In a world increasingly turning to holistic approaches for health and wellness, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) stands out as one of the oldest and most enduring medical systems, with practices like acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, therapeutic massage, and herbal medicine gaining popularity across the globe.

As TCM continues to evolve and adapt to modern society, it offers a rich tapestry of healing techniques that have been refined over thousands of years.

On Monday, a new center for TCM was inaugurated in the town of Panagyurishte, Bulgaria, which aims to enhance patient care as well as share the heritage of ancient Chinese medical practices, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.

The center in Bulgaria is an epitome of the growing popularity of TCM across the globe. Statistics from the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) showed that foreign exchanges of TCM have spread to 196 countries and regions. China has signed specialized cooperation agreements on TCM with more than 40 foreign governments, regional authorities, and international organizations.

On Tuesday, various activities were held across China to celebrate World Traditional Medicine Day. Students in many schools got a precious opportunity to learn more about TCM on this day. Designated at the International Conference on Traditional Medicine held in Beijing in 1991, World Traditional Medicine Day falls on October 22 every year.

In 2023, China's 93,000 TCM specialized medical institutions recorded 1.54 billion medical visits. China also boasts 41,700 TCM clinics and over 99 percent of community- and township-level medical institutions are capable of providing TCM services, as reported by Xinhua in September.

To better promote TCM, the NATCM released a three-year plan for further standardizing TCM on July 31. According to the plan, a total of 180 domestic standards and 30 international standards for TCM should be formulated by the end of 2026.

The plan seeks to enhance the integration of standardization with the development of TCM, offering robust support for the modernization, industrialization, and high-quality advancement of the TCM industry.

As TCM evolves, many new practices and technologies are being actively integrated. For many young people, trying TCM drinks has become a trendy alternative to bubble tea, as they are perceived to be healthier. These herbal brews are sold in stylish cups at various pharmacies and shops in shopping malls.

Besides this, technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data are being explored to facilitate the sharing of TCM data and to create a more digital and intelligent approach to TCM.

A foreign visitor (left) experiences pulse diagnosis at a night market in Dongying, East China's Shandong Province, on August 16, 2024. Photo: VCG

Primary school students listen to medical staff dressed in traditional Chinese clothing introduce herbal medicines in Fuyang, East China's Anhui Province, on October 22, 2024. Photo: VCG

A person experiences cupping therapy at an event promoting TCM in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, on September 8, 2024. Photo: VCG

A TCM practitioner performs moxibustion therapy. Photo: VCG

A TCM practitioner introduces herbal medicines to students at a primary school in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, on October 22, 2024. Photo: VCG

Foreign visitors learn traditional herbal medicine processing techniques at a TCM experience hall in Nanyang, Central China's Henan Province, on September 26, 2024. Photo: VCG