China drives the internationalization of traditional medicine with technological innovations

Beijing hosted the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, where the combination of ancient tradition and technological innovation set the agenda. Alex Jacobs, CEO of the British Acupuncture Council, stood out among international visitors as he tried moxibustion and Qigong in the exhibition area. “Very comfortable and relaxing”, he commented after the session led by He Nian, a professional at the Zhiai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. The demonstration, which included the use of a Temple of Heaven-inspired moxibustion pot, impressed visitors with its precision and connection to Chinese culture.

Among the technological highlights, an intelligent moxibustion robot, capable of offering personalized treatments, caught our attention. Developed by a biotechnology company in Shaanxi province, the equipment was praised for its precision and sustainability. “It guarantees a smokeless and pollution-free process,” said Li Lin, president of the company. Priced at 300,000 yuan, the robot has attracted interest from buyers in countries including Egypt and the Republic of Korea, demonstrating the global appeal of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

TCM’s international recognition is driven by China’s strategic partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) and more than 40 governments around the world. The integration of TCM into the global health system has been facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative, which has already established 30 high-quality centers abroad. Acceptance is growing in countries like Hungary, a pioneer in the European Union in legislating on the practice, where 25% of the population has already used TCM treatments, according to data from the Hungarian Central Statistics Office.

For the future, China plans to train more than 1,300 foreign professionals in TCM over the next three years, promoting exchanges and expanding the reach of the practice. “TCM has the potential to revolutionize global healthcare,” said Jacobs. Combining ancestral wisdom and advanced technologies, TCM reinforces its role as a fundamental pillar in the search for universal health coverage.