(Changes around me) Zhang Peixiang, a famous Chinese medicine practitioner, has been practicing medicine for more than sixty years- from a barefoot doctor to a -wonderful hand- for rejuvenation

On a typical morning at the orthopedic outpatient clinic of Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital, the vibrant voice of esteemed TCM physician Zhang Peixiang fills the air. “20 grams of Astragalus, 9 grams of Sichuan Niu Xi, 15 grams of chicken blood vine…” he instructs his assistant, who swiftly prepares the prescription for the next patient in line.

At 81 years old, Zhang Peixiang dedicates five mornings a week to seeing patients, managing to serve over 10,000 individuals annually. Even at his age, he maintains a routine of arriving at the hospital an hour early to accommodate his patients. Rising at 5 AM, he prepares for the day ahead and frequently finds loyal patients waiting at the clinic doors before he even begins his rounds. Despite his carefully planned schedule, he often runs late, delaying lunch until the afternoon.

When a patient misses an appointment, Zhang insists his assistant reaches out to confirm their status. “Patients with bone injuries can struggle with mobility, and I want to ensure their efforts aren’t in vain,” he explains, emphasizing his dedication to patient care.

Every small habit and detail about Zhang’s practice reveals his profound commitment to his patients.

Born in 1942 into a traditional Chinese medicine family in Shantou Mountain Village, Fuyang, Zhang represents the fifth generation of the renowned Zhang family’s orthopedic practitioners. Their distinctive “Zhang family orthopedic method” has earned recognition as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. His grandfather began practicing medicine during the Qing Dynasty, laying the groundwork for Zhang’s future.

Growing up surrounded by medicine, he often assisted his father and uncle during patient consultations. “Every night, my father would prepare herbs for the next day, and I always helped him. Over time, I gained knowledge of various medicinal substances and developed a deep fascination with medicine. I often spent school breaks at the clinic, writing prescriptions and assisting with treatments,” Zhang reflects.

In 1961, despite not having completed high school, Zhang began studying traditional Chinese medicine under his uncle, Zhang Shaofu, a respected TCM physician. He then served as a barefoot doctor in Dongtu Township, Fuyang, before continuing his career at Dongtu Hospital and Chang’an Health Center.

He views these early experiences as crucial foundations for his career. “Patients in the community would come to see me for a variety of issues, not just orthopedic ones. This exposure allowed me to accelerate my growth and expand my clinical experience,” he shares.

In 1979, Zhang succeeded in a provincial examination that enabled him to work in Hangzhou, being selected from over 20,000 candidates for one of only 28 positions at the Zhejiang Provincial Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (now Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital).

By combining traditional family practices with ongoing clinical experience, Zhang pioneered a method of treating orthopedic injuries with cedar bark splints instead of conventional plaster casts. He also formulates herbal powders for topical applications and utilizes specialized moxibustion techniques—along with internal herbal remedies—to enhance blood circulation and relieve pain.

Choosing the right type of splint is critical; it needs to be flexible, tough, elastic, absorbent, and permeable. Cedar bark meets all these requirements and is lightweight and cost-effective, making it an ideal choice.

During the 1980s, patients were accustomed to plaster casts for fractures, often dismissing tree bark as a mere folk remedy. When Zhang first started working in Hangzhou, patients would turn away at the mention of his unconventional approach. “I never pushed to explain or convince them. If it works, they’ll realize it; they just need to give it a try,” he notes.

Within a few years, word of Zhang’s effective treatments spread, leading to a substantial increase in patients, with one day seeing a record high of 114 individuals. In gratitude to his hometown, Zhang has devoted every Saturday since 2003 to providing free treatments for fellow villagers. His charitable acts attracted patients from nearby cities, and he welcomes everyone regardless of their circumstances. This weekly free clinic has persisted for over 20 years.

Now in his seventies, Zhang is honored to serve as a mentor at both the Zhejiang Provincial Master TCM Expert Inheritance Studio and the National TCM Expert Academic Experience Inheritance Studio. Through his guidance, he has trained over ten successors. In recent years, he has been diligently compiling his clinical experiences, resulting in two published volumes: “Experience in Treating Injuries” and “Cedar Bark Splint Treatment for Fractures,” comprising over 200,000 handwritten words and more than 200 illustrations.

“Reflecting on my 60 years in medicine, I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition from so many patients. I believe that the true essence of practicing medicine lies in serving others, not oneself,” Zhang Peixiang concludes.