“It feels like being reborn; it’s so very pleasant.”
After experiencing traditional Chinese medicine at the Li Liangji Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Suzhou, a young foreign visitor uttered this intriguing exclamation. What sort of journey could have prompted such high praise?
The answer lies in this medical tourism experience, which seamlessly blends the charm of Wu and Yue cultures with the millennia-old wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.
These two Russian visitors were filled with a deep fascination for Eastern culture and traditional Chinese medicine. Suzhou boasts a long and rich history of traditional Chinese medicine culture, and the Wu Men School of Medicine has a profound heritage; Li Liangji is an outstanding representative of this school. Being able to come here in person to experience the charm of this ancient wisdom was a truly meaningful experience.
I was blown away from the very first moment! This acupressure massage is simply amazing.
Upon entering Li Liangji, there is no overt commercial atmosphere; instead, one is met with the elegance of a Jiangnan courtyard and a rich ambience of traditional Chinese medicine.
Foreign visitors came to Li Liangji to experience traditional Chinese medicine. In the consultation room, the doctor gently placed his fingertips on their wrists and immediately pinpointed their health issues, leaving them amazed on the spot—‘That’s simply incredible!’
The doctor then gave them a traditional Chinese massage; under the practitioner’s skilled hands, their tense shoulders and necks gradually relaxed, and their stiff muscles returned to a state of ease.
‘It’s incredibly comfortable; it feels like being reborn. My whole body feels light and at ease,’ they exclaimed after the massage.
Traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis and massage were not at all as uncomfortable as they had imagined; instead, they experienced relaxation from head to toe, winning them over to Traditional Chinese Medicine at their very first encounter!
Visit the exhibition and you’ll instantly become a curious little explorer! Traditional Chinese medicine really is fascinating.
In the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Exhibition Hall, from stories of a century-long heritage, precious medicinal herbs and traditional pharmaceutical tools, to rare medical texts and the legacy of the Wumen School of Medicine, the two foreign visitors paused to examine every exhibit in detail.
From the medicinal properties of herbs to the processes of preparation, and on to the health-preserving philosophy of ‘preventing illness before it arises’, the once-distant culture of traditional Chinese medicine became vivid and accessible during this relaxed tour. The pair paused from time to time to observe and take notes, their eyes brimming with a sense of reverence for this ancient culture.
Visiting the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Exhibition Hall not only enabled them to understand the lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also allowed the culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Wu-Yue region to transcend national borders through this close-up experience, so that it might be known and remembered by a wider audience.
Love it at first sip! These health-boosting tea concoctions are winning over fans left, right and centre.
Upon arriving at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Pavilion, the enormous ginseng roots left them exclaiming, ‘How marvellous!’
They then sampled the Ginseng Vitality Paste, made primarily from ginseng. It was refreshingly sweet without any bitterness, and had a gentle, nourishing quality. This shattered their preconception that traditional Chinese medicine ‘tastes awful’; the wisdom of ‘medicine and food having the same origin’ found its way into their lives in a gentle manner, and as the fragrance lingered on their lips and between their teeth, they experienced the subtle, unobtrusive charm of traditional Chinese medicine.
“I really love the taste—it’s absolutely delicious!” remarked a foreign friend after tasting the ginseng vitality paste.
These health products, imbued with the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, have become a vibrant medium for cultural dissemination. They transform traditional Chinese medicine from a distant tradition into a cultural symbol that can be touched, experienced and integrated into daily life, helping to spread the culture of traditional Chinese medicine to a wider world.
Technology meets Traditional Chinese Medicine – it’s simply brilliant! This is incredibly advanced.
What surprised them even more was the Traditional Chinese Medicine CT experience. Without the need for cumbersome tests, it took just a few minutes to complete a screening of their meridians and constitution. Combined with personalised treatment recommendations, this perfect fusion of traditional Chinese medicine and modern technology proved both accurate and convenient, completely transforming their perception of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
From therapeutic treatments and cultural exploration to wellness experiences and technological innovations, this immersive journey into traditional Chinese medicine not only alleviated their travel fatigue but also provided complete relaxation for both body and mind.
Moving from initial curiosity to genuine appreciation, the two foreign visitors truly experienced the efficacy and wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and finally understood why they had exclaimed, ‘It feels so good, it’s like being reborn.’
At the conclusion of this marvellous journey, both expressed their high regard for the culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In a subsequent interview, they said that in their home country, Russia, they often hear about Traditional Chinese Medicine, and that TCM and acupuncture are very popular there, with many people making a special trip to see a TCM practitioner. Having learnt about TCM at school previously, they were aware of its vast scope and profound depth.
During their visit to Li Liangji, they not only experienced Tuina massage and witnessed the wondrous charm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also learnt about various Chinese herbal medicines, saw a diverse range of health and wellness products, and gained a deeper understanding of the underlying philosophy of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, whilst appreciating the profound heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This medical and cultural tour was not merely a retreat for physical and mental rejuvenation, but also a vivid showcase of Traditional Chinese Medicine culture, allowing Eastern wisdom to transcend mountains and seas and earn the sincere recognition of our international friends.
After leaving Li Liangji, they went on to visit gardens such as the Masters of the Web Garden in Suzhou, continuing to savour the unique charm of Suzhou amidst the scenic beauty of Jiangnan.