Q: How can Algerian patients seek help from you?

Gao: We work five days a week, from Sunday to Thursday. Algerians enjoy free healthcare services in public hospitals. Patients need to register, make an appointment and then get treated. Though it's free, a patient may wait for months to see a doctor. So when the TCM center reopened in September after being suspended for more than a year because of COVID-19, it was soon fully booked.

Q: Why do patients come to you?

Gao: I mainly treat women and children. Patients range from from 5 to 80 years old. Their diseases include chronic pain, insomnia, facial paralysis and irregular menstruation. Some came to nurse their spleens or stomachs or even hope to cure infertility.

Many patients have not received timely treatment. Some told me they felt pain in every part of the body, and hoped we could solve all the problems.

Q: What do locals think of Chinese doctors and TCM?

Gao: I was shocked about how deeply they understand acupuncture and TCM. It must owe to the years of efforts of Chinese doctors here. Their excellent medical skills and professional ethics have gained a good reputation.

Many patients were surprised about the effectiveness of treatment and praised it as if it were magic. A young woman with pain in the right shoulder and arm, told me that her symptoms disappeared after days of treatment, although it required a bit pricking.