Traditional Chinese medicine 'a cross-cultural avenue' in NYC
NEW YORK (April 30): A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) event was staged Friday in Manhattan, New York, as part of broader efforts to promote TCM and enhance international understanding of traditional healing arts.
The event, cohosted by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) and New York-based Smart Health TCM Medical Center (Smart Health TCM), featured a TCM lecture, a free TCM clinic, a demonstration of traditional Chinese aerobic exercise Baduanjin or Eight Pieces of Brocade, herbal tea tasting and herbal sachet-making workshops.
Jonathan Papish, one of scores of participants at the event, joined in practicing Baduanjin. Papish used to live in China for six years and now works as an acupuncturist in New York.
While living in Beijing, he turned to acupuncture for relief from a chronic cough and neck pain.
'It helped me,' he told Xinhua.
After returning to the United States, he tried Western treatments and other therapies but found them less effective.
'Nothing helped as much as acupuncture and Qigong. I find it very effective for myself,' he said, adding that the TCM pulled him out of a 'dark place' of health challenges and eventually motivated him to study the practice.
'It's a long journey with studying here for a long time,' he said.
Visitors practice traditional Chinese aerobic exercise Baduanjin or Eight Pieces of Brocade, at New York-based Smart Health TCM Medical Center (Smart Health TCM) in Manhattan, New York, the United States on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Ada Zhang/Xinhua)
Papish now operates his own acupuncture and herbal clinics.
'Acupuncture is bridging two different cultures and countries,' Papish said. 'The TCM has become a cross-cultural avenue for mutual understanding.'
Friday's event marked the final stop of the BUCM's week-long U.S. tour, which included a 'Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Open Day' in Washington, D.C., as well as visits to the West Chester University and the United Nations.
Acupuncture has gained significant mainstream acceptance in the United States in recent years. Major insurance providers, including Medicare and private insurers, now cover acupuncture treatments for specific conditions such as chronic pain and migraines.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has officially recognized acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment option for various conditions.
'Just go outside and look — there are a lot of acupuncture clinics in New York and across the West. It's become part of the wellness industry, focusing on stress management, anxiety and relief from overwhelming feelings,' said Papish.
Alan Breitman, another participant at Friday's event, has similar experiences with the TCM as Papish's.
Suffering from eczema and allergies, Breitman said his TCM treatment is 'a steady progression' that requires patience.
'It's very incremental, unlike Western medicine where you expect big results quickly,' he told Xinhua. 'With the TCM, it's a process.' – Xinhua healthcare New York City traditional chinese medicine
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