Chinese medicine in Abu Dhabi

A wise doctor pores over the yellowed pages of an ancient Chinese text, as rays of light stream in through the window and a cat winds itself thoughtfully round his feet. It might sound like the atmospheric start to an old kung fu movie, but, in reality, this scene happens regularly in a clinic in downtown Abu Dhabi. Watched over by his cat Miao Miao, Dr Hu was explaining to us one of the principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – the power of herbs.

The text he uses, Bencao Gangmu, dates back to Ming Dynasty era China in the sixteenth century, and is a compendium of more than 1,000 herbs that are thought to have medicinal properties. Amazingly, the book, which Dr Hu describes as ‘the most famous book in the world – based on 5,000 years of medical experience’, is still commonly used all over the world. Although, he explains, only 300 or so herbs are still commonly used.

‘Chinese medicine is all about balancing– so if there is too much heat in the body, you use a formula with cold herbs to treat it,’ says Dr Hu. ‘Chinese medicine treats the condition of the whole body, so can
be used for both emotional and physical problems.’ The different tastes of the herbs – salty, sour, bitter, sweet and spicy – also impact on the effect they have. For example spicy herbs are used to activate the metabolism, while sweet tastes can help the digestive system.’

Dr Hu uses a four-step system to diagnose patients. ‘First is the inspection, where I examine the colour of the patient’s skin and their ease of movement. Then I check for smells and sounds – are there any body odours? How does the breathing sound – is there noise in the lungs? Next is the inquiry stage. I ask the patient to describe how they are feeling and if they are cold or hot, or sweaty, for example. Finally I take their pulse.”

Based on his findings, Dr Hu then makes a diagnosis and blends suitable herbs into a formula for the individual. He recommends always using herbs in conjunction with acupuncture. Dr Hu says his approach has many advantages over Western medicine – ‘Firstly, there are no side effects, and, secondly, Chinese medicine can be used for many conditions for which there are no cures in conventional medicine – for example diabetes or hypertension. Sufferers using Western treatments for these conditions have to spend a lifetime using chemical medicines.’

In the case of flu, Dr Hu explains there are two types– one hot, one cold. ‘Western medicine treats them both the same. I would prescribe a different formula depending on which type it is, and in this way I get far quicker results, as well as treating additional problems that come with the illness such as low energy or weakened immune system. ’

Sent to Abu Dhabi 20 years ago by the Chinese government to promote Chinese medicine, Dr Hu stayed on in the UAE when his contract had finished and set up his own practice. At the beginning he had just a few patients, but now, as the reputation of traditional Chinese medicine has developed around the world, he sees up to 50 people – mostly westerners but also some Emiratis too. ‘People are beginning to understand that this is the number one alternative medicine. It’s more cost effective than conventional medicine, as you save money and get a better service.’ And who are we to argue with 5,000 years of medical practice?

Dhs250 for one week’s worth of herbal formula. Gulf Chinese Medical Centre, Corner Building on Old Airport Road near Al Nasr Street (02 6343538)