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    Seminar on Chinese Outlook on Life and Contemporary Value of Chinese Medicine

    Written by: Aiman Javed
    Posted on: December 15, 2017 | | 中文

    Professor Qin Shaolin

    A seminar on ‘Chinese Outlook on Life and Contemporary Value of Chinese Medicine’ was arranged by the China Cultural Centre in Pakistan National Council of the Arts, on 13th December, 2017. Organized in collaboration with the Intercultural Communication Centre of CCMG, the seminar was by Professor Qin Shaolin, from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

    The audience

    The audience

    The chief guests included Deputy Director China Cultural Center Ms. Li Shuo, and Mr Niazi, Joint Secretary of National History and Cultural Heritage Division. In her speech, Ms. Li Shuo pointed out that traditional Chinese medicine shouldn’t just be restricted to the Chinese, but should benefit the entire world. Mr Niazi’s speech focused on Pak-China Friendship and he said that increasing knowledge of Chinese medicine is a welcome addition to the close ties between the two countries.

    Ms. Li Shuo

    Ms. Li Shuo

    Professor Qin then took over and systematically went through several aspects of traditional Chinese medicine. His presentation was titled, ‘How does traditional Chinese medicine treat diseases?’ He clarified at the very beginning that traditional Chinese medicine is inspired by fundamental principles of Chinese culture. The basic rule of Chinese outlook is that nature is considered a teacher and much can be learnt simply by observing it. He pointed out significant books which have contributed to the development of Chinese medicine over the years, including Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine).

    A diagram of the human body's pressure points

    A diagram of the human body's pressure points

    In Chinese philosophy, everything is connected. While man is a part of the universe, the universe is also like the human body. To explain this Professor Qin used the example of a pomegranate, which has many small seeds and so it can be called a universe. However, it also comes from nature, and so is part of something bigger than itself. Furthermore, just as everything has a pair in nature (e.g. the sun and moon), according to the rules of Yin and Yang, the human body’s organs are also divided into pairs. Thus, the lungs and large intestines are considered a pair, and if one’s lungs are clear, there will be no digestive issues. Similarly, the body and spirit both have to be nurtured for the health of the individual.

    Professor Qin’s presentation was filled with interesting anecdotes, such as his tale of curing his seven year old son’s appendicitis through traditional Chinese medicines. He pointed out that while western medicine treats parasites by simply killing them, traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to the causes. Parasites develop due to dampness, lack of ventilation and warm temperature. If these conditions are treated, the parasites will go away themselves. He mentioned Ms. Tu Youyou, the Nobel Laureate of Medicine for 2015, a Chinese doctor who figured out that by heating sweet wormwood, one could extract a cure for malaria; a fact she learnt by studying ancient Chinese texts.

     Professor Qin also gave a demonstration for ‘precussing’ the gall bladder, which involved tapping four pressure points of the upper leg for ten minutes. Not only is this good for overall health, it also helps one in losing weight. The simplest advice Professor Qin gave to those attending, was that they should go to sleep early, as this is the easiest method of attaining a balance of yin yang.

    Professor Qin during the seminar

    Professor Qin during the seminar

    By the end of his seminar, Professor Qin had managed to convince the audience that traditional Chinese medicine had far-reaching benefits. A question answer session was held, in which many visitors asked the professor to recommend solutions for their diseases. Some practicing Chinese doctors from Pakistan had their own queries. Ending on a positive note, Professor Qin was kind enough to write prescriptions for those with health problems.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021