Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) students immersed themselves in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education during a recent trip to Beijing, China.
A KPU student receiving an application of a herbal paste, followed by a massage with a heated Bian Stone device (Photo credit: Gil Gosch).
Hosted by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), a KPU delegation of 14 Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture students and TCM instructor Dr. Yan Qu participated in the two-week learning experience.
Students gained fresh perspectives of TCM through daily lectures on topics such as Bian Stone Therapy, Abdominal Acupuncture Therapy, Moxibustion Therapy and more. They also visited a TCM pharmaceutical facility and a hospital, exposing them to advanced TCM equipment and clinical techniques in a practical setting.
"The lectures provided us with up-to-date information about the TCM industry in China," says Gil Gosch, a graduate of KPU's TCM program who participated in the trip. "Some of the subjects were new to us, and we could learn a lot and enhance our knowledge in the field. However, in some of the lectures, the instructors seemed surprised with the level of knowledge we demonstrated."
Outside of lectures, the students explored several cultural and historical sites in Beijing including the Great Wall of China, the Yonghe Gong Buddhist Temple, the Confucius Temple, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.
"TCM is deeply rooted in Chinese culture," says Dr. Qu. "Trying traditional Chinese food, enjoying Chinese tea and visiting historical sites helped students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural background that is integral to TCM.
"This is the first TCM-related trip KPU students have taken, but I'm confident there will be more opportunities for such trips in the future, allowing our students to engage with multiple TCM institutions."
The Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture Diploma program at KPU combines ancient Chinese philosophy with Western biomedical science, allowing students to develop the necessary skills to work in the acupuncture and Chinese medicine industry. KPU is launching a Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree, the first to be offered at a public post-secondary in Canada, and expects to welcome its first intake in September 2025.
