents in hand. Seeing people inside, they quickly said, “Sorry, I’ll come back later.”

Wu Shenyu absentmindedly acknowledged, too relaxed to care about the outside.

When Zhou Jinyuan withdrew his hands, Wu Shenyu reluctantly opened her eyes, “Dr. Zhou, I just really hoped you would say something to me.”

Zhou Jinyuan asked while packing his things, “What?”

Wu Shenyu replied, “Sign up for a membership?”

Zhou Jinyuan: “…”

“I swear, if you worked at a massage parlor or beauty spa, I’d definitely sign up every day and start with a 100,000 yuan membership—this is just too comfortable!” Wu Shenyu said, feeling that her previously stiff shoulders and back were now flexible and relaxed. Throughout the process, there had been only occasional pain, mostly comfort.

She looked regretfully at Zhou Jinyuan, wishing he could extend the session…

Zhou Jinyuan, amused, said, “I believe you already have a membership.”

Wu Shenyu was joking, but now she was confused, “Huh?”

Zhou Jinyuan said, “A treatment card.”

Wu Shenyu: “…Pfft.”

Alright, this card isn’t the same card, but it’s still a card. Wu Shenyu started considering going to the hospital for massages in the future.

Wu Shenyu escorted him to the elevator and, upon turning back, saw the subordinate who had knocked earlier standing in front of her, staring wide-eyed.

“What are you doing?” Wu Shenyu asked, exasperated. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She said this while heading back, preparing to resume her work.

The subordinate, who had a close relationship with her, followed along. “Oh my God, Linda, you can’t just find a boy toy because of Mr. Zhao, can you? How old is he? Is he even twenty? And you went by yourself without taking your girlfriends??”

Wu Shenyu: “…”

Raising an eyebrow, Wu Shenyu said, “When did I…”

Suddenly, she remembered. Wait, everyone knew she had found a good doctor, but they didn’t know the doctor would come today. When the subordinate came in earlier, she probably saw… Dr. Zhou giving her a shoulder massage??

Wu Shenyu: “…”

The subordinate whispered, “To be honest, this boy toy is really young, much younger than the official partner…”

“Shut up!” Wu Shenyu waved a hand in front of her face. “What boy toy? He’s a national teacher!”

Subordinate: “?”

“No, that’s not right,” Wu Shenyu corrected. “He’s the imperial physician!”

.

Zhou Jinyuan was in the building’s glass elevator texting Xiaoxue, who asked if he had finished the acupuncture. He replied that he was already on his way and would be home in about twenty minutes.

The elevator stopped on the 21st floor, and a young man in an electric wheelchair entered.

Though he was young, looking at most in his early twenties, he was unable to walk for some reason. Anyone who saw him would feel a pang of pity.

He had a stunningly handsome face, but it was shrouded in an unshakeable gloom.

With slightly long bangs that made his eyes appear deeper, skin as white as paper, and lips extremely red, he looked almost eerie in the night.

Zhou Jinyuan put away his phone, moved aside, and kindly asked, “Which floor are you going to?”

The young man glanced at him and then pressed the button for the third floor.

Strong self-esteem… Zhou Jinyuan thought, but he understood.

The elevator space was limited. Zhou Jinyuan glanced at the young man’s legs and couldn’t help but look a few more times. Hmm, this should be…

Suddenly, he felt a piercing gaze. The young man had noticed his stare and was glaring coldly at him.

The elevator reached the third floor with a chime, and the young man exited.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” Zhou Jinyuan apologized, “It’s just that…”

But the young man, expressionless, had already left, his wheelchair gliding down the hallway, clearly unwilling to say another word.

The elevator doors slowly closed in front of Zhou Jinyuan. He thought regretfully, what a pity he couldn’t see more clearly.

Here’s a breakdown of the acupuncture points and methods mentioned:

1. **Acupuncture Points:**

    – **Shenmen (HT7):** Located on the wrist, this point is often used to calm the mind, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

    – **Neiguan (PC6):** Found on the inner forearm, this point is effective for nausea, chest pain, and calming the heart and spirit.

    – **Taichong (LV3):** Situated on the top of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, this point is commonly used to promote the free flow of liver qi, which can help with stress, anxiety, and emotional issues.

    – **Zhaohai (KI6):** Located on the inner side of the ankle, this point is beneficial for nourishing the kidneys, treating insomnia, and improving overall vitality.

2. **Zi Wu Liu Zhu Method:**

    – The **Zi Wu Liu Zhu** method is an ancient Chinese acupuncture technique based on the body’s circadian rhythms. It involves selecting acupuncture points according to the time of day, aligning treatment with the body’s natural energy flow.

    – The body’s energy (Qi) is thought to move through different meridians at different times of the day. By targeting specific points at specific times, the treatment aims to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and improve overall efficacy.

3. **Other Diagnostic-Based Points:**

    – In addition to the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method, which is time-based, practitioners also select acupuncture points based on a diagnostic approach. This involves:

        – **Pattern Differentiation (辩证论治):** Assessing the patient’s overall health, symptoms, and the underlying cause of their condition.

        – **Individualized Treatment:** Choosing points that address the specific needs of the patient, which may include areas of pain, organ function, emotional state, and more.

In summary, Shenmen, Neiguan, Taichong, and Zhaohai were chosen not only because they align with the time-specific principles of the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method but also because they fit the specific diagnostic needs of the patient. This combination ensures a holistic approach, targeting both the temporal rhythms of the body and the unique health concerns of the individual.