Intl student experience TCM in Ningbo

Sami, from France, tries bone-setting. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experience event took place at Gushengtang Clinic in Yinzhou district, Ningbo on Sept 16. Visitors from France, Sri Lanka, Cuba, and other countries immersed themselves in therapies such as scraping, cupping, massage, and bone-setting. What began with nervous curiosity soon turned into surprise and delight.

The event began with an accessible lecture on TCM. Doctor Yu Xian traced its thousands of years of history and explained how TCM is spreading across the world. Her introduction to concepts like “preventive treatment before illness” and the yin-yang balance gave participants a foundation for the treatments ahead.

Sami, from France, tried both scraping and bone-setting. "It wasn't as painful as I expected," he said. "The doctor said that it's because I'm healthy, so I'm very lucky!" When a minor spinal misalignment was discovered, the doctor quickly adjusted it. A faint crack later, Sami felt instant relief: "My back and neck are so much looser. This has changed how I see TCM. I'd love to try again."

For Mali from Sri Lanka, the visit was a dream come true. She suffers from stiff shoulders and jaw tension. She opted for cupping and jaw adjustment. "Cupping felt incredibly relaxing, and my shoulders feel so much lighter," she said excitedly. "I've watched so many TCM videos online, but experiencing it in person was on another level." What impressed her most was the philosophy of preventing illness before it strikes.

Gaby from Cuba described her session as "painful but rewarding". Long hours at the computer had left her with serious neck and elbow problems. During massage therapy, the doctor worked to release muscle adhesions, bringing sharp pangs that had her breaking into a sweat. "I was nervous at first — even scared," she admitted, "but the doctor kept reassuring me, explaining the process and what to expect." She is already planning to undergo longer-term TCM treatment.

After the therapy, participants were treated to a refreshing glass of sour plum soup — an herbal drink known for quenching thirst and boosting digestion, especially in hot weather. They were also given ingredient kits to take home, so they could recreate the drink themselves.

Both Doctor Yu Xian, who has practiced acupuncture for a decade, and Doctor Wang Jun'ai, with nearly 30 years of clinical TCM experience, guided the visitors with skillful techniques and patient explanations. "We're always glad to see more foreigners trying TCM," Doctor Yu said. "These firsthand experiences help break down fears or misconceptions. And as they share their stories, TCM reaches an even wider stage."

More than just a medical experience, the event became a cultural exchange. Foreign guests not only discovered the healing effects of TCM but also felt its rich cultural depth. TCM is more than a medical tradition — it is also a bridge connecting people across the world.