During one summer vacation in my early teens, I returned to my rural hometown to visit my grandmother. By sheer chance, I stumbled upon an old cabinet tucked away in a corner of the house. To my surprise, it was filled with tattered books, delicate sheets of Xuan paper, and ancient scrolls - all of them related to medicine. My grandmother explained that our ancestors had been generations of physicians but had to abandon their practice and go into hiding due to some conflict with a high-ranking official. They settled in this remote location, concealed their identities, and turned to teaching as a means of livelihood. These books were the legacy they left behind. My grandmother could see my fascination with these texts, so she allowed me to take them home and entrusted me with their careful preservation.
As time went on, I became increasingly convinced that I had inherited the genes of our medical ancestors, and that the essence of traditional Chinese medicine flowed through my veins. I fell in love with these books and with Chinese medicine itself. However, due to a combination of effort and luck, I did not secure a place in a traditional Chinese medicine university.
Upon graduating from college, I embarked on a career while devoting my spare time to studying these medical texts. I also began applying the methods described in the books to help family members and close friends with various perplexing ailments. Gradually, I gained experience and built up my expertise, becoming more and more confident in my abilities.
Over time, my reputation as a healer grew, and I started receiving referrals from friends and family members. My journey into traditional Chinese medicine had transformed from a childhood discovery into a lifelong passion and vocation. While I may not have attended a formal institution for this ancient practice, my dedication and heritage have guided me on a path that I am proud to call my own.