A German teenager born in 1995, whose Chinese name is Wu Ming, had a great interest in Chinese culture such as Shaolin Kungfus before coming to China.
Wu Ming, who came to China to learn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in 2016, is currently pursuing a master's degree in Chinese Medicine at Henan University. Explaining the reason for his decision to learn Chinese medicine, Wu Ming said, "I had many hardships in Germany, I wanted to explore other treatments that did not cause side effects, since advanced western medicine could not cure some diseases from the root." said.
In 2015, Wu came to Henan province, home of Zhang Zhongjin, known in Chinese history as the master of Chinese medicine, and a deep culture of TCM.
Started learning TCM after taking Chinese lessons for one year
Emphasizing that TCM is the best preserved part of Chinese culture, Wu wishes to learn TCM to heal diseases and to get to know Chinese culture more deeply.
Taking examples from Shen Nong, the legendary god in Chinese prehistory and the first person to use herbal medicines, Wu personally tasted some herbal medicines to learn about their properties and therapeutic efficacy.
With these experiences, Wu Ming, who had a deeper understanding of the essence of Chinese medicine, saw that side effects can also occur from herbal medicines used in excessive doses.
Wu also learned that sometimes, instead of taking medication, changing lifestyle and eating habits can improve health.
Started reading Chinese classics
Learning Chinese and constantly practicing Chinese, Wu Ming also solved the language problem, which is the biggest obstacle to learning TCM.
As the language barrier was lifted, Wu began reading traditional Chinese medical classics such as "Huangdi Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon).
Believing that different aspects of Chinese culture interact with each other, Wu said that "Huangdi Neijing is intertwined with the cultures and philosophy of Taoism contained in Yi Jing (Classic of Changes), which is considered the oldest of the Chinese classical texts."
Misunderstanding is due to lack of contact
Chinese medicine is based on the regular relationship between nature and the human body. Pointing out that the human body is closely related to the universe, Wu Ming says that the human body has a strong self-healing ability, and Chinese medicine aims to create a therapeutic effect by awakening this ability.
Studying TCM also changed Wu's mindset and lifestyle. It used to be trapped in a fast-paced but unhealthy daily routine, such as addiction to electronic devices and staying up late every night.
However, today, living according to the Yin-Yang theory in TCM, Wu led a balanced and peaceful life and acquired habits such as reading Chinese classics, drinking tea and meditation.
Wu benefits his family with the knowledge he has learned. Acupuncture instruments and Chinese medicines are among the items that should be taken with him when he returns to his country.
According to Wu, there is no big difference between China and Western countries. Wu said, “We are the same. The misunderstanding stems from the lack of contact,” he says.
After completing his teaching, Wu Ming hopes to open a traditional Chinese medicine center in China or Germany to act as a bridge for more people to learn about traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese culture.
Source: China International Radio
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