Chemotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine – A Good Combination Against Cancer?

Did chemotherapy combined with TCM help with Dr. Steinlehner's serious cancer? The patient, his wife, and the clinic staff wait patiently for the results – and indeed, there is reason to celebrate. Mrs. Dyke also returns to the clinic. After a fall, her entire arm is swollen and painful. This time, she is being "cupped," as this technique is particularly effective in relieving muscle tension.

And finally, the two new doctors from China have arrived. Dr. Che and Dr. Che – neither related by marriage nor by marriage. They are given a warm welcome and a lavish banquet, during which Prof. Mao proves himself to be a true karaoke expert.
Before Prof. Mao flies back to his family in Nanjing, he introduces the two colleagues to their new field of work. And then Mr. Dodel, a butcher and innkeeper – and once a patient of Prof. Mao himself – throws a truly Bavarian farewell party for him, with brass band music, beer, and pork knuckle for everyone. At the Ottobeuren District Hospital, however, the German-Chinese collaboration continues intensively and successfully.

//////////

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a Far Eastern healing art whose roots go back around 10,000 years. It has been recorded in writing for about 2,000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the principle of yin and yang, the oldest idea in Chinese philosophy. Yin and yang represent opposing principles or forces that complement each other. When yin and yang are balanced in the body, qi, the life energy, can flow. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, people become ill when qi cannot flow. Along with acupuncture, herbal medicine is the most important treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Original title: Yin and Yang in the Allgäu | Episode 5 - The Moment of Truth

A documentary series by Adolf Grimme Award winner Andreas Pichler
© filmtank Hamburg in collaboration with ARTE.