The White Cloud Temple isn't only one of Beijing's most unmissable attractions, but also shelters a hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, quite unlike any other.

"Let the Taoists take care of you", so says the ‘White Cloud Temple' (Baiyun Guan), a hospital of traditional Chinese medicine situated in South West Beijing. 

Founded in 793 during the Tang dynasty, this hospital is the home of the Chinese Association of Taoism, and is the largest of its type, and one of the oldest in China.  The monks are here everyday, instantly recognizable thanks to their long hair rolled into a bun in an effort to appease both their Yin and their Yang.

Created in 2004 by the White Cloud Temple, this hospital of traditional Chinese medicine is open to everyone.  They carry out acupuncture, therapeutic massages, cupping (moxibustion therapy) etc, not forgetting their use of plant-based concoctions and other mysterious medicines.  At the beginning, there were only two monks from a State college in the centre.  Today, there are over ten Taoist monks helping close to one hundred patients a day.

Meet Doctor Luo

After having told Doctor Luo your symptoms, he'll take your pulse (the Chinese place a great deal of importance on this aspect of your wellbeing).  After that, the doctor will check how you're feeling before applying healing needles.

His goal, to unblock the knots preventing the free flow of Qi, or vital energy, around your body, which will allow your body to breathe.  According to Chinese doctors, the most common cause of illness is the poor circulation of Qi.

With a quick but accurate movement, Dr.Luo inserts a fine, sterilized needle an inch into the skin.  Surprisingly, its almost painless.  And after a moment of adjustments, the acupuncture needle finds the point of the blockage.  When the blockage is found, it's impossible not to notice - an electric charge followed by a sensation of warmth signals the return of your Qi.

After about twenty minutes, during which your body will gradually loosen up, you can go and collect your natural prescriptions from the hospital pharmacy.  If you wait around a bit longer, the doctor might play his flute to relax you and to quicken the effect of the treatment.  With his needles, he can also help with minor aliments such as colds, as well as more serious problems like paralysis.