From 180 BPM to Regained Health: An Economist’s Journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. When Modern Medicine Reached Its Limits

Professor Larry Hsien Ping Lang, the outspoken economist from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, found himself in an unexpected health crisis. “My resting heart rate suddenly jumped to 150 beats per minute,” he recalls. “At its worst, it hit 180. The hospital gave me medication, but I still felt exhausted and couldn’t sleep.”

Like many educated Westerners, Lang was initially skeptical of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). But when standard treatments provided only temporary relief, he decided to explore alternative options—a choice that would change his perspective on healthcare.

2. The Turning Point: A Different Approach to Healing

A. The Gap in Conventional Care

Cardiologists confirmed Lang’s heart was structurally sound. Beta-blockers stabilized his rhythm, but fatigue and swelling persisted. “They told me it was stress,” he says, “but I knew something deeper was wrong.”

B. Discovering TCM Diagnostics

A practitioner’s assessment revealed what lab tests couldn’t: “Your qi (vital energy) is blocked, especially along the liver meridian,” the doctor explained after checking Lang’s pulse and tongue. This ancient diagnostic method—honed over 2,500 years—identified energy imbalances modern equipment doesn’t measure.

C. The Treatment Plan

• Acupuncture: Fine needles stimulated specific points to restore energy flow
• Herbal Therapy: Custom blends of astragalus and hawthorn supported circulation
• Manual Therapy: Gentle joint adjustments relieved tension affecting his nervous system

Within weeks, Lang’s symptoms improved dramatically. “The swelling disappeared, and for the first time in months, I slept through the night,” he reports.

3. Why This Story Resonates Globally

Lang’s experience reflects a growing trend: 1 in 3 Americans now use complementary medicine, with acupuncture among the top choices. Yet misconceptions persist:

What Works Best in TCM

✓ Chronic pain management

✓ Stress-related disorders

✓ Post-illness recovery

Where Western Medicine Excels

✓ Emergency care

✓ Advanced diagnostics

✓ Surgical interventions

“This isn’t about choosing sides,” Lang emphasizes. “It’s about using the right tool for each health challenge.”

4. Practical Guidance for Curious Readers

For those considering TCM:

1. Verify credentials: Look for board-certified acupuncturists (NCCAOM in the U.S.)
2. Communicate openly: Share all treatments with your primary doctor
3. Be patient: Herbal and energy therapies often require consistent application

As research from Johns Hopkins confirms, integrative approaches yield the best outcomes for many chronic conditions. Lang’s journey offers a powerful case study—not in rejecting modern medicine, but in expanding our toolkit for wellness.

(Medical disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Consult licensed healthcare providers for personal advice.)