In a small clinic in Changchun, Lin Yuhua, a Thai girl from the Generation Z cohort, skillfully wields acupuncture needles, employing techniques such as twisting and lifting under her teacher’s guidance. This young woman born in the ’95 generation has quickly mastered acupuncture and cupping therapy, key aspects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Currently pursuing her master’s degree in TCM at Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Lin Yuhua has had a fascination with TCM from an early age. “Whenever someone in my family fell ill, my parents would always opt for TCM as the first line of treatment, and it was remarkably effective,” she explains.
The wonders of TCM took root in her mind while she was still young. During her university years in Thailand, she chose to study TCM without hesitation, driven by a desire to learn this art to help others. After completing her undergraduate studies, Lin began working at a local clinic. “My clinical experience made me realize that I needed to deepen my knowledge of TCM. To truly understand it, I had to learn about its origins in China,” she reflects.
Lin faces numerous challenges as she studies in China, particularly with ancient TCM texts. “The first hurdle was the language barrier, so I worked hard to learn Chinese.” Despite initial difficulties with some classical literature, she found that engaging with her teachers and classmates and searching for information online helped her make significant progress.
Now, she spends her days shadowing her teachers at the Changchun University of Chinese Medicine’s affiliated hospital, where she is effectively applying the theoretical knowledge of diagnosis and treatment in a real-world setting, gaining invaluable clinical experience. “After diagnosing a patient, my teachers explain their reasoning and approach, expanding my understanding through observation,” Lin notes.
In a corner of the hospital’s acupuncture room stands a model of a human body, its meridians and acupuncture points clearly marked, as if guiding every practitioner who practices their craft.
During her breaks, Lin often practices acupuncture on the model while studying medical texts. “The intricacies of TCM are vast and can subtly help patients restore their health. I also aspire to learn about Chinese herbal formulas,” she shares, her passion evident as she discusses her field.
After a year of extensive study in China, Lin feels her understanding of TCM has deepened significantly and has strengthened her resolve to master the discipline.
Thailand was the first country outside China to establish legal recognition for TCM. In 2000, the Thai government officially legalized TCM practices, integrating them into the healthcare system. Many students from Thailand are now pursuing their studies in TCM in Chinese universities.
“Many of my friends are just like me—coming to China to study TCM at institutions in cities like Tianjin, Nanjing, and Shanghai,” Lin laughs.
“Upon completing my studies in China, I plan to continue my work in TCM back in Thailand, educating more Thai people about this ancient practice and utilizing TCM techniques to benefit them. I hope to help spread TCM culture more widely,” Lin expresses with conviction.
