The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

2024 • 12 16 Care beyond medicine “D octor, would it be possible for you to visit my house to treat my husband?” A villager, Noem Nao, asked after receiving her treatment. Her husband, Abu (anonym), has been bedridden for three years, paralysed on the left side following a stroke. Without resources to seek medical care, he lived in despair, believing his life was over. Moved by the family’s plight, TCM practitioner Ong Boon Hock made a house call. Entering their dimly lit home, Physician Ong began not with needles, but with warmth and words of encouragement: “Have faith in yourself and don’t give up. You will get better.” His empathetic tone broke through the wall of hopelessness, bringing tears to Abu’s eyes. As Physician Ong administered acupuncture treatment, Abu repeatedly asked, “Doctor, can I really get better? Is there still hope for me?” Each time, Physician Ong reassured him, saying: “You must have confidence in yourself and never give up.” Following the acupuncture and a massage, sensation began to return to Abu’s limbs. At one point, Physician Ong invited him to shake hands and encouraged him to press harder. When Abu’s hand stretched slightly, Physician Ong exclaimed with a cheer, “That’s wonderful! You are doing great. You can do it.” The small yet significant breakthrough rekindled Abu’s hope. Physician Ong then taught Abu and his wife simple rehabilitation exercises to help reduce stiffness in his limbs. Overcome with emotion, Abu said with a trembling voice, “For three years, I have been paralysed, unable to move my left limbs. I thought my life was over. But today, doctor came to my house and treated The house call reaffirmed TCM practitioner Ong Boon Hock’s belief that a kind word and a simple action can bring light to someone’s life. [Photo by Leong Chian Yee]