眾志成城：抗疫期間海外中醫能夠做的

文/空因

2019年底，新冠肺炎病毒就以洶洶之勢肆虐中國大陸，然而，中國的疫情還未完全掃清，現在它的風暴又勢卷全球，令得世界各地皆人心惶惶。作為一個海外中醫，我們現在能夠做什麼呢？

在知道能夠做什麼之前，我們首先得明白我們不能做什麼。每個國家都有每個國家的法律制度、道德守則和實踐標準，作為當地的一個臨床中醫，熟悉它們應該是非常必要的。因此，作為一個在加拿大中醫領域工作的人，我們也至少應該知道這三點：1）政府沒有批准中醫中藥針灸介入抗疫行動。2）中醫管理局強烈建議中醫從業人員現在停止診所工作。3）嚴格禁止任何非公共衛生以及傳染病專家嘗試治療新冠肺炎病患。

醫師不能夠看病，無異於被繳械的士兵，但繳械不等於投降，作為一名治療者，即使沒有良好的從業環境，依然不能放棄患者，因為——醫者父母心。那麼，在這個看似十分嚴酷的大環境下，我們作為海外中醫從業人員，到底能夠做些什麼呢？我們真的就只有進退維谷、束手就困嗎？

我覺得答案是：不！我們依然有許多工作可以做。

首先，我們可以“不驚不懼”。雖然目前我們無法通過醫學手段幫助眾人，但如果我們以沉着冷靜的態度生活，就能給身邊的海外華人樹立一個良好的榜樣，讓大家在風浪中看到我們這葉平穩的小舟，看到希望，看到安心。

”即使明天是世界末日，今夜，清風明月下，仍要在園中種滿蓮花！”

在這樣風刀霜劍岌岌可危的大環境中，我們依然可以從容不迫、泰然自若。天塌下來我也不怕。

當然，面對普通人的焦慮、恐慌和心浮氣躁，我們應當抱有理解和體諒，因為他們畢竟沒有如我們一樣，接受過中醫學知識的薰陶，不知道如何利用它來沉心靜氣，自我修養。

比如，不是所有人都有機會讀過《黃帝內經》，受過“恬淡虛無”、“正氣內存”、“心安而不懼”、“恐則氣下”這樣的正規教育。又如，有人沒有聽過老子的諄諄教誨：“天下之至柔，馳騁天下之至堅”。再如，也有人沒有聆聽過莊子的耳語：“聚則為生，散則為死，若死生為徒，吾又何患！”

可對於我們這種在中醫領域供職的人，早就接觸過這方面的智慧，深受過這方面的薰陶。當周圍的人表現得焦躁不安、魂飛膽破時我們可以始終抱元守一、心神俱定；當別人在人云亦云隨風而靡之時，我們堅持獨立思考絕不跟風；當別人在怨聲載道甚至怒髮衝冠時，我們溫柔敦厚、循循善誘，我們是不是在給他們樹立一個好的典範呢？

其次，我們應該堅決響應政府的號召，並積極勸告身邊的人遵守規定。

目前，政府對民眾最大的要求就是保持社交距離，減少外出次數。我們可以用自己的行動告訴周圍的人，保持社交距離並不代表百無聊賴、無所事事。獨處也有獨處的樂處。我們可以用突然多出來的閒暇做許許多多有意思的事情，比如：看書、寫作、進修線上繼續教育課程，參加線上學術會議、研讀醫案、靜坐、站樁、做義工、通過電話email給朋友們做健康顧問、安撫人心等等。

最後，也是我們最應該做的，採取各種合法而且有效的辦法幫助患者。

例如，我們現在不能直接進行醫療服務，但可以用力所能及的方式向我們的患者表現我們的愛心和關心。

我們可以給他們打打電話，問問他們最近怎麼樣，向他們解釋一下保持社交距離的重要性，或者跟他們分享一下養生之道。如果有患者出現了除新冠肺炎外的其他病症，我們可以通過電話給他們提供一些可以自我治療的中醫方法：穴位按摩、拍打、食療……這些都是我們中醫知識中的瑰寶，我們的一句話，也許就能緩解患者的錐心之苦。

總而言之，作為一名海外中醫，即使是在這個特殊時期，我們也應該不怨、不棄，一邊加強自身修養，一邊積極以各種方式去幫助需要幫助的人。

說到這裡，我就不得不提到，做一個中醫必須得保有的充分的耐心。

雖然目前還沒被當地的主流醫學所接納所擁抱，我們在理解政府、尊重政府規定的同時，照樣可以不卑不亢，微諫不倦，相信天生我材必有用，大丈夫永遠能屈能伸。比如，我們一方面可以積極參加呼籲政府准許中醫加入抗擊疫情醫療活動的請願行動，另一方面，我們得充分理解這一點：我們現在並不是在中國，要讓所有的世界人民都認同中醫治療也許還需要相當長的一段時間。與其把自己看成被拒絕被冷落的人，還不如堅信這一點：越是美麗的，越值得等待，越得講究天時地利人和。

耐心可以表現在我們對中醫的未來持有堅定的信心上。中國大陸的這次抗疫，中醫功不可沒，向世人展示了它令人矚目的光輝。除了中藥，中國抗疫專家也特別肯定了太極拳，八段錦等傳統武術方式對加強患者體質、加快康復的作用。

如果大陸的病患們可以在抗疫病房和方艙里練八段錦來加強體能、增強抗疫力，為什麼我們這些崇尚“上工治未病”的中醫們不可以支持周圍的人去做一些積極的事情來加強防禦疾病的信心呢？中國的傳染科專家和許多從新冠肺炎恢復的病人們不都反覆強調免疫力才是應對新冠肺炎的最佳防預武器嗎？中醫的治病本質不就是平衡陰陽？用現代的話來說，豈不就是教人提高免疫力？這些令人鼓舞的消息應該讓我們眉飛色舞才是啊。你想想，當西醫的殺毒療法已經無法對付病魔，當群醫無策、山窮水盡之際，難道他們不會在公眾的壓力之下最終求助於其它自然療法嗎？

耐心也可表現在不跟風、擁有獨立思考的能力上。不人云亦云，我思故我在，只要還能思考，恐懼就不能完全控制一個人。這也就是我們中醫常常說的“思勝恐”。境況越是險惡，我們越要保持鎮定。當各種未經證實的小道消息像雪片一樣紛紛飛來時，我們保持冷靜的分析能力，不去追隨那些聳人聽聞的傳言；堅決不傳播、不轉發任何不可靠的信息，對自己講的每一句話負責，每一個行為擔當。有些人內心充滿了憂慮、恐懼、不安，稍稍聽到什麼風吹草動就大驚失色、奔走相告，這樣很容易迷惑大眾，增加人們的壓力，引起不必要的焦慮，讓本來就如驚恐之鳥的人變得更加無所適從。

當有人因為恐慌而大肆囤積物品時，我們可以處變不驚，沉着應對，不盲目跟從大眾。《道德經》不也教導我們要“靜勝躁，寒勝熱，清靜為天下正”嗎？當有人將大包大包的廁所手紙放進購物車時，我曾聽到一個西人說：“這簡直發瘋了。廁所紙本來就是加拿大國產的，我們什麼時候也不會短缺它啊。” 我當時想的就是，就算缺了它又怎樣呢？作為一個中醫，難道我們受過的訓練不曾要求我們要善於變通（resourceful）嗎？沒有了荊芥，難道就不會用防風代替？中脘不讓扎，難道不可以扎足三里？同理如此，當日常生活中缺少了什麼，說化腐朽為神奇也許有些誇張，但難道我們就不會用自己的機智去試圖找出應對的方法，而非得被某個物質所限制，所束縛？否則的話，這跟古人所嘲笑的刻舟求劍，膠柱鼓瑟又有什麼區別？

善於變通代表我們行事不死守形式，不過於偏激。我們身在北美，有着得天獨厚的自然環境。我們的居住比起其它國家的人分散不少，因為我們幸運地被樹木和公園所環抱。所以，即算我們保持社交隔離，並不等於我們非得把自己整日困在家中，我們總可以找機會去親近山野林間啊。你說，如果人人都這麼想怎麼辦，那不又成了人群聚集了嗎？這個擔心是多餘的。你想想，如果你開車來到一個公園，看到那裡已經有兩個人在愜意徜徉了，難道你不可以再稍微開遠一點，找個沒人的地方與大自然渾然一體？人是活的呀。

有個朋友告訴我為了響應政府的號召他已經閉門不出好幾個星期了。這讓我吃了一驚。政府說保持社交距離，並不說我們非得自我隔離。保持社交距離是說我們要避免人群聚集，不需要出門時就不出門，如果外出時保持與他人大約2米的距離，除此之外，我們還是可以到外面散步、遛狗，或到超市買菜，非得去上班的依然可以去上班的呀。

如果把保持社交距離完全看成了自我隔離，那麼這種極端的自閉方式到底可以保持多久呢？如果抗疫需要六個月甚至更久的時間，難道你就六個月甚至更久足不出戶？就算你能夠堅持下去，自願把自己當成一個囚犯一樣整日鎖在家裡，從長遠來講，這對你的身心健康又有多大的損害？連犯人都需要放風呢。

另外，如果你一天到晚宅在家裡，你又錯過了多少美麗的風景？你知道櫻花已經開了嗎？你看到昨晚夜空中那顆碩大的星星嗎？你看到小道上父親帶着才三歲左右的女兒在跑步，他們一邊跑一邊咯咯笑着嗎？你看到大雨中一個年老的婦女困難地彎下腰將地上的垃圾一點點撿起來丟進她的袋子嗎？你看到老人院緊閉的門前一個婦女顫抖着聲音對着一扇半開的窗戶大喊：“爸爸，我愛你”嗎？你看到一個老人久久站在窗前就為了等到一個熟悉的身影路過，為了朝她揮揮手嗎？

這麼多觸人心弦的場面都被你錯過了，對不對？這都是我在小區散步時親眼所看到的情景哦。而我並沒有犯規呀，我跟我碰到的這些可愛的讓我感動得流淚的人至少保持了五米的距離。

試問，如果你相信保護你的僅僅是口罩、手套、酒精、未來的疫苗，而對自己的生命潛能毫無認識，你還算一個合格的中醫嗎？就算我們有了症狀，就算我們不幸感染了這個惡疾，在積極治療的同時，我們也要告訴自己：我的生命深處本身就有一種大藥，它神奇的力量可以幫助我自愈、自救。任何時候我都不會讓自己驚慌失措、焦頭爛額。同樣，當我們治療病人時，除了用針和藥，更重要的是激發病人內在的生命力和自我療愈的力量，讓他們知道真正的治療者其實是他們自己，作為一個中醫師，我們不過是輔佐他的人。

說了這麼多，我要強調的一點就是，無論我們的信仰是什麼，我們要相信：上天既然允許這個瘟疫發生，也必定有能力讓它結束。結束，只是遲早的事。話說回來，如果這個新冠病毒最終轉成了像流感病毒那樣，鐵定了要與人類長期共存，那麼，除了不斷提高我們的正氣，加強我們的抗菌能力，學會跟這個頑固的病毒周旋之外，我們還有別的選擇嗎？《黃帝內經》說：“蒼天之氣,清靜則志意治,順上則陽氣固,雖有賊邪,弗能害也……”作為一個在中醫領域的工作者，我們更要懂得在困境中以不變應萬變，時時保護自己的正氣，處處方寸不亂、神形歸一，不煩躁，不焦慮，不恐慌，隨時準備伸出自己的雙手去幫助周圍的人渡過難關。

無論什麼時候，我們都要有這個堅定的信心：中醫的復興是必然的，我們就是促進它在海外振興的繼承人。只要我們用心去做我們該做的事，總有一天中醫會在世界各地得到應有的信任和尊重，中醫必定將與現代文明高度同步。如果作為一個中醫師，你對這都沒有信心，又怎能讓你的患者對中醫有信心對你的治療有信心？如果你連自己的心神都散亂不已，又如何去幫助別人固護他的精氣神？所以，無論何時何地，我們都應該堅信這一點：中醫是世界文明的瑰寶，它對人類的身心健康起着不可估量的積極的作用，從前、現在、將來，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.