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Mongolian medicine recovers

By Cao Li (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-25 09:11

Putting a stain on training

Only about 200 of the more than 2,000 historic Mongolian remedies on record are still in use today. Some have been forgotten, while some cannot be made because of restrictions on the use of animal parts and poisonous ingredients.

Unlike traditional Chinese medicine, ethnic Mongolian medicine is mostly made up of powders and pills, which were easy for nomads to carry.

Surongzhabu, 81, who in 2009 was listed among the 30 most renowned doctors of traditional medicine in China by the Ministry of Health, still treats patients every day at his clinic, where waiting times are up to 30 minutes. Related video:Mongolian medicine recovers

Although doctors traditionally prescribe combinations that are specific to patients and their problems, Surongzhabu said young practitioners often struggle to learn all the treatments. He expressed disappointment that hardly any of his students had been able to learn all his knowledge.

Orphaned at 14, the 81-year-old medic was adopted by a monk at a lama temple who taught him the craft. "For six years I watched him treating patients, memorizing remedies and making medicine every day," said Surongzhabu, who went on to qualify as a doctor at university and now specializes in cardiovascular disease and cancer.

"I have recorded all my recipes in my books but hardly anyone has bothered to study them seriously," he continued. "For esophagus cancer and stomach cancer, I can elongate patients' life and reduce their pain."

At one time, every doctor could perform every therapy, but that is no longer the case. One expert claimed medical college graduates must study for another five years before they can successfully practice Mongolian medicine, something many are unwilling to do. "There are fewer experienced doctors to carry on the system," said Minggenbayaer, 69, a renowned practitioner specializing in acupuncture.

B. Jigmed, former dean of Inner Mongolia Medical College's school of Mongolian medicine, called for a new college to be set up that educates students in the "strict, old-fashioned way".

"Mongolian medicine is not just a collection of ethnic medicines in China," said the 72-year-old. "It is an important part of medicine for the entire world."

However, with a spike in demand, coupled with the regional government's desire to capitalize on the traditional medicine, there has never been a better time to get a job at a traditional Mongolian medicine hospital.

"All my classmates have already found jobs," said Namula, 27, who graduated from Inner Mongolia College and interns at the Inner Mongolia Zhongmeng Hospital in Hohhot. "Even those who graduated a couple of years ago could not get positions as doctors (at mainstream hospitals)."

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