“It’s not about the money, its about helping people.”

He started studying medicine at the tender age of 4, and today, at age 40, he has no plans of stopping—now, or ever.

“In China, being a Doctor is a life job, one in which you work your whole life.”

While appearing much younger than his chronological middle age, Ching Sung Chen is ancient in wisdom.

“Go back to nature. Use natural ways— that is the key to health.”

Chen, as he likes to be called, is a traditional Chinese Doctor. His specialty: Oriental healing methods that have been in practice for over 5 thousand years worldwide.  Chen rejuvenates these time-honored treatments in his home office on Emorywood Road in Greensboro.

“I treat the whole body…can take care of many problems.”

Problems that are addressed with treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure massage, Tai Chi therapy, cupping, and herbal remedies by this healer who is nationally certified in acupuncture and oriental medicine.

“I am not a chemical doctor.”

In other words, don’t expect Chen to write a prescription for pharmaceutical drugs. He prefers natural treatments that don’t mask symptoms the way many synthetic drugs do.

“Much of the time, my success rate is greater than that of chemical doctors. Many chemicals cover problems, don’t fix (them)…but with my herbs, when done with treatment, problem is fixed, herbs are a cure.”

It is something Chen has known all his life. His parents grow herbs. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree at his boyhood home in Taiwan, where Chen inherited a passion for medicine from relatives who were doctors. Following in his grandfather’s and uncle’s footsteps, Chen began helping out in family medicine at age twelve.

"It is hard work—being a doctor. My sisters and brother didn’t want to do this. They saw the long hours my uncle and grandfather put into it, and decided it wasn’t for them.  For me, it’s turned out to be harder than I ever imagined, but its fine, it is worth it—because I really like to help people…even the ones who can’t afford treatment.”

A noble career choice for the man who once toyed with the idea of being a singer or movie star. But Chen says he changed his mind when he realized he didn’t want to be famous, and his strong childhood interest in medicine won out over any rock star fantasy.

Today, the dedicated Traditional Chinese Doctor who enjoys fishing and horseback riding is single, and “looking for a girlfriend,” although where he’ll find time for one is anyone’s guess! That’s because Chen is available to see patients 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 10 PM, and has worked through the wee hours of the morning to accommodate busy schedules.

“My family taught me: you are a doctor-—you have a gift, you must help people.”

And if that means working long, odd hours, then so be it. Chen does not approve of the typical American practice of chemical doctors spending a mere 15 minutes or so with their patients. When you come to see Chen, expect to stay a while.

“The first visit includes a complete body check that can take up to 2 hours.”

Follow-up visits tend to be lengthy as well. And while it’s only natural to fear that’s got to be a strain on the wallet, you’ll be shocked, not just surprised, by Chen’s extremely affordable rates.

“Treat first, money comes second. Why should only rich people have the privilege of health care? All need it. If someone can’t afford it, it is discounted or free until they can make some money and pay me later on. Why should I add even more stress to their health problems with money worries? I don’t do that.”

And speaking of health problems, Chen says they differ greatly in China and America due to cultural variations in diet and exercise.

“In China, we walk everywhere, and eat lots of vegetables. So obesity, diabetes and heart problems are not as prevalent as they are here, where Americans drive everywhere, and eat sugary, fatty animal foods.”

Chen says the American preference for unhealthy foods that taste and look good is speeding up the aging process in our bodies. Growth hormones in meat is another culprit in bringing on “old people” diseases in early years.

“I advise my patients on the best food choices for them individually, that will not be bothersome to their systems.”

And should the good Doctor order herbs for your treatment regime, no need to run for cover. Because there’s good news regarding that nasty reputation ancient Chinese herbal remedies have for being icky tasting gagging goo. Chen can formulate the concoctions into a custom made pill just for you.  He believes in easing the healing experience for everyone.

“When I treat a patient, and see their body get well…when I see them healthy and happy...that keeps me going, that makes me happy.

“When you come see me, let me worry about your problems. You are not the professional with them, I am. I will take care of them. I will take care of you.”