China - Yao returns for TCM treatment

From www.shanghaidaily.com
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NBA star Yao Ming yesterday returned to Beijing to start a 10-day traditional Chinese medicine therapy it is hoped will hasten his recovery to compete at the Beijing Olympics in August.

The remedy is expected to reduce swelling and bruises on the left foot of the Houston Rockets center who underwent surgery early last month in the United States to treat a stress fracture, Wenhui Daily reported today.

Chinese remedies are widely believed across China to be effective and are usually made from herbal compounds that have been used for centuries.

"Doctors in both Chinese medicine and western medicine have consented to this treatment and his recovery is in line with what we have expected," Lu Hao, Yao's agent told the newspaper.

The Chinese Basketball Association pledged to send the best medical team to monitor Yao's condition so that he can recover as soon as possible, said Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the association.

Yao's injury was a major concern for the Chinese basketball authority and fans as it was feared it may hamper the 2.29-meter-tall athlete, the most prominent player in Chinese squad, from taking part in the Beijing Olympics, due to start on August 8.

Yao is China's best-known athlete and has contracts with several Olympic sponsors including McDonald's and Coca-Cola. He is believed to earn about US$25 million alone in sponsorship deals and is being heavily marketed across China in the run-up to the Games.

The 28-year-old Shanghai native will not engage in any commercial activities during his treatment in Beijing but will go to watch the training of the national basketball team, the report said.

He will fly back to the United States after his treatment, the report added.