C'est la Chine · Germany | From journalism to TCM: German doctor devotes energy to 'Chinese magical medicine'

In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained international popularity, especially in Europe and America. Many foreign friends no longer consider Western clinics as their first choice when faced with health issues. Currently, TCM institutions are found in over 160 countries and regions worldwide, with approximately one TCM or acupuncture clinic for every 15,000 people in Germany.

Shaolin kung fu opens a door to a whole new world

Dr. Anne Hardy has been running a TCM clinic in Frankfurt, Germany, for nearly ten years, primarily using techniques such as tuina (Chinese massage), acupuncture, and moxibustion to treat patients.

Before becoming a TCM practitioner, Dr. Hardy was a journalist. She initially studied physics at university and later became a science reporter, focusing mainly on physics but also covering some medical news. Throughout her studies and career, Dr. Hardy maintained a strong interest in medicine but gradually developed a different perspective on Western medical practices.

The concept of "wholeness" is a fundamental characteristic of TCM, permeating its physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Dr. Hardy revealed that her introduction to TCM was actually through her son, who became interested in kung fu and encouraged her to start learning as well. "Our kung fu teacher is also a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner."

The combination of martial arts and TCM is common; martial artists often sustain injuries and strains during their training, so medical treatment has long been a part of traditional Chinese martial arts. Many kung fu masters teach martial arts and qigong while also offering healing practices. After training in qigong and Tai Chi for a while, Dr. Hardy decided to pursue a new career path: TCM.

Abandoning writing for healing: Open a TCM Clinic

In 2012, Dr. Hardy began TCM coursework at a specialty school in Frankfurt, ABZ MITTE, covering acupuncture, herbal medicine, gynecology, and fertility treatments. After three years of training, she passed the examinations and obtained a license to practice natural medicine from German health authorities, allowing her to open her own TCM clinic.

In Germany, acupuncture has been recognized as a legal complementary medical practice since 2007 and is covered by statutory health insurance. However, some people resist it, claiming acupuncture is merely a "placebo treatment." Dr. Hardy disagrees, "Some health insurance companies have conducted experiments on acupuncture, and it has been shown that acupuncture is more effective than placebo for treating chronic pain such as knee and back pain."

Dr. Hardy frequently administers acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and moxibustion treatments. She explains that acupuncture can adjust and balance the flow of energy in the body, and moxibustion is used to inject energy into patients. After inserting needles, a moxa ball is ignited and placed above the acupuncture points; after a while, both the needles and moxa are removed. This process directly infuses warmth into the body, dispelling cold and dampness while promoting energy flow.

Dr. Hardy's 30-year-old son, who was introduced to TCM before her, occasionally visits his mother's clinic for treatments. "I accidentally hurt my knee. I went to my kung fu master for treatment. He inserted one needle beside my ear, and then the electric pulses passed through my whole body and stopped at my knee. I had a feeling that it was going to explode… But after the treatment, I stood up and my injury was cured."

Practicing TCM means doing something meaningful

"Now, I can't say we are the best, but why not fully utilize the advantages of both, and combine them for the benefit of patients?" Dr. Hardy points out that many couples struggling with infertility typically undergo sperm tests, hormone evaluations, and immune and genetic diagnostics via Western medicine. However, when it comes to assessing sperm or egg quality, Western medicine has its limitations, leading them to seek help from TCM.

Dr. Hardy explains that TCM can play a significant role in fertility treatments, including using herbs to enhance the quality of sperm and eggs and regulating menstrual cycles for women. When patients' health improves, the chances of conception naturally increase.

In a corner of Dr. Hardy's clinic, there is a small "baby gallery," where couples who have successfully conceived after treatment send photos of their babies to express gratitude and remembrance, making Dr. Hardy feel that her work is valuable. "Sometimes when I insert the needles into the patients, I think, ' Wow, what I'm doing is really, really cool.'"

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