Chapter 51: Upgrading
“Yichen… this approach you mentioned regarding the treatment of the ‘Jueyin’ illness… let me think about it…”
Doctor Sun rubbed his temples, feeling his mind growing sluggish.
At that moment, Zhou Yichen posed his final question.
“Uncle Sun, if the guiding techniques of qigong were integrated into acupuncture needle manipulation—using qi to control the needle—could that produce twice the result with half the effort?”
Boom!
This question struck Doctor Sun’s mind like a thunderclap!
Using qi to command the needle?!
Such a profound method only existed in ancient texts! He had never dared to imagine it in his lifetime!
Yet, just as he was overwhelmed with astonishment, a long-awaited celestial sound echoed in Zhou Yichen’s mind.
[Medical Skill Level Up! Current Level: LV2 (0/2000)]
In an instant, an indescribable clarity surged forth like a pure spring gushing from the depths of Zhou Yichen’s mind, sweeping through his entire being!
The seemingly unrelated pieces of knowledge he had learned before were suddenly forcibly connected by an invisible hand!
His insights from practicing the Eight Brocade Qigong on qi and blood flow!
His grasp of the nature of ingredients, knife skills, and cooking temperature when preparing meals!
His discernment of the growth environment and medicinal properties of herbs while gathering plants on the mountain!
Even the health tips and first aid knowledge he had read about online in a past life!
All fragments of knowledge were shattered, merged, and recombined at this moment!
No longer isolated, they flowed together into a torrent named “medical skill,” becoming an indispensable part of his theoretical system!
Zhou Yichen’s gaze grew profoundly deep in an instant.
He lifted his head and looked out the window.
The world seemed transformed before his eyes.
He recalled Grandpa Zhang’s angina.
Previously, he had only followed the emergency ear acupressure methods from the Barefoot Doctor’s Manual and planned to consolidate the treatment later with acupuncture.
He understood the procedure but not the underlying reasons.
Now, he understood!
Grandpa Zhang’s root problem was heart vessel blockage, qi stagnation, and blood stasis!
Pressing ear acupoints was merely an emergency measure based on “pain as acupoint,” treating symptoms but not the cause.
The true treatment plan should be a combined approach!
First, puncture the Neiguan, Shenmen, and Tanzhong acupoints with fine needles using tonification to unblock the heart vessels—this is the “needle” method.
Second, decoct a herbal formula with Danshen, Chuanxiong, safflower, and other blood-activating herbs to nourish the heart blood—this is the “medicine” method.
Third, advise quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding greasy foods, and eating blood-activating items like wood ear mushrooms and hawthorn—this is the “diet” method.
Finally, teach him a simplified set of Eight Brocade Qigong movements, such as “drawing the bow to shoot the eagle,” to guide qi and promote his own blood circulation—this is the “nurture” method.
Needle, medicine, diet, nurture!
The four methods combined form a perfect strategy!
This is true syndrome differentiation and treatment!
This is the transformative change brought by second-level medical skill!
Zhou Yichen slowly exhaled, his excitement indescribable.
He looked again at Doctor Sun, who was nearly exhausted, and his eyes shone with sincere gratitude.
This old man had almost wholeheartedly poured a lifetime of knowledge into him.
“Uncle Sun, have some water to soothe your throat.”
Zhou Yichen respectfully handed over a bowl of water, his words laced with just the right amount of concern.
He knew that if they continued, this “sponge” of knowledge would be squeezed dry.
His goal had been achieved; there was no need to drain the old doctor completely. There would be plenty of time ahead.
“Ah… ah!”
Doctor Sun took the bowl, suddenly realizing how parched his mouth and throat were. He gulped down the water greedily.
Wiping his mouth, he glanced outside and was startled by the time.
“Oh dear! What time is it already!”
He slapped his thigh and wobbled off the kang bed to put on his shoes.
“No, no, I’ve got to go back. I’ve stayed here all afternoon, my wife must be nagging me already!”
He complained, but his face was full of lingering satisfaction.
Zhou Yichen smiled and followed him down.
“Yichen!”
After putting on his shoes, Doctor Sun patted Zhou Yichen’s shoulder heartily, his eyes shining.
“Come visit me whenever you have time! I have two bottles of fine sorghum liquor hidden at home. We’ll drink and talk, just the two of us!”
“Sure thing!”
Zhou Yichen responded briskly, his voice clear.
“Uncle Sun, don’t worry. When I have time, I’ll definitely bring some things and come visit you!”
He knew the wine was just an excuse; the real purpose was exchanging medical knowledge.
This veteran Chinese doctor’s treasure trove of knowledge, he would sooner or later extract every last bit of it.
Zhou Yichen insisted on escorting him.
“No need, no need, it’s just a few steps!”
“That won’t do. You’re the guest; I have to see you off.”
Zhou Yichen held Doctor Sun’s arm, resolutely escorting him out of the small courtyard.
The sunset stretched their shadows long on the ground.
Along the way, many villagers finishing work greeted them warmly.
“Doctor Sun’s leaving?”
“Doctor Zhou, you’re escorting Doctor Sun?”
“Take care, Uncle Sun!”
Zhou Yichen saw Doctor Sun off to the large locust tree at the village entrance, watching his figure vanish along the distant ridge before turning back.
He was feeling more and more a sense of belonging to Xiangyang Brigade.
Halfway back, he ran into Gao Jianjun coming toward him.
“Secretary!”
Zhou Yichen greeted him promptly.
Gao Jianjun’s dark face broke into a broad smile upon seeing him.
“Yichen, I was just about to look for you!”
“Secretary, do you need me for something?”
Gao Jianjun strode up and slapped his arm heavily with a large hand like a palm fan, his tone brimming with excitement.
“Here’s the deal. Tomorrow, I’m heading to the commune to secure you an official health worker’s position. Prepare yourself and come with me.”
“Tomorrow?!” Zhou Yichen was taken aback, not expecting Gao Jianjun to be so decisive.
“Of course. I’ve been thinking about this all afternoon. You delivered the big yellow cow for the team today—a great contribution! This must be reported to Secretary Liang and Director Ma at the commune!”
“Yichen, rest assured! We, the Xiangyang Brigade, have secured this official health worker position for you!”
A warmth swelled in Zhou Yichen’s heart.
He knew how vital an “official” title was in this era.
It meant a secure job and state-recognized status!
He hurriedly thanked Gao Jianjun.
“Secretary Gao, this really is too much trouble for you.”
“Trouble?”
“You saved the calf and revived the mother cow. You’re a great hero to Xiangyang Brigade!”
“You, Zhou Yichen, are our team’s precious gem!”
“I’m doing the running around for you because it’s the right thing to do!”