Integrated Health at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM)
Summer 2015 Study Abroad
Studying abroad in China was an amazing experience and helped me to grow as a person in ways I never expected. Even though I have a deep understanding of Chinese culture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was brand new to me. While I was in the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, I studied traditional Chinese medical practices like Acupuncture, Tuina (Chinese massage), Cupping, herbal medicine, and diet. Our lectures were taught by professional physicians that practice TCM at local hospitals. I was very fortunate to have had the chance to visit 2 local hospitals and observe their practices. The concept of bodies and disease used in TCM was completely different from anything I had learned in class. The unique approach of Chinese medicine opened my eyes to a whole new world of healthcare practices.
Outside of the classroom, we also practiced Qigong, which is a type of exercise that cultivates and balance “Qi” (life energy). Since I speak Chinese fluently, I often played the translator’s role in Qigong classes and during our tours to various tourist attractions. Visiting the Department of Tea Science in ZheJiang University was one of my favorite memories. I was very fortunate to meet with several Chinese students who are doing research on tea while pursuing their doctoral degree in Tea Science. We had a long discussion about the different types of tea, cultivation of tea, and the health-promoting properties of tea. One of the students also explained to me the process of carrying out a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and guided me through each step. Studying abroad in China gave me a new outlook and perception on life and other cultures around me. I hope to travel more in the future and learn about new exciting things that I have yet to discover.
Outside of the classroom, we also practiced Qigong, which is a type of exercise that cultivates and balance “Qi” (life energy). Since I speak Chinese fluently, I often played the translator’s role in Qigong classes and during our tours to various tourist attractions. Visiting the Department of Tea Science in ZheJiang University was one of my favorite memories. I was very fortunate to meet with several Chinese students who are doing research on tea while pursuing their doctoral degree in Tea Science. We had a long discussion about the different types of tea, cultivation of tea, and the health-promoting properties of tea. One of the students also explained to me the process of carrying out a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and guided me through each step. Studying abroad in China gave me a new outlook and perception on life and other cultures around me. I hope to travel more in the future and learn about new exciting things that I have yet to discover.