Taoist Doctor - Chapter 44

(Medical terms’ explanation in the end)

 

Zhou Jinyuan first targeted the upper limbs, using acupuncture points such as Jiquan, Quchi, and Shousanli, then moved to the lower limbs. Due to nerve damage, he intentionally selected acupuncture points that required strong stimulation.

 

As Zhou Jinyuan chanted in a unique rhythm, Elena suddenly felt a twitch in her long-numbed legs!

 

Another twitch!

 

The tingling sensation spread from that spot, running all the way up to her waist.

 

Throughout the treatment, Elena didn’t understand what Zhou Jinyuan was chanting, but the sound brought her heart to a state of peace and tranquility. It was no longer the dead silence caused by the heavy blows she had suffered.

 

The screams and noise from the car accident, which had once haunted her, had now vanished as well.

 

At that moment, she felt a strong sensation in her legs, and the seemingly soothing rhythm caused waves of emotion to rise within her calm heart. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.

 

Elena’s parents were initially frightened, thinking that the needles were too painful, especially since Zhou Jinyuan’s acupuncture needles looked very different from the ones used in Western acupuncture—longer and thicker.

 

But in the next moment, Elena hugged Zhou Jinyuan’s arm and burst into tears.

 

Elena’s parents also wiped their eyes, but they were no longer worried.

 

Elena had undergone several psychological treatments after the trauma, but she had never released her emotions like this before. It was as if she had turned into a puppet, but now her emotions were finally fluctuating again!

 

At that moment, Elena was overwhelmed with a mix of feelings. Her crying expressed both the fear of the past and the hope that had stirred within her.

 

Elena clung tightly to Zhou Jinyuan’s arm, making it impossible for him to move. He gently patted her back with his free hand and continued chanting in Chinese: “I recite this scripture to heal the human heart. When the heart is healed, heaven and earth will be calm and peaceful…”

 

As he spoke, Elena’s sobs quieted down, and her tears gradually stopped. However, she still clung to his arm and rested her head on it. Though her face was streaked with tears, she no longer looked as despondent as before—there was now a bit more life in her.

 

In a soft voice, Elena asked, “Doctor, will a miracle happen to me?”

 

Zhou Jinyuan didn’t hesitate, “It will.”

 

Elena’s condition was better than Qu Guan Feng’s, and her reaction to the first acupuncture session was stronger. However, her psychological trauma and stress were still significant.

 

Zhou Jinyuan felt a slight ache in his shoulder and gently lifted Elena’s head.

 

But Elena immediately buried her head again, even rubbing against him slightly.

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “…”

 

…

 

“Sir, I’ve already evaluated Elena’s condition. She can recover. I can’t say if she’ll be able to return as a principal dancer, but she will be able to dance again. However—”

 

Zhou Jinyuan continued, “I’m returning to China tomorrow. I have many patients waiting for me there. So if you want me to continue treating Elena, we’ll have to meet in China.”

 

It was inevitable. Even if Elena could recover faster than Qu Guan Feng, it would still take time. Zhou Jinyuan couldn’t stay here for that long.

 

“Of course, we’ll go to China!” Elena’s father said excitedly. Zhou Jinyuan was now Elena’s only hope, and the assessment he had just performed reassured him.

 

This Chinese doctor didn’t just use acupuncture; he also chanted spells. Rumor had it that he was an Eastern shaman, and his chanting had even influenced their daughter’s emotions. He was determined to have Zhou Jinyuan treat Elena.

 

“Great! I hope to see you soon in China. I’ll write a prescription for Elena to take in the meantime, which will help her body.” Zhou Jinyuan handed a business card to Elena’s father, showing the address of the Xiao Qinglong Clinic.

 

“When you arrive in Haizhou, you can find me at Haizhou Third Hospital or at my clinic.”

 

Elena looked up at Zhou Jinyuan and asked, “Doctor, are you leaving tomorrow?”

 

There was a hint of reluctance in her eyes. Though their acquaintance had been brief, a deep trust had already formed.

 

Zhou Jinyuan had encountered this situation before—patients, even some burly men, often found comfort in his presence. After the treatment, Elena’s sense of safety was no different.

 

“I’ll be waiting for you in Haizhou,” Zhou Jinyuan reassured her, shaking her hand gently.

 

After Zhou Jinyuan and his friends left, Elena’s father, Mr. Brown, turned to his wife and asked, “One is a hospital, the other is a clinic. Which one should we go to?”

 

“Let’s go to the Xiao Qinglong Clinic. It sounds mysterious, and private clinics usually offer better conditions.” At that moment, Mrs. Brown was imagining the high-end private clinics she had seen before.

 

“I agree! Let’s start arranging the paperwork to go to China!” Mr. Brown said.

 

…

 

“Excuse me, Dr. Zhou, was what you were chanting earlier religious music?” Jin Chuo Xian stopped Zhou Jinyuan, who was talking to someone else, still feeling unsettled. “It sounded different from anything I’ve heard before.”

 

As a musician, Jin drew inspiration from various forms of art and had listened to Daoist and Buddhist music before.

 

However, what Zhou Jinyuan had chanted, though in the Daoist style—deep and mysterious—still felt different, and it seemed to have an even greater impact on one’s mind and spirit.

 

Ordinary people might not notice, but Jin Chuo Xian, as a top-tier musician, had sensed it immediately and had even gained inspiration from it, prompting him to eagerly ask Zhou Jinyuan about the secrets behind it.

 

“It’s a bit different. It’s called ‘Jing Yun.’ At first, Daoist scriptures were only recited, but later they developed a melody and rhythm. What you noticed is the difference in the tune. Each type of ‘Jing Yun’ has a distinct vocal style.

 

“The most common is the ‘Ten Directions Tune,’ but there are also local variations. The one I use is the Xianshan Tune, passed down orally within our sect. Because my family has been practicing medicine for generations, it has evolved to be combined with Zhu You Shu, and it’s used to affect the patient’s emotions as part of the treatment.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan explained it to Jin Chuo Xian. What he didn’t mention was that even with the same melody, each person’s rendition would have a different effect.

 

Ritual practices were something all Daoist priests needed to master, but there was a saying: “It’s easy to become a priest, but mastering the ringing of the ritual bell is hard.”

 

Not every priest had a natural gift for understanding the ‘Jing Yun,’ especially those who were tone-deaf.

 

Jin Chuo Xian’s white eyelashes hid his eyes as he muttered, “So it’s for treatment purposes. No wonder…”

 

His pace gradually slowed.

 

Zhou Jinyuan stopped as well. “What’s wrong?”

 

Jin Chuo Xian took a few steps back. “I’m not going to the farewell dinner. I’m going back first.”

 

Then he turned and ran off.

 

Zhou Jinyuan was dumbfounded. “Wait, no! You have to eat! Why are you running so fast? Weren’t you feeling weak all over?”

 

Arthur patted him on the shoulder, “Forget it, I’ll have my assistant bring him something to eat later. He definitely won’t leave now—he’s got inspiration!”

 

“Inspiration already?” Zhou Jinyuan thought he still didn’t quite understand artists.

 

…

 

Zhou Jinyuan had a farewell dinner with the friends and students he met in L Country. Arthur got drunk, wildly rubbing his head, and cried, “Why doesn’t anyone believe me!”

 

He even grabbed Zhou Jinyuan and said, “You have to take good care of Jin… you must! I will come to China to see him! You have to promise me…”

 

As he spoke, Arthur started crying. He didn’t dare to admit it, but he was very worried about Jin Chuo Xian’s health. China was so far away, and after Jin Chuo Xian left, he was genuinely afraid he would never see him again.

 

Jessica’s expression changed slightly as she pulled on Arthur, “You’ve had too much to drink!”

 

Arthur continued to tear up.

 

Zhou Jinyuan also gave Arthur’s shiny golden head a rub and said softly, “I understand. I’ll see you when you come to China.”

 

…

 

The next day, Zhou Jinyuan and the group from the Haizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Association flew back to China. Considering the stir Zhou Jinyuan had caused overseas, one could say they returned with honor.

 

At the airport, Zhou Jinyuan had already been recognized a few times. “Isn’t he… Arthur’s attending physician?”

 

It seemed like the faded internet celebrity was making a bit of a comeback.

 

However, based on Zhou Jinyuan’s experience, this probably wouldn’t last too long…

 

Rong Xixue, of course, came to pick him up. Outside the airport, he saw Zhou Jinyuan saying goodbye to his colleagues and immediately called out, “Brother!”

 

One by one, the others headed off in the opposite direction, leaving only a man wearing a hat and a mask, standing still and walking side by side with Zhou Jinyuan.

 

Zhou Jinyuan turned his head to say something, and before long, he had taken the man’s luggage, looking very thoughtful.

 

Rong Xixue’s smile faded, and his light-colored eyes narrowed slightly.

 

But quickly, his expression returned to normal.

 

He thought to himself, *That guy must be sick.*

 

When Zhou Jinyuan and Jin Chuo Xian reached him, Rong Xixue opened his arms—

 

“Ah, just in time.” Zhou Jinyuan immediately shoved both his and Jin Chuo Xian’s luggage into Rong Xixue’s hands.

 

Rong Xixue: “…”

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Do you remember Mr. Jin? We also met him at this airport when we were returning to Yingzhou.”

 

Jin Chuo Xian’s appearance was quite distinctive; even without seeing his full face, it was enough for Rong Xixue to remember. But even though they had met before, why were they now walking together, and why was he stuck carrying both their luggage?

 

“Mr. Jin has signed up for a membership with me.” Zhou Jinyuan’s words meant Jin Chuo Xian was now his patient. “In the future, you might need to assist me with his treatments.”

 

He turned to explain to Jin Chuo Xian, “My younger brother is a pharmacist. We’ll need to use some special herbal medicine in your treatment, and only he can prepare it.”

 

Toxic herbs were commonly used in cancer treatments. Whether it was the large doses of Pinellia that Zhou Jinyuan had used on esophageal cancer patients, or the toads in the pain relief prescription that Professor Mo had initially given to Jin Chuo Xian, all had toxic properties.

 

Many Chinese medicine practitioners didn’t dare to use toxic herbs in clinical practice, usually due to a lack of experience and proper training.

 

But with descendants of traditional Chinese medicine families like Zhou Jinyuan and Rong Xixue working together, they were able to find the critical balance between therapeutic effects and toxicity, fine-tune the dosage, and carefully prepare the herbs to reduce toxicity while increasing effectiveness.

 

Rong Xixue confirmed his suspicions, reached out, and shook hands with Jin Chuo Xian. Suddenly, he remembered the fortune-telling at the airport, and with Zhou Jinyuan mentioning the special preparation, could it be that this Mr. Jin really was…

 

As they shook hands, it seemed Jin Chuo Xian was aware of Rong Xixue’s thoughts. He gave a slight nod. “Thank you for your help.”

 

Rong Xixue grew more serious. “I’ll do my best.”

 

He loaded their luggage into the rental car, then got into the driver’s seat. Zhou Jinyuan sat beside him, fastening his seatbelt and asking, “How’s the hiring process going?”

 

“Still no progress,” Rong Xixue replied honestly.

 

The clinic still hadn’t hired another doctor. Without one, only Rong Shouyun would be working there. Even though Rong Xixue helped out after his classes, it was still exhausting and not comprehensive enough.

 

Since they were a small clinic, their requirements were somewhat high, so they hadn’t found a suitable candidate yet.

 

“But now that you’ve gained international fame, we think you’ll have better luck recruiting someone,” Rong Xixue added with a smile.

 

It was fine when he wasn’t smiling, but when he did, Zhou Jinyuan felt like he was being mocked.

 

Zhou Jinyuan said, “…Hand me your phone.”

 

As Rong Xixue handed over his phone, he asked, “What for?”

 

Zhou Jinyuan opened WeChat, typed a few words, and handed the phone back to him.

 

Rong Xixue glanced down and asked again, “What did you do?”

 

Looking at his phone, he saw a newly posted WeChat Moment:

**”Why am I so cute?????”**

 

It had been posted just ten seconds ago, and the first comment already appeared, from one of their professors:

**”????????”**

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Wait until they suspend your account again!”

 

Rong Xixue: “…”

 

…

 

After landing, Zhou Jinyuan took a day to recover from jet lag before returning to the Third Hospital, where he had been away for nearly half a month, and reunited with his familiar colleagues.

 

Everyone greeted him warmly.

 

“Master, you’re back.”

 

“Congratulations, Master!”

 

“You’re amazing, Master!”

 

Zhou Jinyuan smiled awkwardly. This fame built on Arthur’s scandal made him a bit embarrassed…

 

As he passed by a bulletin board, something caught his attention. He took a few steps back and saw a new photo among the series of expert introductions—his own.

 

Below the photo was the introduction:

 

**Zhou Jinyuan, Male, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Title: Physician.

Expert Introduction: Physician in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, member of the Haizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, internationally renowned in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has rich clinical experience and unique insights in areas such as hair loss and baldness, acupuncture, and massage…**

 

Zhou Jinyuan hadn’t even finished reading it before he was speechless.

 

In just a few days, they had officially labeled him as an expert!

 

Among the many specialists, he stood out—his title was the lowest, and he was the youngest.

 

He checked the appointment schedule and saw that his registration fee had also been upgraded to expert level, and all of his slots were already booked out for the entire week, no matter the day.

 

Right next to the emergency center, Zhou Jinyuan remembered something and hurried over. He grabbed a random nurse.

 

The nurse was delighted to see him. “Dr. Zhou, you’re back?”

 

“Hello, I need to ask about something.” Zhou Jinyuan was about to inquire about his cultivation level when he noticed a group of people standing awkwardly in the emergency room. One of them was pestering the emergency doctor, “I don’t care, I want a bed. This is uncomfortable…”

 

The doctor was trying to pull his hand away. “We really don’t have any beds left! You’re not in serious condition! Could you please let go?”

 

The two sides were tussling. At first, Zhou Jinyuan only saw the back of the man’s head and didn’t recognize him, but as he heard more of the whining, it started to sound familiar. Nodding to the nurse, he walked over and was hit by a strong smell of alcohol before he even got close.

 

He placed his hand on the drunk man’s shoulder. “Your hand healed?”

 

“What hand—” The man turned around, saw Zhou Jinyuan, and sobered up a bit, even hiccuping from the shock.

 

Zhou Jinyuan looked at him with a half-smile. “Last time you drank so much, your radial nerve was damaged. And you’re still drinking like this? Aren’t you afraid of messing up your hand again?”

 

The last time Zhou Jinyuan had returned from a rural clinic, he had encountered this group in the emergency center. Drinking and fighting seemed like a regular routine for them. That time, someone had come looking for revenge, and Zhou Jinyuan had knocked them all down with a wooden sword, which led to rumors in the hospital that he could use swordsmanship to injure people.

 

Thinking about it, he had actually helped these kids out.

 

The guy clearly remembered Zhou Jinyuan as well. This was the expert with a group of Taoist followers! He had seen him use swordsmanship to knock people out and then patch them up.

 

He stammered, trying to respond but couldn’t string together coherent words because he was still a bit tipsy.

 

He tried to shake Zhou Jinyuan’s hand off his shoulder, but Zhou Jinyuan only gave it a light squeeze, causing the man’s face to twist in pain as he immediately sobered up completely. “Ouch! Ouch! I was wrong!”

 

“What’s wrong? What’s your condition? Do you need a bed?” Zhou Jinyuan withdrew his hand and casually put it into the pocket of his white coat, asking lightly.

 

When Zhou Jinyuan became serious, he was quite intimidating. The young man shook his head vigorously. “No, no, no.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Anything else?”

 

The young man took a step back, bumping into the bench, and immediately sat down.

 

His companions tried to pull him up. “Jing-ge?”

 

But he waved them off and made them sit down with him, placing both hands neatly on his knees. “Nothing at all!”

 

Zhou Jinyuan looked at them, made sure everything was in order, and said, “Well then, thank you for your cooperation.”

 

The emergency doctor next to him gave Zhou Jinyuan a grateful look. No wonder people said that a sword cultivator in the distraction stage was more effective than security guards…

 

…

 

Later, Zhou Jinyuan went to greet Director Xiao and Director Xie, recounting his experiences abroad. He felt that he had fulfilled Professor Mo’s expectations by planting seeds of hope.

 

“Xiao Zhou, I heard that your clinic is about to open soon. You have to tell me the opening date so I can send you a flower basket,” Director Xiao said with a cheerful smile.

 

It was true; the clinic would be opening next month.

 

Zhou Jinyuan responded awkwardly, “Thank you, Director Xiao, but there’s no need. If you send one, then everyone might start sending them, and I won’t have enough space for them all!”

 

Director Xiao had already done him a huge favor by letting him open his clinic. Sending a flower basket on top of that was really too much support.

 

“How about this, we colleagues will chip in and send one together. After all, you’re still part of our hospital. Your clinic could even be considered a branch of our hospital,” Director Xiao said with a hearty laugh.

 

“… In that case, I won’t be polite. Thank you,” Zhou Jinyuan replied.

 

A branch? Zhou Jinyuan thought to himself, *Old-fashioned people really are different from the emergency center folks. Director Xiao still seems stuck in the world of martial arts novels!*

 

Here are some of the **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)** terms from the chapter:

 

1. **Jiquan (极泉穴)** –

*Location:* This acupuncture point is located on the armpit.

*Function:* Jiquan is often used to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body, particularly in the Heart and Pericardium meridians. It can help with chest pain, palpitations, and arm paralysis.

 

2. **Quchi (曲池穴)** –

*Location:* Located at the outer end of the elbow crease, on the Large Intestine meridian.

*Function:* Quchi is used to clear heat, expel wind, and relieve pain. It’s frequently applied for conditions like fevers, skin disorders, and elbow pain.

 

3. **Shousanli (手三里穴)** –

*Location:* Located on the forearm, about three finger widths below the elbow crease, along the Large Intestine meridian.

*Function:* Shousanli is used for treating pain or discomfort in the arm, digestion-related issues, and overall tonifying (strengthening) of Qi in the Large Intestine.

 

4. **Strong Stimulation Acupuncture Points (强刺激穴位)** –

*Explanation:* These points are typically used when a stronger, more intense effect is needed. This could be due to deeper blockages or more severe conditions such as nerve damage, where a more powerful stimulation is necessary to provoke a response in the body.

 

5. **Acupuncture** –

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to manipulate the flow of **Qi** and balance **Yin and Yang**. In this context, Zhou Jinyuan is using acupuncture not only for physical healing but also to impact the patient’s emotional and psychological state.

 

6. **Jing Yun (经韵)** –

*Explanation:* This refers to the melodic chanting of Daoist scriptures or incantations. In the text, **Jing Yun** is described as having a specific tune that can affect emotions and is used in conjunction with medical treatment to aid in healing the patient’s emotional trauma.

 

7. **Zhu You Shu (祝由术)** –

*Explanation:* This is an ancient healing method in TCM that combines chanting or incantations with physical treatment, such as acupuncture or massage. It’s based on the belief that illness can be influenced by spiritual and emotional factors, and these incantations can help to soothe the patient’s mind, reducing stress or emotional blockages that might hinder recovery.

 

8. **Xianshan Tune (仙山韵)** –

*Explanation:* This refers to a specific type of Daoist chanting or melody, passed down within certain sects or families. In the text, Zhou Jinyuan uses the **Xianshan Tune** as part of his treatment to affect the emotions and spirit of his patients, combining this with acupuncture to enhance healing.

 

These terms reflect the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing in TCM, showing how acupuncture and chanting can be used together to treat both body and mind.