Ye Xin (On the Right)

Ye Xin, from the third affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, is a messenger who spreads traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture. At the same time, he is also the first overseas center doctor to obtain official qualification for practicing TCM in his host country.

Born in 1989, Ye Xin completed a seven-year undergraduate and graduate program in Acupuncture and Tuina before entering the third affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Zhongshan Hospital) to engage in clinical treatment, scientific research, and teaching. He has worked in rural areas and participated in scientific research and volunteer projects on adolescent scoliosis, which has gained him multiple national and provincial awards.

In November 2022, Ye Xin went to Belarus as part of the third batch of workers sent to the China-Belarus Traditional Chinese Medicine Center. It was Ye Xin’s first time in Belarus and he received warm and thoughtful care from his local colleagues. In the following days, Ye Xin became friends with many colleagues at the China-Belarus Traditional Chinese Medicine Center.

A Photo of Ye Xin (In the Middle) with Local Medical Staff from the China-Belarus Traditional Chinese Medicine Center

CBTCMC, also known as the China-Belarus TCM Center, is a project undertaken by the third affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University to establish an overseas center for TCM in Regional Hospital of Minsk in Belarus. After more than five years of construction, the center now has nearly 3,000 square meters of medical space within the Regional Hospital of Minsk and provides nearly 20 types of TCM therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina therapy, auricular acupoint stimulation therapy, Qigong exercises, bloodletting therapy, cupping therapy and salt bath. Meanwhile, the center also undertakes training tasks for improving TCM skills throughout Belarus and has become a high-quality platform for TCM diagnosis and treatment services as well as a window showcasing TCM culture in Belarus.

Working in such an environment, Ye Xin is very excited. “This is not only a valuable experience, but also a great opportunity to further promote TCM to the world!”

During his work in Belarus, Ye Xin faced two challenges: language barriers and medical qualifications. In order to better communicate with patients, Ye Xin worked hard to learn Russian and used a translate machine for communication. Additionally, to practice medicine independently, Ye Xin needed to obtain a medical qualification certificate from Belarus.

The content of this exam mainly included written tests, computer-based tests, practical operations, as well as acupuncture treatment studies. “For more than a month, I continued taking patients during the day and preparing for the exam at night, including memorizing acupoint locations in Russian,” said Ye Xin.

After arduous efforts and preparation, Ye Xin successfully passed the TCM Practitioner Licensing Examination and obtained the TCM Practitioner Qualification Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus. Subsequently, he also obtained a work visa for Belarus and was officially employed by a public hospital in Belarus to continue providing TCM diagnosis and treatment services for patients at the China-Belarus Traditional Chinese Medicine Center. This milestone achievement has opened up a new chapter in TCM exchanges between China and Belarus.

Ye Xin Is Performing Electroacupuncture Therapy for a Patient

“Some of the patients I have treated had heard about traditional Chinese medicine before and initially just wanted to give it a try, but they were surprised by the unexpected benefits,” Ye Xin told the editor. Due to the extreme cold weather in Belarus during winter, many local residents suffer from severe joint pain-related diseases. Some can only rely on painkillers for relief. But through his acupuncture treatment, he has provided them with effective treatment.

As an increasing number of local foreign residents witness the distinctive charm of traditional Chinese medicine, Ye Xin has garnered a devoted following, and become a “TCM Master” in the hearts of locals. Patients express their gratitude by gifting him local delicacies. Additionally, Ye Xin has forged a warm friendship with an enthusiastic patient who guided him through Mir Castle. He also received delectable treats from his Chinese friends, which allowed him to savor the flavors of his homeland.

A Snapshot with Patient Andre inside Mir Castle

Beyond his exceptional proficiency in traditional Chinese medicine, Ye Xin’s popularity also stemmed from his humble and affable demeanor, coupled with his dedicated approach to healing.

He successfully alleviated the pain of numerous patients, and imparted exercises for strengthening the lower back muscles post-treatment, which aimed at prevention and improvement.

Ye Xin Instructing Local Residents in the Use of Traditional Chinese Exercises to Ease Chest and Back Discomfort

Moreover, during community outreach and lectures, Ye Xin taught local residents traditional fitness exercises such as the Eight-section Brocade and Five-Animal Exercise (two common forms of Chinese traditional exercise). Through tangible results, he has earned the trust of the community, and established strong bonds with local residents.

Currently residing in Belarus for almost a year, Ye Xin’s wish, as the Spring Festival approaches, remains unchanged: “Building a positive reputation for traditional Chinese medicine requires genuine dedication. I will continue to earnestly care for each patient, and allow everyone to experience the enchantment of Chinese medicine culture and foster a love for it among more foreigners.”