Editor's note: We have invited foreigners living in China to share their stories about the cities where they live and work. Kerbouche Abdeldjalil is a 22-year-old international student from Algeria. He is currently a sophomore majoring in pharmacy at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, Anhui province.
Studying biotechnology in my home country sparked my interest in the healing power of nature, particularly through phytotherapy. I became captivated by how our ancestors historically utilized the natural world to treat illnesses, which naturally led me to explore the profound medical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Abdeldjalil (middle) learns pulse diagnosis. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In September 2024, I passed an examination and got the opportunity to study TCM at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, Anhui province. Since my arrival, I've had incredible experiences, including a fascinating tour of the university's museums. This immersion has deepened my appreciation for TCM's rich history.
In my second semester, we began exploring foundational concepts such as acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion, along with the essential idea of yin and yang. What impresses me most about TCM is its holistic philosophy — the notion that the body is an interconnected system and must be treated as a whole.
Abdeldjalil communicates with his TCM teacher Pan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As an international student, TCM personally represents a remarkable bridge between cultures, offering a unique, time-tested approach to health that complements Western medicine. One of the most enriching aspects of this experience has been learning from my TCM teacher, Professor Pan Yinxing. His passion for his work is truly contagious. He has a remarkable ability for teaching and explaining complex material to international students, offering not just theoretical knowledge but also valuable practical opportunities.
Professor Pan has been instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom theory with clinical application. He has brought us to the TCM hospital multiple times, providing firsthand demonstrations of how different diseases are treated using specific acupoints. The approach has profoundly influenced my understanding of TCM, transforming it from an academic subject into a living, dynamic practice.
His mentorship has not only strengthened my dedication to TCM's pharmacy but also given me a practical perspective on how to apply the traditional knowledge in a modern context.
Abdeldjalil takes a TCM lecture with other international students. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
