众志成城：抗疫期间海外中医能够做的

文/空因

2019年底，新冠肺炎病毒就以汹汹之势肆虐中国大陆，然而，中国的疫情还未完全扫清，现在它的风暴又势卷全球，令得世界各地皆人心惶惶。作为一个海外中医，我们现在能够做什么呢？

在知道能够做什么之前，我们首先得明白我们不能做什么。每个国家都有每个国家的法律制度、道德守则和实践标准，作为当地的一个临床中医，熟悉它们应该是非常必要的。因此，作为一个在加拿大中医领域工作的人，我们也至少应该知道这三点：1）政府没有批准中医中药针灸介入抗疫行动。2）中医管理局强烈建议中医从业人员现在停止诊所工作。3）严格禁止任何非公共卫生以及传染病专家尝试治疗新冠肺炎病患。

医师不能够看病，无异于被缴械的士兵，但缴械不等于投降，作为一名治疗者，即使没有良好的从业环境，依然不能放弃患者，因为——医者父母心。那么，在这个看似十分严酷的大环境下，我们作为海外中医从业人员，到底能够做些什么呢？我们真的就只有进退维谷、束手就困吗？

我觉得答案是：不！我们依然有许多工作可以做。

首先，我们可以“不惊不惧”。虽然目前我们无法通过医学手段帮助众人，但如果我们以沉着冷静的态度生活，就能给身边的海外华人树立一个良好的榜样，让大家在风浪中看到我们这叶平稳的小舟，看到希望，看到安心。

”即使明天是世界末日，今夜，清风明月下，仍要在园中种满莲花！”

在这样风刀霜剑岌岌可危的大环境中，我们依然可以从容不迫、泰然自若。天塌下来我也不怕。

当然，面对普通人的焦虑、恐慌和心浮气躁，我们应当抱有理解和体谅，因为他们毕竟没有如我们一样，接受过中医学知识的熏陶，不知道如何利用它来沉心静气，自我修养。

比如，不是所有人都有机会读过《黄帝内经》，受过“恬淡虚无”、“正气内存”、“心安而不惧”、“恐则气下”这样的正规教育。又如，有人没有听过老子的谆谆教诲：“天下之至柔，驰骋天下之至坚”。再如，也有人没有聆听过庄子的耳语：“聚则为生，散则为死，若死生为徒，吾又何患！”

可对于我们这种在中医领域供职的人，早就接触过这方面的智慧，深受过这方面的熏陶。当周围的人表现得焦躁不安、魂飞胆破时我们可以始终抱元守一、心神俱定；当别人在人云亦云随风而靡之时，我们坚持独立思考绝不跟风；当别人在怨声载道甚至怒发冲冠时，我们温柔敦厚、循循善诱，我们是不是在给他们树立一个好的典范呢？

其次，我们应该坚决响应政府的号召，并积极劝告身边的人遵守规定。

目前，政府对民众最大的要求就是保持社交距离，减少外出次数。我们可以用自己的行动告诉周围的人，保持社交距离并不代表百无聊赖、无所事事。独处也有独处的乐处。我们可以用突然多出来的闲暇做许许多多有意思的事情，比如：看书、写作、进修线上继续教育课程，参加线上学术会议、研读医案、静坐、站桩、做义工、通过电话email给朋友们做健康顾问、安抚人心等等。

最后，也是我们最应该做的，采取各种合法而且有效的办法帮助患者。

例如，我们现在不能直接进行医疗服务，但可以用力所能及的方式向我们的患者表现我们的爱心和关心。

我们可以给他们打打电话，问问他们最近怎么样，向他们解释一下保持社交距离的重要性，或者跟他们分享一下养生之道。如果有患者出现了除新冠肺炎外的其他病症，我们可以通过电话给他们提供一些可以自我治疗的中医方法：穴位按摩、拍打、食疗……这些都是我们中医知识中的瑰宝，我们的一句话，也许就能缓解患者的锥心之苦。

总而言之，作为一名海外中医，即使是在这个特殊时期，我们也应该不怨、不弃，一边加强自身修养，一边积极以各种方式去帮助需要帮助的人。

说到这里，我就不得不提到，做一个中医必须得保有的充分的耐心。

虽然目前还没被当地的主流医学所接纳所拥抱，我们在理解政府、尊重政府规定的同时，照样可以不卑不亢，微谏不倦，相信天生我材必有用，大丈夫永远能屈能伸。比如，我们一方面可以积极参加呼吁政府准许中医加入抗击疫情医疗活动的请愿行动，另一方面，我们得充分理解这一点：我们现在并不是在中国，要让所有的世界人民都认同中医治疗也许还需要相当长的一段时间。与其把自己看成被拒绝被冷落的人，还不如坚信这一点：越是美丽的，越值得等待，越得讲究天时地利人和。

耐心可以表现在我们对中医的未来持有坚定的信心上。中国大陆的这次抗疫，中医功不可没，向世人展示了它令人瞩目的光辉。除了中药，中国抗疫专家也特别肯定了太极拳，八段锦等传统武术方式对加强患者体质、加快康复的作用。

如果大陆的病患们可以在抗疫病房和方舱里练八段锦来加强体能、增强抗疫力，为什么我们这些崇尚“上工治未病”的中医们不可以支持周围的人去做一些积极的事情来加强防御疾病的信心呢？中国的传染科专家和许多从新冠肺炎恢复的病人们不都反复强调免疫力才是应对新冠肺炎的最佳防预武器吗？中医的治病本质不就是平衡阴阳？用现代的话来说，岂不就是教人提高免疫力？这些令人鼓舞的消息应该让我们眉飞色舞才是啊。你想想，当西医的杀毒疗法已经无法对付病魔，当群医无策、山穷水尽之际，难道他们不会在公众的压力之下最终求助于其它自然疗法吗？

耐心也可表现在不跟风、拥有独立思考的能力上。不人云亦云，我思故我在，只要还能思考，恐惧就不能完全控制一个人。这也就是我们中医常常说的“思胜恐”。境况越是险恶，我们越要保持镇定。当各种未经证实的小道消息像雪片一样纷纷飞来时，我们保持冷静的分析能力，不去追随那些耸人听闻的传言；坚决不传播、不转发任何不可靠的信息，对自己讲的每一句话负责，每一个行为担当。有些人内心充满了忧虑、恐惧、不安，稍稍听到什么风吹草动就大惊失色、奔走相告，这样很容易迷惑大众，增加人们的压力，引起不必要的焦虑，让本来就如惊恐之鸟的人变得更加无所适从。

当有人因为恐慌而大肆囤积物品时，我们可以处变不惊，沉着应对，不盲目跟从大众。《道德经》不也教导我们要“静胜躁，寒胜热，清静为天下正”吗？当有人将大包大包的厕所手纸放进购物车时，我曾听到一个西人说：“这简直发疯了。厕所纸本来就是加拿大国产的，我们什么时候也不会短缺它啊。” 我当时想的就是，就算缺了它又怎样呢？作为一个中医，难道我们受过的训练不曾要求我们要善于变通（resourceful）吗？没有了荆芥，难道就不会用防风代替？中脘不让扎，难道不可以扎足三里？同理如此，当日常生活中缺少了什么，说化腐朽为神奇也许有些夸张，但难道我们就不会用自己的机智去试图找出应对的方法，而非得被某个物质所限制，所束缚？否则的话，这跟古人所嘲笑的刻舟求剑，胶柱鼓瑟又有什么区别？

善于变通代表我们行事不死守形式，不过于偏激。我们身在北美，有着得天独厚的自然环境。我们的居住比起其它国家的人分散不少，因为我们幸运地被树木和公园所环抱。所以，即算我们保持社交隔离，并不等于我们非得把自己整日困在家中，我们总可以找机会去亲近山野林间啊。你说，如果人人都这么想怎么办，那不又成了人群聚集了吗？这个担心是多余的。你想想，如果你开车来到一个公园，看到那里已经有两个人在惬意徜徉了，难道你不可以再稍微开远一点，找个没人的地方与大自然浑然一体？人是活的呀。

有个朋友告诉我为了响应政府的号召他已经闭门不出好几个星期了。这让我吃了一惊。政府说保持社交距离，并不说我们非得自我隔离。保持社交距离是说我们要避免人群聚集，不需要出门时就不出门，如果外出时保持与他人大约2米的距离，除此之外，我们还是可以到外面散步、遛狗，或到超市买菜，非得去上班的依然可以去上班的呀。

如果把保持社交距离完全看成了自我隔离，那么这种极端的自闭方式到底可以保持多久呢？如果抗疫需要六个月甚至更久的时间，难道你就六个月甚至更久足不出户？就算你能够坚持下去，自愿把自己当成一个囚犯一样整日锁在家里，从长远来讲，这对你的身心健康又有多大的损害？连犯人都需要放风呢。

另外，如果你一天到晚宅在家里，你又错过了多少美丽的风景？你知道樱花已经开了吗？你看到昨晚夜空中那颗硕大的星星吗？你看到小道上父亲带着才三岁左右的女儿在跑步，他们一边跑一边咯咯笑着吗？你看到大雨中一个年老的妇女困难地弯下腰将地上的垃圾一点点捡起来丢进她的袋子吗？你看到老人院紧闭的门前一个妇女颤抖着声音对着一扇半开的窗户大喊：“爸爸，我爱你”吗？你看到一个老人久久站在窗前就为了等到一个熟悉的身影路过，为了朝她挥挥手吗？

这么多触人心弦的场面都被你错过了，对不对？这都是我在小区散步时亲眼所看到的情景哦。而我并没有犯规呀，我跟我碰到的这些可爱的让我感动得流泪的人至少保持了五米的距离。

试问，如果你相信保护你的仅仅是口罩、手套、酒精、未来的疫苗，而对自己的生命潜能毫无认识，你还算一个合格的中医吗？就算我们有了症状，就算我们不幸感染了这个恶疾，在积极治疗的同时，我们也要告诉自己：我的生命深处本身就有一种大药，它神奇的力量可以帮助我自愈、自救。任何时候我都不会让自己惊慌失措、焦头烂额。同样，当我们治疗病人时，除了用针和药，更重要的是激发病人内在的生命力和自我疗愈的力量，让他们知道真正的治疗者其实是他们自己，作为一个中医师，我们不过是辅佐他的人。

说了这么多，我要强调的一点就是，无论我们的信仰是什么，我们要相信：上天既然允许这个瘟疫发生，也必定有能力让它结束。结束，只是迟早的事。话说回来，如果这个新冠病毒最终转成了像流感病毒那样，铁定了要与人类长期共存，那么，除了不断提高我们的正气，加强我们的抗菌能力，学会跟这个顽固的病毒周旋之外，我们还有别的选择吗？《黄帝内经》说：“苍天之气,清静则志意治,顺上则阳气固,虽有贼邪,弗能害也……”作为一个在中医领域的工作者，我们更要懂得在困境中以不变应万变，时时保护自己的正气，处处方寸不乱、神形归一，不烦躁，不焦虑，不恐慌，随时准备伸出自己的双手去帮助周围的人渡过难关。

无论什么时候，我们都要有这个坚定的信心：中医的复兴是必然的，我们就是促进它在海外振兴的继承人。只要我们用心去做我们该做的事，总有一天中医会在世界各地得到应有的信任和尊重，中医必定将与现代文明高度同步。如果作为一个中医师，你对这都没有信心，又怎能让你的患者对中医有信心对你的治疗有信心？如果你连自己的心神都散乱不已，又如何去帮助别人固护他的精气神？所以，无论何时何地，我们都应该坚信这一点：中医是世界文明的瑰宝，它对人类的身心健康起着不可估量的积极的作用，从前、现在、将来，都是如此。

We Are All In This Together:

What Overseas Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Can Do During Trying Times

(by Kongyin)

At the end of 2019, COVID-19 was already raging in mainland China. Today the epidemic in China has not been completely cleared, and now its storm is sweeping globally, leaving people trembling all over the world. As an overseas practitioner in the field of TCM, what can we do?

Before we know what we can do, we must first understand what we must not do. Every country has its own laws, ethics and practice standards. As a practitioner, we must become familiar with them. Therefore, in Canada, we should know at least these three main points: 1) The government has not approved the intervention of Chinese medicine or acupuncture to help fight the epidemic. 2) Authorities strongly recommend ceasing all close contact practice. 3) Registrants should not make a claim surrounding prevention or treatment of COVID-19 as they are not public health or infectious disease experts.

A trained practitioner not allowed to see patients is like disarming a soldier; nevertheless, being disarmed is not necessarily synonymous with surrender. As a practitioner, if seeing patients is not allowed at this moment, it does not mean we have to abandon our patients all together, for the old Chinese saying rings in our mind: “A healer heals with a compassionate heart”.  In this seemingly harsh environment, what can we do then? Are we really left in a helpless and hopeless dilemma?

I think the answer is: No! We still have a lot of work to do.

First, we can be calm and fearless. Unable to help patients the way we normally would with the training we received, we can at least live our life in a cool and calm manner. Setting a good example for those around us allows others to see us as a stable raft in stormy waters, a sign of hope and peace of mind.

This is the attitude we need: "Even if tomorrow is the end of the world, tonight, under the bright moonlight, brushed by a gentle breeze, I will still plant lotus in the yard for the enjoyment of passersby."

During extremely trying times, staying calm and serene is like what the old saying says: “Even if the sky falls, I shall not wince”.

When faced with anxiety, panic, and worries from so many directions, we should have empathy and understanding, because after all, not everyone has a TCM background, nor was everyone trained to cultivate calmness during adversity.

For example, not everyone has had the opportunity to read the Yellow Emperor's Canon, nor received formal education to remain “Indifferent to fame or gain”, or "Storing righteous qi” is essential to health, or "when the heart is at ease the mind is at peace”, or “fear causes the collapse of qi".

Others may not have heard of Lao Tzu's teachings: "The most gentle conquers the most solid" or Zhuangzi's whisper: "When qi gathers, life occurs; when qi dissipates, death occurs. As life and death are forever companions, I do not regard death as a disaster!"

Workers in the field of TCM have been long exposed to and deeply influenced by such wisdom. When some people around us seem anxious and frightened, we can gather our peace and remain calm in body, mind and spirit. When some are heeding to misinformation, we can insist on independent thinking and refuse to be misled; when some are complaining or even angry, we can choose to be gentle, caring, and compassionate. In this way, setting a positive example.

Secondly, we can set the proper example by resolutely responding to the government's initiatives and actively urging those around us to comply with regulations.

At present, the government's strongest requirement for us is to maintain social distance; we should limit our social activities and reduce unnecessary outdoor trips. However, we can show those around us that social distancing does not mean boredom or only screen time as great joy may be discovered in solitude. In our spare time, we can do many interesting things, such as, reading, writing, studying online courses, participating in on-line professional development, reviewing famous medical cases, meditating, doing Tai chi, and appropriate volunteer work. Through phone and e-mail, we can provide ideas on maintaining health, soothing those troubled hearts etc.

Lastly, we can still utilize legal and effective ways to help patients. For example, when we can't directly provide medical services, we can show our patients our love, support and care.

We can call them and inquire how they are doing, explain to them the importance of maintaining social distance, or share with them some ideas about how to remain in good health. If they have symptoms unrelated to COVID-19, we can teach them some simple TCM methods to alleviate their ailments, such as acupressure, tapping meridians, or provide recipes for simple and nourishing dishes ... These are the treasures of TCM we can share, and with some kind words, we may be able to offer great help to those in need.

In short, as a practitioner in the field of TCM, during trying times, we should avoid complaining or holding any grudges, or giving up our call to help others. While building up our strength, we can graciously extend a hand to needy people through these and other various ways.

Having said that, I would like to emphasize that to be a practitioner in TCM field, we must have abundance of patience.

It is true that we have not yet been embraced by the medical field, and it is equally true that we should always try to understand the government’s stance and respect regulations. However, that does not mean we have to appear inferior, instead, we continue believing that “Heaven bestowed us with gifts; we're not made in vain”, in another saying, “A brave soul can endure temporary setbacks.”

For example, we can actively participate in petitions calling on the government to allow TCM to be part of the anti-epidemic team. We also require a full acceptance of this: we are not in China, so it may take quite a long time before recognition of TCM by all the governing bodies in the world. Rather than seeing ourselves rejected or de-valued, we can choose to believe this: the more beautiful, the more worthy of waiting, as well as the necessity for favourable climate, beneficial geography and harmonious human conditions.

Patience is portrayed in our firm confidence in the future of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine contributed greatly in the battle against COVID-19 in mainland China, radiating to the world its remarkable brilliance. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese anti-epidemic experts affirmed the positive effect of traditional martial arts, such as Taiqi and Baduanjin, to strengthen patients' physical fitness and speed up recovery.

To strengthen their body and enhance the anti-epidemic effect, the mainland patients are encouraged, when possible, to practice BaduanJin in their wards and in temporary hospitals. We oversea practitioners, who often advocate " The best healer aims to annihilate an illness before it occurs", should support those around us by promoting constructive ways to strengthen people’s confidence in defending against disease. Chinese infectious disease experts, as well as many patients who recovered from COVID-19, have repeatedly emphasized that immunity is the best weapon against it. The essence of TCM is a balance of yin and yang, which in modern words, constitutes sound immunity. The encouraging TCM news from China is truly inspiring. When western ways of treatments, such as direct attacks on a virus, no longer succeed, or come with too many side effects, leaving doctors at their wits’ ends, they’ll finally resort to alternative medicine under the pressure from the public.

Not following the trend means we do not have to be parrots, giving up all the ability to think independently. I think, therefore I am; and as long as I can still think, fear cannot completely take hold of me. This is what TCM often teaches us: "Thinking overcomes fear". The more sinister the situation is, the more reposed we must be. In an ‘infodemic’ with all kinds of opinion and half-truth showering down like snowflakes, we maintain our calm analytical mind, refusing to be led by sensational rumors, or forwarding any information from unproven sources. We are responsible for every word we speak, and every action we take. There are people who, overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and dread, at the slightest disturbance, run in panic to pass it onto others. This easily confuses the public, adds pressure, causes unnecessary worries, and makes the weak even weaker and at a loss for what to do next.

When gripped by fear some people hoard items, we remain cool and refuse to follow others blindly. The wisdom of the Tao Te Ching teaches us "Stillness overcomes movements, cold overcomes heat. So he with his limpid calm puts everything right under heaven”. When watching people stack multiple packages of toilet paper in shopping carts, I once heard a westerner say, "This is crazy. Toilet paper is made in Canada; we’ll never be short of it." What I thought at the time was, even if we were short of it, so what? As a practitioner in TCM field, haven't we been trained to be flexible and resourceful? Without the herb jingjie, we may use fangfeng; if the acupressure point CV12 unavailable, we certainly can use ST36 instead. Similarly, in our daily life, when there is a lack, wanting to “turn stone into gold” may be too ambitious, but can’t we at least try to generate alternatives instead of being restricted by circumstance? Haven’t we read fables about rigid people becoming laughing stocks in ancient times?

Being resilient means that we don't stick to forms or go to extremes. In North America we are blessed with a unique natural environment. We live far more apart than most people in other countries, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by trees and parks. Social distancing does not mean that we must trap ourselves at home all day; we can always find opportunities to be close to mountains and forests. You could assume that if all think the same way, there could possibly be crowds everywhere violating the no social gathering recommendation. This worry is unfounded. If you drive to a park and see two people are already there, enjoying their stroll, wouldn’t you know to drive a little further away to find a more peaceful spot where you can be immersed in the depth of nature?

In order to respect social distancing, a friend hadn't stepped out of the house for a few weeks, which amazed me. The government calls for social distancing, it does not mean lock down. Social distancing means stopping social gatherings, and a deliberate increase in the physical space between people, keeping at least two metres away, and staying home to avoid any non-essential travel. But we should not understand that this prevents a stroll in the neighborhood, walking the dog, buying necessities in grocery stores or going to work when it is our obligation.

If social distancing becomes complete self-isolation, a lock down, how long could this sheltered life last? If it takes six months or longer to battle COVID-19, could you endure six months or longer? Even if you can voluntarily lock yourself up all day like a prisoner, in the long run, how much damage would this do to your physical and mental health? Even prisoners get a breath of fresh air.

If you stay home all day, how many beautiful moments will be missed in your surroundings? Do you know the cherry blossoms are already blooming? Did you see the large star twinkling in the night sky last night? Did you see a father jogging with his three-year-old daughter, giggling the whole way? Did you see an elderly lady stooping down in the heavy rain to reach for the trash left on the ground? Did you see a woman standing in front of the shut gate of a nursing home and shouting to a half-open window: "Dad, I love you"? Did you see an old man waiting at the window just to have a glimpse of a familiar figure passing by, and to give her a wave?

You've missed all those heart touching moments? And yet they were all witnessed by me with my own eyes while rambling in the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, I did not offend the rule of social distancing, keeping at least 5 metres apart from all those lovely people who touched my heart and made me weep.

If you believe that what protects you are merely masks, gloves, alcohol, future vaccines, without awareness of the life potential in you, do you still call yourself a practitioner in TCM? Even if we have some symptoms, even if we are unfortunately infected with this disease, while actively seeking treatment, we must tell ourselves: there is a great medicine deep down in myself, and its amazing power can speed up my healing process and even save me. We shall not let ourselves panic or burn out at any time. Similarly, when treating patients, in addition to using needles and herbs, it is more important to arouse the patient's potential vitality and their capacity for self healing, and we, a practitioner, assist them on the path.

Having said so much, I want to emphasize this: no matter what our belief system is, we must believe that if some unseen hand has allowed this to occur, it must also have the ability to bring it to a stop. Winning is just a matter of time. In the worst scenario, COVID-19 lingers turning into something like the stubborn flu virus, defiant to coexist with humans. If that is true, besides continuously improving our qi, strengthening our antibacterial capabilities, and learning to deal with this willful virus, what else can we do? The Yellow Emperor Canon states: "Concerning the qi of the far distant sky, when it is pure and still, your mind and spirit are in harmony, and your yang energy is in security; and even  threatened by evil entities, none can cause you harm…”

As a TCM practitioner, we must learn to adapt to change, protect our qi, and remain our lucidity; no irritability, or anxiety, or panic is needed. Instead, always be ready to reach out to those in need and help them through difficulties.

At any time, we must have this confidence: the revitalization of TCM is inevitable, and we are the overseas torch bearers. As long as we never waver from our duties, one day traditional Chinese medicine will win its due trust and respect all over the world, becoming highly synchronized with modern civilization. If you, as a practitioner in TCM, have no such confidence, how can your patients feel confident about you and your treatments? If your qi is confused, how can you help others protect their qi field? Therefore, whenever and wherever we should hold the belief: Traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure of the world civilization, valuable for its physical, mental and spiritual healing effect, in the past, at present, and in the future.