Chinese Medicine and Culture in China

The world's most populous country has a long, rich cultural tradition featuring unique views of life, persons, the human body, medicine, and nature. As China modernized over the last half-century, some of its traditions and practices have persisted, while others have become very advanced. Part of a two-thousand-year-old tradition is the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is still as vibrant today as in history. TCM with its practice in acupuncture and herbal remedies is becoming more and more recognized and popular in Western societies including the US and Europe. With a holistic approach, TCM focuses more on improving the body’s natural ways of healing. Knowledge about and familiarity with TCM has increasing value for future healthcare professionals as well as anyone interested in improving their own health. China has a five thousand-year-long recorded history with rich culture and distinctive cultures. As China becomes more and more influential on the global stage, understanding of Chinese values and culture is increasingly important. During the trip, students will learn about the way TCM’s approach to health care, about Chinese history, philosophy, and culture. Students will learn TCM from a medical school in Shanghai with visits to clinics and pharmacy, and travel and explore various cities and cultural sites in China such as Beijing (the Great Wall, the forbidden city, the temple of heaven), Shanghai (the Bund, the Jade Buddha temple, the Yu Bizarre, and Meg Lev high speed train) and Xi’an (the terracotta soldiers, the ancient city wall, the bell and drum towers). Course fees will cover the tuition at the TCM school, lodging, flights and ground transportation, meals, and tickets to venues within China.  Students are responsible for flights to China and return and obtaining a visa to China (info will be given). Knowledge of the Chinese language is helpful but not required. The course fulfills the core Global Regions and Culture tag, as well as an elective in Asian studies.