Philosophy and Vision
Body and Mind
Chinese medicine lays great emphasis on the coexistence of the physical body (形) and mind (神), and the need to take care of both aspects as a whole. Many diseases are caused by or affected by the state of our mind and emotions. Prof. Zhu explains that emotional stress disturbs the flow of qi, causing abnormalities in our bodily functions. If untreated or mistreated, the problem will progressively lead to structural or organic damages. “A good doctor and true healer,” as he teaches his students through his own example, “must treat both the body and mind. You must strive to be not only a fine acupuncturist, but also a counsellor, a psychologist, a motivator, someone who brings hopes and laughters.”
The “One” Medicine
There is only one human species, therefore one medicine - the Human Medicine. This is Prof. Zhu’s simple and beautiful logic. Diseases affect humans in the same way regardless of races and cultures. The differentiation between Western and Eastern medicines is pointless.
In Prof. Zhu’s model of ideal health management, the best primary care is self-care. Prof. Zhu raises patients’ awareness of self-healing power and teaches them to take an active role through breathing, relaxation, meditation, physical exercises, rest and nutrition.
When the body fails to heal itself, intervention is needed. The best treatment method should be the least invasive, least harmful and effective for most diseases. Using these criteria, acupuncture is unquestionably the treatment of choice. Other modalities in the same category but less effective are tui-na, massage, manual adjustments, physical therapies.
If a health problem persists, then consider using natural herbs. Even natural herbs may have harmful effects if not used properly. The next level of treatment is pharmaceutical drugs that generally have higher toxicity and more undesirable consequences than natural herbs. The last resort if all fails is surgery.
First, Acupuncture!
“First, acupuncture; Second, moxibustion; Third, herbs.”
Prof. Zhu is a life time advocate of acupuncture. Acupuncture helps the body normalize itself by regulating “qi”. As the early stage of
many diseases are qi-related, i.e. functional rather than structural, acupuncture is best indicated for acute and newly developing health
problems, contrary to common belief that it only treats chronic diseases.
Acupuncture in the Hospital
Since acupuncture regulates “qi” and “qi” moves fast, it can effect quick changes in our body. Prof. Zhu compares that to the action of hormones. Because of this fast action, he urges that acupuncture be used in Emergency Rooms, Intensive Care Units and in-patient wards. It can be a life-saving tool. Based on his own experience in acupuncture anesthesia, it should also be used in Operation Rooms as well.
“On My Feet”
Every year in the States alone, the statistics of new incidence rate of some debilitating diseases are alarming: stroke 500,000; Multiple Sclerosis 10,000; ALS 5000 and spinal cord injuries 11,000. The cost of life-term care for people with these conditions is phenomenal. Prof. Zhu strives to launch a project called “ON MY FEET” to help paralyzed patients regain as much independence as possible and return to a productive life. He knows he has the expertise, experience and confidence. What he needs is financial support and good therapists to help make this project succeed.
Education and Researches
For acupuncture to be accepted in mainstream healthcare and routinely performed in hospitals, it is clear that most practitioners would need more advanced training. Prof. Zhu’s is enthusiastic in providing such training if there is a hospital willing to collaborate. In addition, he looks forward to partner with researchers to study the mechanism of scalp acupuncture.