Exploring the Fascinating World of Traditional Chinese Medicine: IMU Students’ Journey at the 2025 Shanghai Summer School
Four students from the Chinese Medicine program at the International Medical University (IMU) participated in the 2025 Shanghai Summer School, organized by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), from June 3 to June 14, 2025. This program, titled “探索中医药的神奇之旅” (Exploring the Wonders of Traditional Chinese Medicine), attracted participants from various countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, to study the heritage and contemporary applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Overview of the Summer School
The summer school offered a comprehensive overview of TCM through a series of lectures and practical sessions, covering essential concepts such as Yin-Yang theory, the Five Elements, and diagnostic techniques like pulse and tongue analysis. Students engaged in therapeutic practices including tuina and acupuncture.
Traditional Exercise and Holistic Principles
A significant aspect of the program was the inclusion of Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Play), a traditional Chinese exercise aimed at enhancing Qi and blood circulation as well as overall well-being. Interactive discussions and demonstrations played a key role in developing participants’ understanding of TCM’s holistic principles.
Visit to Notable TCM Sites
The curriculum also featured visits to notable sites that exemplify the TCM ecosystem in Shanghai. At Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital, affiliated with SHUTCM, students observed the integration of traditional practices with modern medical methodologies. The hospital’s TCM departments demonstrated evidence-based approaches that combine herbal treatments with Western medical practices, allowing participants to witness clinical consultations in real-time.
Insights from Yi Da Herbal Garden
A visit to Yi Da Herbal Garden, a 350-acre facility focused on the cultivation and education of medicinal herbs, provided additional insights. Students toured a museum showcasing historical herbal processing and learned about contemporary production methods at Shanghai Kangqiao Chinese Medicine Tablet Co., Ltd., which employs advanced technology for personalized herbal prescriptions.
Cultural Immersion Activities
Cultural immersion was another key component of the summer school, with workshops on creating Xiang Pai (incense tags) and Chinese tea-making. These sessions highlighted traditional values within Chinese society. Additionally, a paper-cutting workshop illustrated the importance of craftsmanship in cultural celebrations.
Excursions and Building Camaraderie
The program also included excursions to various attractions in Shanghai, such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Shanghai Disneyland, along with serene locations like Hangzhou. These outings helped foster camaraderie among participants as they shared experiences.
Reflections and Future Plans
The students acknowledged the value of the experience facilitated by SHUTCM, which broadened their understanding of TCM and Chinese culture. They returned to Malaysia motivated to incorporate their new insights into their future practices as TCM practitioners.
(Source: IMU News)
