The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor, the oldest existing classic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wrote 2,000 years ago that the Chinese healers had mastered a magical bone-setting therapy through which the doctors could cure fractures with their bare hands.

This is Chinese Zhenggushu, or the healing art of bone-setting.

Before the introduction of Western medicine to China, folk bone-setters, both trained and untrained, have demonstrated that even in ancient times, people accomplished a scientific therapy that are applicable, relevant and innovative even in modern times.

The Miracle

Every day, Luoyang Orthopedics Hospital, the largest of its kind in China, receives patients from across China and the world. Most of them turn to the ancient TCM therapy for the management and treatment of fractures, which proves to be a cost-effective alternative for the costly, state-of-the-art techniques of surgical reduction, heavy casts and long periods of immobilization.

According to officially-set medical charges, with traditional bone-setting therapy the limb fractures may take six to 12 weeks to recover at the cost of no more than 800 Yuan (about $100). Western orthopedics surgery may cost 10,000 to 40,000 Yuan ($ 1,208-4,833), and the recovery period may last for several months.

This is what the ancient therapy has to offer: less pain, lower cost, and more effectiveness.

Ms. Zhang, a middle-aged Luoyang native, fell from her apartment and had her arm broken on Sept. 11, 2006. The following is a transcript excerpt of a documentary by state-owned China Central Television, which recorded the whole procedure Ms. Zhang received in Luoyang Orthopedics Hospital.

"When the doctor slightly shakes the patient's arm, her shoulder bone is visibly dislocated and sounds of bone rubbing can be heard. This is the typical symptom of bone fracture. Doctor Zhang decides to operate bone-setting after the patient is applied anesthesia. In the mean time, two doctors were sitting in the X-ray room to observe the process.

Doctor Zhang, with the help of two assistants, gently manipulates the angle of the fractured bone with his hands and then suddenly pushes the bone. In the X-ray room, it is clearly seen that the fragment has been relocated to its normal place, and this was done in a flash of push.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.