BEIJING: At Tong Ren Tang Health Bar, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) maker founded in the 17th century, a college student named Feng was waiting in line to buy a latte with goji berries, an ancient herb known to protect the liver. and vision-enhancing properties.
“I like this new kind of consumption because it’s healthy and convenient,” Feng said.
Health and wellness were the focus of interest, especially among the middle-aged and elderly. Today, this healthy lifestyle is being adopted by more and more young people, which is creating a new trend tailored to them across the country.
Zheng Wanying, an employee at a securities company in Beijing, usually starts her day with a pot of homemade tea made with jujube, longan and rose petals. In the evening, a foot bath containing vinegar, ginger and Szechuan pepper relaxes.
“Flower and fruit tea promotes blood circulation and skin whitening, foot bath relieves cold and reduces swelling.” The 30-year-old said these anti-aging skills help her maintain a youthful appearance.
Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine has introduced outpatient evening massage services for desk-bound young office workers suffering from shoulder and neck pain to meet their growing demand for post-work pain relief.
A survey conducted by China Youth Daily late last year revealed that 79.9 percent of 1,000 young people surveyed had learned about traditional Chinese medical philosophy and therapies.
Fan Su, a doctor at Wangjing Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, observed a growing awareness of TCM and health care among young people.
Li Zhilin, an employee of an Internet startup, agrees with the concept of “preventing disease before it occurs.” He believes that a person should constantly monitor his health and promptly solve any health problems, whether physical or psychological.
Some young people go the extra mile to immerse themselves in this ancient wisdom in addition to experiencing TCM therapies.
Another TCM teaching program organized by Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine this year attracted several young people. For example, Jiang Fei was eager to understand the theories of herbs after recovering from an illness with their help.
Liu Dong, the owner of a health bar in Beijing, attributed the younger generation’s fascination with TCM to the country’s relevant support policies and the evident effectiveness of herbs in treating COVID-19.
In 2022, the State Council issued a plan to strengthen the development of TCM during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) with the goal of building an efficient and high-quality TCM service system.
Elementary and middle schools across China offer youth-friendly TCM courses or activities, giving children and teens an insight into traditional medical culture.
From campuses to society, youth enthusiasm for health is invigorating time-honored herbs and giving this sacred cultural heritage a modern flavor.
“Old herbs are keeping us healthy in new ways,” Feng said. “That’s the magic of TCM.
