TCM Wellness

On July 4th, the first batch of entries for the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Science Popularization Standard Knowledge Base, organized by the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was released at the Xinhua Media Creative Workshop in Beijing. Guo Rongjuan, Deputy Party Secretary of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, interpreted the entry on "Insomnia" during the event. Deputy Party Secretary Guo Rongjuan of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine What constitutes good sleep? According to Guo Rongjuan, good sleep involves falling asleep quickly, deep and restful sleep with deep and long breathing, no nighttime awakenings, quick awakening in the morning, and abundant energy. How long should one sleep? The amount of sleep that ensures a person wakes up feeling refreshed and energetic is the most suitable for them. It is recommended that normal adults sleep for 6-8 hours per night, while children and adolescents should sleep for no less than 9 hours. Guo Rongjuan noted that good sleep should restore a healthy sleep structure for patients, which is an advantage of TCM treatment. For example, while sleeping pills may enable someone to sleep for 6-7 hours, this kind of sleep disrupts the natural sleep structure, leaving one…...

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Zongzi is a signature food of the Dragon Boat Festival and is much loved by people. Xu Shen's Sayings on the Interpretation of Chinese Characters from the Han Dynasty states: “Zong (zongzi) is glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves.” This indicates that at the time, reed leaves were primarily used for wrapping zongzi. In fact, with different customs and local products across regions, different leaves may have been used to wrap zongzi in various places south and north of the Yangtze River, such as the leaves of the Nandina, banana, lou, and lotus plants, which can be aptly described as “sticky rice remains, while the zongye varies.” What many do not know is that the zongye discarded after eating zongzi also has medicinal and health benefits. Reed Leaves Reed leaves are one of the oldest types of zongye, mainly distributed in areas such as North China, Northeast China, and the Two Lakes Region. Reed leaves are commonly used to wrap zongzi in northern regions and along the Yangtze River. After being boiled in water, reed-leaf-wrapped zongzi emit a unique fragrance, which can refresh one’s mood during the sultry weather of the Dragon Boat Festival. The "reed" mentioned in "The reeds…...

Drinking some fragrant teas in spring not only dispels the cold accumulated in the body during winter but also promotes the rise of yang energy. Teas with different formulas have various benefits, helping to relieve common spring discomforts such as heatiness, spring lethargy, and dry skin. Below are some recommended teas suitable for spring.Mint Honey Energizing TeaIngredients: 5-10g mint, honey to taste.Preparation: Wash the mint with cold water and place it in a teacup. Add an appropriate amount of hot water and steep for about 15 minutes. Once the tea cools down, add honey to taste and stir before drinking.Benefits: Mint has a unique fragrance that freshens the breath and helps alleviate headaches, red eyes, sore throat, and swollen gums caused by heatiness in spring. It can also help revitalize the mind. Honey can tonify the spleen and stomach and moisturize the intestines to relieve constipation.Ginseng Chrysanthemum Vitality TeaIngredients: 10g ginseng, 5 chrysanthemum flowers.Preparation: Clean the ginseng and cut it into small pieces (or use ginseng slices). Place the chrysanthemum and ginseng in a cup, pour hot water over them, and let them steep for 15 minutes before drinking.Benefits: Ginseng is known for replenishing vital energy, restoring pulse and preventing…...

Having practiced medicine and taught for over six decades, Dr. Wangdui, as a Tibetan doctor, diligently works in clinical settings for more than 10 hours daily. As an educator, he rises early and stays late, being involved in almost every aspect of his students' lives. As a researcher, he never lets go of a book, delving deeply into ancient Tibetan medical texts.In such a busy work environment, Wangdui, who holds three roles, still maintains high spirits. To him, when busyness becomes a habit, it turns into enjoyment. His dedication to researching Tibetan medicine supports his life dedicated to its preservation.Living Regularly and Immersed in WorkIn Wangdui's long career, "sitting still" is not the norm. Upon arriving at work, he always wishes to be involved in every step, often filling his schedule so tightly that he only sleeps for 3-4 hours a day. To most people, his daily routine of seeing patients, teaching, reading, and researching seems immense and fast-paced, but this does not leave Wangdui feeling drained; instead, his body has adapted to this constant state of busyness.The Huangdi Neijing states: "Ancient people who understood the Dao followed the principles of yin and yang, harmonized with the methods of health…...

The check-in area showcases various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and classic prescriptions, while the interactive experience area demonstrates traditional TCM techniques. Recently, the White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy on Fuchengmen Nei Street has been refreshed, breaking away from the conventional pharmacy format to become a "fun pharmacy" where customers can experience TCM culture up close. Additionally, by hosting diverse TCM educational activities in the pharmacy at irregular intervals, it has adopted a pharmacy + "museum-like" model. "This is an innovative new attempt," said a spokesperson for Beijing White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy. Creating a "Museum-like" Traditional Chinese Medicine Space The White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy, established in 1872, has a 152-year history, originally known as Qi Hui Tang and Da He Tang. The pharmacy has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1953, Qi Hui Tang and Da He Tang pharmacies were nationalized and became the Second Branch of the Beijing Corporation of China Pharmaceutical Company. At the end of the 1970s, the "State-Owned Second Branch" and the Xicheng District Herbal Medicine Company built a five-story building on the original site, which reopened in 1980 as the White Pagoda Temple Pharmacy. In 2013, to align with the renovation of the Fuju Scenic Cultural…...

In spite of the snowy days we've experienced recently, it really is spring and allergies really have started to affect us. For some it's the nasal congestion and runny nose, for others it's the itchy eyes and headaches, but for all that suffer from seasonal allergies, it's unpleasant.As with all clinical presentations in Chinese medicine, we look for the root cause and atthe branch symptoms. What do we mean by the root cause of allergies?  It's the pollen isn't it? Well, sort of. Sure, the pollen is the trigger and part of the root cause, but the other part is how your immune system is responding to the pollen. When your immune system senses the pollen, it floods your system with antibodies to attack the allergen. These antibodies trigger a cascade of events that cause the symptoms you experience with seasonal allergies such as runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, chest tightness which are the branch symptoms. Sure, you can take over the counter medications to help alleviate symptoms, but what can you do to address the root...the immune response. In chinese medicine we use acupuncture and herbal medicine to regulate the immune system response.But how? Well, when acupuncture needles are…...

Paul Ryan, a US doctor studying traditional Chinese medicine in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, treats a girl with sanfutie plaster, in July, 2012. [Photo provided to China Daily]Traditional Chinese medicine has won more recognition in Western countries in recent years, but the 5,000-year-old medical science still needs a modern interpretation to break into the mainstream Western market.According to the Beijing-based World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, more TCM clinics have opened in the West and more colleges are starting to offer TCM education, but TCM has not attained legal status in many countries.In some countries, TCM is considered a food supplement rather than having medicinal effects, it added.A major reason that TCM is not widely acknowledged in these countries is a lack of research on TCM such as its pharmaceutical details and its interaction with other medicines, according to the federation.The number of registered TCM practitioners worldwide is estimated at about 500,000.A cooperative project between the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia is trying to combine TCM with modern interpretations of ancient documents and high-level clinical research.US students in a university in Shandong province learn about Chinese traditional medicine on June 27 in…...

China now has entered Zhongfu, the second phase of Sanfu. In the Chinese lunar calendar, Sanfu refers to the three 10-day periods that are predicted to be the hottest days of the year, which are called Toufu, Zhongfu and Mofu.Sanfu usually comes between mid-July to mid-August. Let's take a look at the traditional Chinese ways of spending the dog days of summer.Receiving the SanfutieSanfutie, or Sanfu medicinal patch, is a bandage made of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believe that receiving Sanfutie during the hottest summer days is effective for coughs, asthma and arthritis; it is a patchwork solution for winter ills in summer.The treatment is based on the TCM principle of yin and yang, which believes the balance of both elements in the body is vital for good health. Sanfutie contains a paste of herbs that are "hot" in nature, and when applied to specific acupuncture points, usually on the back and neck, they replenish the yang elements.These patches have been used in TCM since earliest recorded times, according to Huangdi Neijing (The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor), more than 2,000 years ago, the time-tested textbook for TCM practitioners. Sanfu patch treatment became extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and has enjoyed a revival in recent years as more patients turn to TCM treatment.Eating dumplings during ToufuWhen the…...

This winter, the biggest hit is undoubtedly the new internet sensation “Erbin” [Note: Erbin is a playful nickname for Harbin]. Not only have the southerners been awed by the snow-covered landscapes, but they've also flocked to the large bathhouses to bare it all, bringing Northeast China's bathing culture and Korean sauna into the public eye. So what are the rules of a Korean sauna, and is it suitable for everyone? Let’s find out.What is a Korean Sauna?As a branch of thermal therapy, the Korean sauna has a long history. It falls under the category of “sweat therapy” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Compendium of Materia Medica mentions that “fumigation, washing, cauterization, acupuncture, moxibustion, qigong, massage, and other methods that expel exterior pathogens are all categorized as sweat therapy.” The Essentials of Treating Febrile Diseases also provides a detailed description of how to use a Korean sauna to treat illness: “This method is used when a patient does not sweat after taking medicine. In cold weather, when sweating is difficult, this method should be employed. First, burn wood on the ground until it is very hot, then sweep away the ashes and pour boiling water over the spot. Cover the…...

Parents and other caregivers can guide children to develop lifestyle habits that will support their good health for years to come. We know that as a parent or caregiver you may not have all the answers. Like many Americans, you may even struggle to develop and stick with healthy habits of your own. One way to win this double struggle is to practice healthy lifestyle habits—together!Consuming healthful foods and beverages, doing regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and other factors may help children togrowlearnbuild strong bones and musclesmaintain a healthy weightreduce future chances of developing diabetes and heart diseasefeel good about themselvesAs a parent or caregiver, you play a big part in shaping children's eating and drinking habits. When you make it a habit to consume foods and beverages that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and salt and are high in fiber, the children you care for may learn to like these foods as well. If a child you are caring for does not like a new food right away, don't be upset. Children often need to see a new food many times before they will try it.Be a role model. As a parent or caregiver, you also have an effect on children's physical activity. You…...

A new term has been widely spreading on social media recently—the "crispy youngster." This term refers to young people aged between 18 and 25 who, despite being in the prime of their lives and full of vitality, are prone to injuries. Examples include herniated discs from sneezing or nasal artery ruptures from holding back laughter, making their 20-year-old bodies seem like those of 60-year-olds.The "crispiness" issues faced by young people can be seen as a "modern disease." The fast-paced modern lifestyle, immense work pressure, and lack of health awareness all contribute to this situation. Prolonged sitting in offices leading to stiff shoulders and necks, irregular eating and sleeping patterns, and anxious minds significantly impact young people's physical and mental well-being.Aware of their "crispiness," these young people are seeking ways to become stronger. As a result, health preservation is no longer exclusive to middle-aged and older adults; "New Chinese Health Preservation" is gradually becoming a trend among the younger generation.Recently, strong cold air swept through the south, causing a sharp drop in temperatures, signaling the arrival of winter. The freezing winter months are considered the "golden season" for health preservation. Let's follow Jing Bao to learn some health preservation secrets:Three Principles…...

As an essential part of advancing the modernization of China's governance system and capabilities, deepening reforms in TCM is crucial for promoting high-quality development and the construction of a modern socialist country with Chinese characteristics. The "Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reforms and Promoting Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" proposes "improving the mechanism for the inheritance, innovation, and development of TCM," setting up a roadmap and bridge for comprehensive reforms in TCM, sounding the charge, and assigning tasks.The word "improve" in the Decision contains two layers of meaning: affirmation of past work and planning for future work, reflecting the CPC Central Committee's great importance and profound understanding of TCM's development.Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, has attached greater importance to the status and role of TCM in China's health system and prioritized leading and promoting reforms in TCM. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee deployed the "improvement of policies and mechanisms for the development of TCM," ushering in a new era of reform and development. Meetings of the Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform twice deliberated on TCM work, pushing…...

Persistently catching a flu or feeling under the weather? It may be a sign of your body being out of balance. Here are 10 tips from TCM experts that’ll help to solve your ailments.1. Repay sleep debtsIf you’re always feeling lethargic and cranky, chances are that you lack sleep and are running on overdrive. Not only should you snooze for at least 7 hours, TCM experts advise that you should go to bed at 10.30pm.This is because the period from 11pm to 1am. is when your body (especially your liver) recalibrates and repairs itself, and it can only happen when you’re in deep sleep.2. Ditch the iceWhile cooling down with a chilled drink is a reflex action in the unrelenting Singapore weather, it can have devastating consequences, according to TCM.When your body temperature is suddenly lowered, a signal is sent to block your pores, hence trapping heat within. Which means your body will not cool down appropriately. Try drinking warm or room-temperature water instead to prevent drastic changes in body temperature.3. Give it sunshineBought too many clothes at a sale and ended up stashing them into the deep recesses of your cupboard? Well, you might want to bring them out…...

Night markets, originating in the Eastern Han Dynasty and popular today, what kind of unique experience would they offer if traditional TCM therapies and modern AI technologies were integrated into a TCM cultural night market? At the Wanda Plaza on Hongqi Street, the "TCM Cultural Summer Night Market," organized by the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, provides an answer.At the event, traditional TCM therapies, modern AI technology testing, tasting of medicinal confections and soups, free clinics by renowned TCM doctors from the province and city, all gave people a sense of the power of innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. At the TCM specialty project experience area, long queues formed as visitors waited their turn.“I usually relieve my sleep problems through TCM massages and gua sha, which are very effective,” said Mr. Li, who was among the first to experience the Huolong jar – a perfect combination of massage, gua sha, moxibustion, and hot compress – at the TCM specialty project experience area. Some citizens also enthusiastically tried out the sanfu patches for free, designed to treat winter illnesses in summer, smooth meridians, regulate qi and blood, and promote health. Others experienced auricular acupressure, which helps regulate bodily…...

With the rising enthusiasm for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the internet is brimming with a wide variety of TCM health preservation knowledge, and many "health bloggers" on social media platforms have become important sources of information for young people. A recent survey conducted by the Social Survey Center of China Youth Daily shows that 51.9% of young respondents choose to learn about TCM health preservation through social media platforms, making it the primary source of such knowledge for the youth. In the face of mixed quality online information, how can one discern truth from falsehood? China Youth Daily interviewed Associate Chief Physician Fan Su from the Characteristic Treatment Center at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. He summarized several common misconceptions regarding TCM health preservation based on current hot topics.China Youth Daily & China Youth Online Journalist: "Removing dampness" is a popular concept among young people today. Is "removing dampness" suitable for everyone?Fan Su: Many young people do not fully understand what "dampness" means and sometimes blindly try to remove it. "Removing dampness" is not suitable for all constitutions. For example, those with poor spleen and stomach or cold or yin-deficient constitutions should not blindly use…...

Most people today cannot live without electronic products; they cannot work without computers or live without smartphones and tablets. This has led many to worry about their eye health. The "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" states that "the essence of the five zang and six fu organs all converge in the eyes." Our ability to see depends on the nourishment provided by the essence of these organs. The liver is associated with the eyes, and the function of the eyes requires the nourishment of liver blood. Insufficient liver blood can cause dryness, irritation, fatigue, and a dull appearance in the eyes. Similarly, excessive use of the eyes will inevitably deplete liver blood, exacerbate eye discomfort, and cause premature aging of the eyes. Remember the following one soup, one tea, and one acupoint, which can help restore the health and brightness of your eyes.Pork Liver and枸杞 SoupIngredients: 100g of fresh pork liver, 15g of枸杞 berries, 5g of Rehmannia root (prepared), an appropriate amount of ginger threads, salt, oil, starch, etc.Preparation: Rinse the pork liver thoroughly under running tap water, then soak it in a basin for one hour to remove residual blood. Blanch the pork liver in boiling water, slice…...

"I never realized that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is so close to our lives. TCM is truly amazing! When I grow up, I want to be like these volunteer brothers and sisters and learn about TCM!" Recently, at a "TCM Culture in School" event organized by the Qihuang Musculoskeletal Propaganda Team from Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's College of Traumatology, Xia Chenxuan, a student from Grade 6 Class 1 of the Gui'an Affiliated Primary School of Guizhou Normal University, said this while holding a TCM-themed sachet he had made.It is understood that since the beginning of this year, the Qihuang Musculoskeletal Propaganda Team, part of the national college students' TCM propaganda group, has leveraged its expertise in TCM traumatology and orthopedics. They have visited institutions such as Guizhou Normal University, Huaxi District Tsinghua Middle School, Gui'an Affiliated Primary School of Guizhou Normal University, Dangwu Ethnic Minority Primary School, and Tongmuling Happy Community. Using activities such as making TCM sachets and experiencing the four diagnostic methods, they have conducted 14 TCM propaganda events, attracting thousands of people to TCM culture.For primary and secondary school students learning about TCM, it starts with discovering TCM around them and making a TCM sachet.…...

On June 14, the Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cultural Service Month and Cultural Market Activity Week, organized by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's TCM Administration and hosted by the Regional Medicinal Botanical Garden, with co-organization from seven institutions including the Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital (hereafter referred to as GZMH), was launched in the "Three Streets and Two Alleys" area of Xingning District, Nanning City. The Party member and member of the leadership group of the Regional Health Commission, Party Secretary and Director of the TCM Administration, Li Jiawen, attended the event and delivered a speech. Sun Yu, a member of the leadership group of the TCM Administration, presided over the opening ceremony. Tan Yingsi, a third-level researcher at the Nanning Municipal Health Commission, also attended the event and delivered a speech. Qin Zujie, Party Secretary of the Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital, participated in the event. Citizens experience Zhuang medicine bamboo cupping therapy. Provided by Guangxi International Zhuang Medical Hospital The market, imbued with a strong atmosphere of TCM culture, attracted citizens for consultations and experiences. At the venue, GZMH set up a Zhuang and Yao medicinal cuisine booth offering free samples of health-promoting dishes and teas such…...

On October 23rd, the 2023 Beijing Wellness Tourism Development Dialogue and Resource Connection Conference, part of the “Peak of the Western Hills · Glory of Yongding River” Fifth Western Hills and Yongding River Cultural Belt Public Cultural Season, was held at the Tong Ren Tang Zhi Ma Health Store No. 0 in Daxing District. Leaders and experts from tourism and culture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wellness tourism, as well as cycling enthusiasts, health ambassadors, and representatives from various industries across Beijing’s districts, participated in this event.Networking for Friendship and Shared DevelopmentBeijing, as an ancient capital, is home to imperial wellness culture, court dietary practices, century-old TCM brands, specialty medical clinics, museums, and other wellness resources. To make full use of Beijing's TCM tourism resources and further enrich cultural and tourism products, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism launched 15 premium “Wellness Tourism in Beijing” routes during the conference. These routes cover over 100 high-quality wellness tourism attractions and include information on travel guides, navigation, discounts, and more.During the meeting, the cultural and tourism bureaus of Daxing, Haidian, Shijingshan, Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing, Fengtai, and Fangshan districts jointly signed the “Joint Initiative to Enhance the Development of the Cultural and…...