OFFICIAL ? NOT, REALLY !
A testimony
“Officially, I’m only a TCM teacher”
On the way to the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) hospital report in Bavaria, Germany, LHCH met a talented Chinese doctor in Frankfurt. This person wanted to remain anonymous because his situation, despite respecting the law, is unfortunately unofficial. As in many countries in Europe. Why ? Let us tackle here a delicate question which reveals contradictions in the recognition of this Chinese medicine which nevertheless shows its effectiveness for many people here.We called this person Doctor Zhang for discretion.
LHCH: What training did you take in China to officially become a TCM doctor?
Doctor Zhang (DZ): My family is practicing TCM from generation to generation. Personally, I completed a 5-year training course at Hunan University. With a full year of internship at my university hospital, as it always is. Then I worked for several years in hospitals in Guangdong Province.
LHCH: How did you come to be a doctor of TCM in Germany? Is it difficult for a foreign Chinese?
D.Z: I have been here since 1990. In Germany, and in many European countries, the state refuses equivalences between Chinese and local universities. In Switzerland, the Chinese Embassy is contacted to formalize Chinese diplomas. But, in Europe, we are not recognized. We have to take an additional university course to become a Western doctor! Or become a German doctor’s assistant in a hospital. What I have done. If we open a practice, officially, it is only Tui Na Massage Salon with beauty treatments and a little acupuncture. TCM is practiced unofficially, at least in the Länder of Hesse.
LHCH: So people who come to you are not entitled to any reimbursement (refund) from health insurance?
D.Z: No. Again, Germany is not uniform in these rules. But here, no. Also, we are not allowed to cure COVID.
LHCH: Do you find that unfair?D.Z: Of course. Because many German doctors ask for courses to learn TCM. They appreciate it a lot. This phenomenon had started in 1950! But there, only, they are kind and open. I know this because I have taught this kind of TCM course myself. Besides, officially, I’m only a teacher. The last thing is that they can then officially practice this Chinese medicine! You realize ? Some only have a few weeks of training, and now they are officially entitled to practice more freely than genuine Chinese doctors.
LHCH: Do you have more German or Chinese customers?
D.Z: German. This is the paradox. Given my situation and the lack of recognition from the government. But, we must also admit that the Germans try the TCM first, just to try. You have to be good at bringing them back.
LHCH: Many Chinese doctors make more of a living teaching European doctors than practicing their own medicine?
D.Z: Yes … But really, to say that is not well received. So I don’t want to make waves and be recognized.
LHCH: Courage. A big thank-you. One day without doubt, your status will change. The government of your province is probably afraid of what it does not yet know very well
