AsiaLIFE

Phnom Penh offers a number of alternative medicine options with an eastern tradition. Treatments using herbs, cups, acupuncture and massage can be an alternative to pharmaceuticals or a visit to a western doctor. Words by Naga and Naomi T. Robinson.

From one of the oldest civilisations come some of the most unusual health remedies. From dried lizards, through hooves of endangered deer, to virile parts of tigers, your local Chinese herbalist has the cure for what ails you – even if you didn’t know you were sick.

The theory behind Chinese medicine is that a body’s chi or life energy must be unblocked and balanced. This energy moves through the body and its state can be determined by assessing the twelve meridian pulses. This is the basis for the science and art of acupuncture as well as the prescription of herbal medicine.Acupuncture is often used to treat illnesses that have come on quickly and are not deep rooted. Moxibustion, or the burning of a small amount of mugwort or wormwood at the point of needle insertion, is used to treat more long-term illnesses. Herbs are used when an illness is deep within the body and of a more serious nature.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

One of the most respected practitioners of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Phnom Penh is Dr. Gu. Trained in Shanghai, he worked at Tong Sing Hospital on Sihanouk Boulevard before opening his own clinic near O’Russei Market. A visit to his practice is filled with mystery, partially due to his limited English – take a Chinese-speaking friend if you can.

Pulling a small fabric cushion from his desk drawer, he tells patients to place the back of their wrists on it. He then closes his eyes and feels the wrist. This is how he diagnoses patient’s problems – through heat and pulse. Treatment might involve massage, acupuncture or even a course of herbal pills.  Nowadays Chinese medicine has evolved from the time when roots and herbs had to be boiled on the stove for hours before the pungent juices were decanted and then drunk.Dr. Gu offers traditional Chinese diagnostic services, acupuncture and massage (US$6 each or US$10 for both), as well as the pills.

Korean Herbal Medicine

If herbal pills are too far from the raw herbal experience you had in mind, Dr. Kim may have what you’re looking for. The Korean-born doctor has studied acupuncture and herbal medicine for more than 30 years, graduating from Sogang University in Seoul. His acupuncture teacher is a healthy 93 years old and still practicing medicine. Since opening his clinic in 2005 on Street 430, he has experienced a steady growth in his client base.

A one-hour treatment, consists of a consultation followed by acupuncture or moxibustion (US$15). After the first session, the needles are cleaned and put into a sealed plastic vial labelled with the client's name for use in subsequent sessions (US$10).Dr. Kim has imported state-of-the-art stainless steel electronic equipment that distils the herbs. He then measures and seals the refined liquid into vacuum packed pouches. Each batch has a shelf life of three months. All the herbs, imported from South Korea and China, are of the highest quality.

Dr. Gu Yong De’s Chinese Medicine Clinic
11 Street 115 (just south of O’Russei Market)
Tel: 012 698 304

Dr. Kim's Oriental Medicine Clinic
52 Street 430 (Cnr. of streets 468 & 430)
Tel: 012 620 210

Tong Sing Hospital
116E, Sihanouk Blvd.
Tel: 023 219 293