TCM doctor finds international success

On the wall of Zhong Danzhu's clinic in Chengdu, Sichuan province, hangs a silk banner presented by Petru Lucinschi, former president of Moldova, inscribed with the words "Eastern Divine Doctor".

The banner is a token of Lucinschi's gratitude for Zhong, who restored his health through traditional Chinese medicine. The gift was given to celebrate the opening of Zhong's Donglutang TCM Clinic in May 2023.

Zhong, 51, has been dedicated to promoting TCM internationally for the past two decades. Over the years, his team has established 11 overseas TCM medical centers, receiving more than 210,000 patient visits annually.

"To meet patient demands from both home and abroad, I have to spend odd-numbered months working at international medical centers and even-numbered months at my domestic clinic," he said, adding that many patients even fly from abroad specifically to seek treatment at his clinic in Chengdu.

Born into a family of TCM practitioners in Longchang county, Sichuan, Zhong began learning traditional Chinese herbal medicine from his grandfather and father in childhood.

At 19, Zhong opened his own clinic and quickly gained recognition for saving a critically ill elderly woman using acupuncture, despite local doctors' pessimism.

In 1999, Zhong moved to Beijing to pursue advanced skills under renowned masters and began treating international patients, including diplomats, and Moldova's then-president, Lucinschi.

Lucinschi, suffering from cerebellar lesions that caused mobility issues, sought Zhong's help after conventional treatments failed.

Following treatment, Lucinschi's hands no longer trembled, and he could raise a cup steadily with one hand without requiring the other for support, Zhong said.