The Story of Physician Zhao Shiqi’s Fire Fomentation Experience during Training in Chong Qing, China

At Yong Kang TCM, there is a physician whose story stands out — Physician Zhao Shiqi, a Singapore-registered TCM practitioner. She is not only a healer in the clinic but also someone who once stepped into the shoes of a patient, personally experiencing the therapy she studied and now offers — Fire Fomentation Therapy.

Six months ago, Physician Zhao suffered a lower back and hip injury from carrying heavy objects, which left her with lingering soreness and discomfort. She also struggled with severe menstrual cramps that disrupted her daily life. In search of relief, she decided to undergo Fire Fomentation Therapy herself.

This therapy has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. To master it, Physician Zhao travelled to China for professional training, learning both the practical techniques and theoretical foundations before bringing it back to Singapore.

The treatment involves medicated wine application, gua sha, cupping, and micro-bleeding, followed by igniting medicated wine for fire fomentation. The heat penetrates in layers — first warming the skin, then reaching the muscles, and finally sinking into the bones — before ending with a herbal plaster that provides sustained warmth for hours.

According to Physician Zhao, she clearly felt:

• A gentle warmth on her skin, relaxing and comfortable

• Heat penetrating into the muscles, slightly sharp but tolerable

• Deep warmth reaching the bones, even warming the lower abdomen, with the hips and back loosening noticeably

  
  

As a patient, she experienced relief from sitting discomfort and menstrual pain. As a physician, she recognized Fire Fomentation Therapy as more than just “heat treatment” — it is a combination of herbal power, therapeutic fire, and meridian theory, working together to improve circulation, warm the channels, and ease chronic conditions.

Clinically, Fire Fomentation Therapy is used for neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain; gynecological cold syndromes; post-herpetic neuralgia; arthritis; sprains; soft tissue injuries; chronic fatigue; and cold intolerance.

Physician Zhao’s story reminds us that doctors, too, are human — they seek health and comfort just like everyone else. And it is with this understanding that she hopes to share the warmth and benefits of Fire Fomentation Therapy with more people.

At Yong Kang TCM, we uphold a philosophy of professionalism, care, and continuous learning, striving to advance Traditional Chinese Medicine by combining classical wisdom with modern practice. Our physicians actively participate in professional training both locally and abroad. For instance, Physician Zhao Shiqi travelled to China for systematic training in Fire