October 22nd is the 27th World Traditional Medicine Day. At the World Congress on Traditional Medicine in Beijing in 1991, delegates from 42 countries named the congress's opening date as the annual World Traditional Medicine Day. In China today, the ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is still widely used, with many people using TCM to treat illness and stay healthy. Let's take a look at some of the most popular TCM practices in China. (Photo/China Plus)
Herbal medicine accounts for the majority of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments. There are over 10,000 ingredients used in Chinese herbal medicine. Different parts of plants and their extracts are the most commonly used ingredients, although some animal and mineral ingredients are also used. (Photo/China Plus)
Acupuncture is a family of procedures that stimulate specific points on the body by inserting extremely thin needles into the skin. It is often used to provide pain relief for conditions like lower back pain, shoulder stiffness, and knee soreness. Acupuncture must always be done by an appropriately trained practitioner using clean needles. (Photo/China Plus)
Cupping involves putting heated cups against the skin that create a small area of mild suction. It is believed by some that cupping promotes blood circulation and can relieve pain. (Photo/China Plus)
Sanfutie therapy is a popular counter-season TCM treatment, which involves putting plasters made with traditional Chinese herbal medicine on various acupuncture points on the body in summer. The method is based on the concept of treating cold-weather-related illnesses, such as arthritis and asthma, during summer. "Sanfu" (三伏) is the hottest period on the Chinese calendar, and "tie" (貼) means paste. (Photo/China Plus)
A common belief in Chinese medicine is that different foods effect the human body in different ways. Chinese food therapy involves eating different foods in accordance with different health needs ? and eating in moderation is always a good choice! (Photo/China Plus)
