More foreign students studying Chinese medicine in China

At the Rio Olympic Games, Phelps' "cupping tattoo" successfully drew people's attention and created curiosity in many viewers to find out more about traditional Chinese Medicine. According to figures from the appropriate authorities, the number of foreign students studying Chinese medicine in China is increasing annually and it is the number one selection among the natural science subjects. At the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are more than 1,100 overseas students who are studying it or related subjects. If we add those in short-term training courses, there are nearly 3,000 students each year studying traditional Chinese medicine on campus.

Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is China's first medicine school to accept overseas students and offer qualifications in the field. All the overseas students are treated in the same way as Chinese students and have to follow the strict management system. This means, that for Western students, studying Chinese medicine is not that easy. Of all the Chinese Medicine Schools, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine ranks in the top ten and offers many international exchange projects. Many students elect to study in Tianjin because of the popularity of the two masters who oversee the course - Zhang Boli and Shi Xuemin.

In addition to mastering Chinese medicine theory and devising corresponding treatment plans according to the individual patient's situation and needs, overseas students also need to study the classical works of Chinese traditional medicine. For foreign students, many find the most difficult part is to understand the concept of traditional Chinese medicine. At present, Chinese traditional medicine has been accepted in many countries and more than 160 countries and regions have formally recognized the role of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture treatment. After graduation, overseas students will work hard to bring Chinese medicine knowledge to their motherland, acting as envoys, and in doing so help to continue to spread Chinese culture to the world.

chinadaily.com.cn