Promoting Bian Que culture and telling the story of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to the world, the recent event at Shandong University aimed to disseminate TCM knowledge and highlight its cultural significance. Co-hosted by the Jinan Municipal Health Commission and the Jinan Municipal Government Information Office, and organized by Guang'anmen Hospital Jinan (Jinan Municipal TCM Hospital), in collaboration with the Jinan International Communication Center, the event titled “The Hometown of Bian Que: Harmony and Symbiosis” saw over 50 international students from countries such as Russia, Serbia, Thailand, and South Korea come together to delve into the wonders of TCM.
Jinan, known as the hometown of Bian Que, boasts a rich heritage in TCM. During the event, doctors from Guang'anmen Hospital Jinan provided an accessible introduction to the origins and development of TCM, its status in modern medicine, and demonstrated unique treatments such as acupuncture and massage. Through engaging stories and practical examples, students gained a clearer understanding of TCM principles like Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, as well as diagnostic techniques including observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking. The doctors also introduced Jinan’s deep-rooted TCM history, enhancing the students' appreciation of the city's cultural legacy.
To give participants a hands-on experience with TCM, the event featured activities like herbal medicine displays and sachet-making workshops. Medical staff showcased various herbs, explained their benefits and uses, and guided students in identifying and creating their own herbal sachets. The diverse appearances, smells, and functions of the herbs left a lasting impression on the students.
A highlight of the event was the TCM treatment experience, where students received pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, and ear acupressure treatments, witnessing the effectiveness of TCM therapies firsthand. Additionally, activities like Baduanjin exercises and tasting traditional health drinks such as sour plum soup helped participants appreciate the holistic health practices of TCM.
As an integral part of China’s cultural heritage, TCM was brought to life by the medical staff of Guang'anmen Hospital Jinan, who acted as "ambassadors" of TCM, showcasing its unique charm to international friends from diverse regions and languages. The students expressed that the event deepened their understanding and knowledge of TCM, teaching them practical health maintenance techniques and highlighting the humanistic care inherent in TCM culture.
The “Hometown of Bian Que: Harmony and Symbiosis” TCM cultural event is a signature initiative by the Jinan Municipal Health Commission and the Jinan Municipal Government Information Office. It aims to strengthen the international dissemination of TCM culture, enhance the global influence of Jinan’s TCM brand, and promote the cultural outreach of TCM.
(Li Xiaotong; Yuan Yuhua; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Liang Ruixin; Dou Zhuoran; Kuang Qiongqiong; )