I have visited China no less than 20 times on package tours. Each time, somehow the tour guide will take us for free consultation by white-robed Chinese physicians. Nine out of ten times the physicians will say that we have some kind of illness and recommend medication for total recovery. For that, they will say, the medication has to be taken continuously for six months if not a year. And they will willingly `despatch' the medication when we run out. I would not say that the medication are not efficacious but I would say that they are not that cheap and we should be very sure before we buy them. Even if we are forewarned, we may still end up buying the medication. Let me relate an incident. We were in Zhuhai on free and easy. We booked a `bread' mini-bus for a whole day tour and the driver was good. On his request, we agreed to go with him to a medicine shop but agreed among ourselves to be wary and not to buy any medicine from the shop. But after the visit, we found that one of my friends bought about S$400 worth of Chinese herbs for his ulcers!
At Chengdu and other places, there could be offers of free `foot reflexology'.When we are enjoying the reflexolodgy, the men in white robes, the `doctors' will appear and take our pulse. They will persuade us to buy medication for our newly diagnosed illness! Or if your wife is with you, they will `play' on your feelings.
`Sir' your wife have this and this sickness and this herbs will cure her.
`Madam' your hubby is suffering from....., look at his eyes, his face, his hands, take this medication otherwise he will not be well again......Buyers beware!
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