Merging modern and traditional medicine in Shanghai
Merging modern and traditional medicine in Shanghai
Discussion of traditional Chinese medicine, with a focus on the use of acupuncture as an anesthetic during surgery.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
Transcript
NARRATOR: Shanghai - modern, on the cutting edge, a harbinger of the new China. But the inhabitants of this city have not forsaken their own roots. This traditional pharmacy in Shanghai uses ancient recipes to mix herbal remedies for patients. Although desiccated scorpions and lizards aren't everyone's taste. For example, a traditional malaria medicine has proven itself a highly-potent remedy.
People in Shanghai's Pudong district are taking it one step further. This hospital is innovatively melding modern surgery and traditional Chinese medicine. Doctors here insist they are employing the best of both worlds. One-third of all medications prescribed here are natural remedies. But in this case, medication is not enough. Ms. Su has to undergo open heart surgery. She's 45 years old and her heart valves no longer close as they should. Despite this being a major operation, she'll be anaesthetized using acupuncture only. Her son and her husband accompany her. Fear is compounded by financial worries. The family has no medical coverage. A surgical procedure like this one almost completely devours the family's entire annual income. They decided upon this type of anaesthesia to save money - general anaesthetic would have cost twice as much. Needles are placed in strategic positions in the entire chest area to block the pain sensations. She was given a light sedative prior to the procedure.
The operation is already under way. The patient is awake. She requires no artificial respiration. She's even even able to drink while undergoing open heart surgery. The surgery takes about an hour. The 45-year-old patient is somewhat sleepy but relaxed throughout. The six needles allay any potential pain. That isn't always the case: acupuncture is ineffective for five percent of people. Before surgery they test its effectiveness.
SURGEON: "...one point in the arm, one point in the chest. Only use six needles. You can ask of her...you can ask of her if she feels the pain."
NARRATOR: The surgeon encourages us to ask the patient if she feels any pain. Ms. Su replies by lightly shaking her head. The operation is proceeding well, patient and doctor are happy. Traditional Chinese medicine - an ancient science that will heal people for years to come.
People in Shanghai's Pudong district are taking it one step further. This hospital is innovatively melding modern surgery and traditional Chinese medicine. Doctors here insist they are employing the best of both worlds. One-third of all medications prescribed here are natural remedies. But in this case, medication is not enough. Ms. Su has to undergo open heart surgery. She's 45 years old and her heart valves no longer close as they should. Despite this being a major operation, she'll be anaesthetized using acupuncture only. Her son and her husband accompany her. Fear is compounded by financial worries. The family has no medical coverage. A surgical procedure like this one almost completely devours the family's entire annual income. They decided upon this type of anaesthesia to save money - general anaesthetic would have cost twice as much. Needles are placed in strategic positions in the entire chest area to block the pain sensations. She was given a light sedative prior to the procedure.
The operation is already under way. The patient is awake. She requires no artificial respiration. She's even even able to drink while undergoing open heart surgery. The surgery takes about an hour. The 45-year-old patient is somewhat sleepy but relaxed throughout. The six needles allay any potential pain. That isn't always the case: acupuncture is ineffective for five percent of people. Before surgery they test its effectiveness.
SURGEON: "...one point in the arm, one point in the chest. Only use six needles. You can ask of her...you can ask of her if she feels the pain."
NARRATOR: The surgeon encourages us to ask the patient if she feels any pain. Ms. Su replies by lightly shaking her head. The operation is proceeding well, patient and doctor are happy. Traditional Chinese medicine - an ancient science that will heal people for years to come.