Doris Rathgeber’s TCM Journey in Shanghai

“Dor|string! Can’t you understand when I speak to you in a foreign language?” As any Shanghai parent might scold their mischievous child, Doris Rathgeber often finds herself blurting out German slang when her son acts up. The young lad, however, isn’t fazed, “Hehe, I understand Chinese just fine.” Doris is left speechless, but this cultural clash is just one of many she’s navigated over her nearly three-decade journey in Shanghai.

Doris hails from Potsdam, near Berlin. Her life has been marked by profound loss; her mother passed away when she was 13, and her father died when she was 36. These bereavements left her with an endless well of sadness. But life took a turn for the better when she met her husband, Ekkehard Rathgeber, at 18. They’ve been inseparable ever since. At 28, she followed him to Shanghai, where he joined “Bertelsmann” for work.

Initially, Doris found herself adrift, feeling like an appendage, always trailing behind Ekkehard. After being gently “discouraged” from frequent visits to his office, she decided to find her own path. Her journey began with a secret dream of becoming a doctor. At 6, she would play “doctor” with her siblings, setting up a makeshift hospital to tend to the fallen “soldiers.” So, when a friend helped her enroll in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, she embraced the opportunity with open arms.

TCM: A Journey of Discovery

The world of TCM was vast and mystifying. Doris spent her first two years studying philosophy, yin and yang, and the five elements—concepts entirely alien to Western thought. Her foundation in Chinese, which she had studied for two years at Tongji University, was barely enough to tackle the ancient texts and theories. Her frustration was palpable when she scored just 40% on her herbal medicine exam.

Determined to master TCM, Doris flew back to Germany and dove into the libraries. She compared textbooks and German literature, gradually grasping the essence of TCM: “TCM is rooted in Chinese history and philosophy. It treats the ‘qi’—the vital energy that sustains life. This is what sets TCM apart from Western medicine, which focuses on anatomy and biochemical processes.”

Bridging Cultures

Equipped with this newfound understanding, Doris returned to Shanghai and completed her five-year undergraduate degree. Her enthusiasm for TCM grew, and she began introducing it to the growing number of foreigners in the city. Many were curious about this ancient healing system, and Doris leveraged her linguistic skills and intern doctor status to help them navigate the unfamiliar landscape. She even started treating patients in her home, where the environment was more comfortable and private.

In 2006, Doris’s son was born in Shanghai. Just five days after a C-section, she was already on site, overseeing the renovation of her second TCM clinic. Her approach to postpartum recovery was a blend of traditional Chinese practices and modern sensibilities: “The ‘zuo yuezi’ tradition is beneficial, but it doesn’t mean neglecting hygiene. Rest and proper diet should be complemented with light exercise.”

The Healing Touch

Doris’s clinic is a serene oasis of traditional Chinese elements—bamboo, redwood, and Chinese paintings adorn the walls. Each consultation room is equipped with a large box of tissues, a testament to the emotional support she provides alongside physical healing.

One morning, a high-ranking executive from a European company sat on her examination table, complaining of headaches, chest tightness, and fatigue. Doris asked, “Do you exercise regularly? How much time do you reserve for yourself?” The patient admitted, “Hardly any. I work 12 hours a day.” Doris gently advised him to preserve his energy and increase personal time. As she examined his tongue, she noted signs of lung heat and heart fire. She probed further, “Have you experienced any significant sadness recently?”

The executive broke down, recounting the loss of a close friend and the subsequent breakup with his girlfriend. Tears streamed down his face as he shared his struggles. Doris handed him tissues, “If you continue to dwell in sadness, your emotional state will worsen. Start writing down things you are satisfied with, proud of, and grateful for each night before bed. Also, write down what you hope for the next day. This can help you see the positive side of life.”

By the end of the 90-minute session, the tissues were nearly depleted, but the patient’s eyes were bright with hope. “Meeting you today was a blessing. Thank you for opening me up.”

Strong Woman, Strong Vision

Doris’s journey in Shanghai transformed her from a dependent spouse to a powerful, responsible woman. Her clinic, which started as a small endeavor, evolved into a comprehensive wellness center. She and her friend opened two clinics, offering not just medical treatments but also wellness programs that addressed lifestyle and mental health.

Her husband, Ekkehard, now manages the family’s assets and looks after their children, while Doris continues to lead the clinics. She is a firm believer in the benefits of TCM and is passionate about making it accessible to more people, including Chinese nationals. She recently hired new psychologists and adjusted her strategy to serve a broader clientele, confident that the economic opportunities following German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit in April will be promising.

Cultural Fusion and Philanthropy

Doris cherishes Shanghai’s cosmopolitan nature. “Shanghai is not just a Chinese city; it’s shaped by foreigners who bring diverse cultures and perspectives.” She enjoys celebrating lesser-known festivals like St. Martin’s Day, a medieval German tradition honoring a Roman soldier who helped a beggar. Each year, she orders 500 “St. Martin” figurines from a bakery and distributes them to colleagues, friends, and business partners, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need.

Her clinics have supported numerous children by arranging heart surgeries and funding their education from primary school to university. Doris is also a frequent blood donor, believing that every life is precious and worth saving.

A Unique Perspective

Doris sees herself as a cultural bridge, helping foreigners understand and embrace TCM. “If you don’t learn Chinese, you can’t call yourself a ‘China expert.’ I also oppose translating TCM into Latin or using Western medical terms to explain it. TCM is unique and must be understood in its original context.”

Through her dedication and resilience, Doris has not only found her place in Shanghai but has also become a beacon of hope for many. Her story is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the transformative impact of TCM on both her life and the lives of those she touches.