"Laowai" in China | How an Iranian student embraces TCM as a way of healthy living

YINCHUAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mohammad Abdi, a 26-year-old Iranian student, came to China in 2023 to study clinical medicine at Ningxia Medical University. 

He was introduced to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at an early age. After seeing his uncle receive cupping therapy in Iran, he became curious about this traditional medical practice. Later, as a medical student in China, he had the opportunity to take professional TCM courses. On weekends, Abdi visits Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center to experience various TCM therapies. 

"I was a gym rat, so I initially thought TCM practices were too simple to be effective," he said. However, as he learned more about TCM, he was impressed by its depth and effectiveness. He recommended Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese breathing and stretching exercise, to his fellow international students, while he especially enjoys tuina massage combined with cupping therapy, which helps relieve the stress of his studies and clinical internship. 

For Abdi, TCM is more than a way to treat diseases; it is also a health philosophy that can be integrated into daily life. He believes ordinary people can benefit from TCM-based wellness practices, while professional doctors can use TCM techniques to treat patients. 

TCM is now expanding its global presence and joining the worldwide conversation on health and lifestyle. Inspired by growing interest in Chinese lifestyles overseas, Abdi hopes to continue exploring TCM and become a skilled doctor, helping more people in his hometown benefit from traditional Chinese medicine.