Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's International Education College has been working with the Shanghai Shenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine to launch a program for high-level medical professionals from countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative.

The program has enabled over 100 international students from countries such as Greece, Israel, and Egypt to learn about TCM theory, master relevant techniques, and immerse themselves in the TCM culture over the past year.

Rahma Hossam, a 23-year-old student from Egypt who has been studying at the SUTCM for more than four years, visited the hospital this November to experience TCM practice firsthand.

She learned TCM's five-element theories and how they can be integrated with therapeutic treatments. Zheng Ping, director of the TCM Department in the hospital, demonstrated how to locate the acupoints and tender spots for needle insertion to treat back pain through real cases.

Rahma recorded the session on her phone while observing the procedure. Under Zheng's guidance, she carefully inserted an acupuncture needle into the patient's lower back acupoint and felt proud when the patient showed positive results.

She tried various TCM therapies over the course of the morning, from acupuncture for weight loss to treating neck, shoulder, and back pain, and even facial paralysis. She worked with more real cases over the next two days to accumulate practical experience.

Rahma said that studying TCM has given her a deeper insight into the human body, allowing her to identify the underlying causes of symptoms and understand the connections between lifestyle, emotions, environment, and physical health.

Sources: Changning district government, thepaper.cn