Shaolin monk doctors assist earthquake victims

The monks brought plasters and liquid medicines researched and developed by the Shaolin Temple, worth about 300,000 yuan ($48,640). They also brought some antibiotics donated by the local branch of the Red Cross Society, Shi said.

On Thursday morning, three monks provided medical services in the downtown area of Lushan county, while others from the medical team went to the townships and villages where medical services were more urgently needed.

Blue carpet in memory of quake victims

Most have bruises or wrenches. Many patients already had chronic diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. The wet weather after the quake made their conditions even worse, Shi said.

Shi Hengming, another monk from the medical team, said that the chronic diseases are not likely to be cured by short-time treatment, but their medical service could ease the patients' symptoms.

Ran Guolin, 48, a resident of Lushan county who sought help from the Shaolin rescue team, said that his right leg has been numb for about six months, and it became worse after the quake.

"I felt as if many needles were stabbing my leg," he said.

Shi Hengming massaged his leg carefully and pasted a plaster onto the leg. He gave the patient another two plasters and told him to replace the plaster every two days.

The monks' medical team received a warm welcome from the volunteers, and the local residents - many people brought them food, water and quilts.

Shaolin Temple sent a medical team following the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008, and it plans to establish an emergency medical squad to cope with natural disasters, said Shi Yanlin, executive director of Shaolin Temple.

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