Latest news with #ChineseMedicine
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
5 inspiring museums to visit in Guangdong for history, jewellery and more
Sweltering outside? Skip the sun and chill out in a world of cool air and culture. From ancient Chinese medicine to immersive fragrance experiences, these fascinating museums in Guangdong offer the perfect summer escape. 1. Guangdong Chinese Medicine Museum, Guangzhou Guangdong Chinese Medicine Museum in China. Nestled within the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, this museum provides a deep dive into the rich legacy of Lingnan traditional Chinese medicine . Its most striking feature is a soaring 'crystal palace' of over 600 herb specimens suspended in liquid, spanning three floors. Visitors can explore themed halls dedicated to ancient medical tools, acupuncture, herbal therapies, wellness regimens and more, each weaving together stories of healing traditions from Neolithic stone needles to Qing dynasty bronze models. 232 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou. Free admission, reservation required via the museum's official WeChat account 2. Xuelei Fragrance Museum, Guangzhou Xuelei Fragrance Museum in Guangzhou, China. Photo: Handout This is the world's largest fragrance museum, an immersive 75,000 sq ft space blending scent, technology and art. From ancient Egyptian incense rituals to Song dynasty court aromas and the rise of modern perfumery, this museum takes your nose on a time-travelling adventure. Visitors can sample over 300 unique scents, interact with digital scent installations and marvel at a treasure trove of aromatic artefacts. 1 Ketai 2nd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou. Tickets cost US$14, book via Meituan or Dianping 3. Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum in Guangzhou, China, looks at the legacy of the area's hongs, or merchant houses. Photo: Handout In the 18th and 19th centuries, during the Qing dynasty , Guangzhou was the sole Chinese port engaged in foreign maritime trade. The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, located on the original site of the bustling trading zone, brings this golden era to life. With more than 5,000 artefacts and rare documents, including Cantonese porcelain, reverse-glass paintings, ivory carvings and other export treasures, the museum vividly showcases the prosperity and global connections of the area.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Beyond Biomarkers: How Modern Technology Is Affirming Ancient Medicine
Dr. Trisha Swift is the CEO of Mula, an integrative health practice specializing in tech enabled preventative care and root-cause healing. A recent study published in Current Biology has made waves in both the scientific and wellness communities: Each person has a unique respiratory fingerprint, a distinct nasal breathing pattern that can identify them with 96.8% accuracy, much like a biometric ID. But the implications of this respiratory biometric stretch far beyond just identification. These breath patterns were found to correlate with physical health markers (like BMI), emotional states (like anxiety and depression) and cognitive function (such as sleep quality and behavior). At its core, this discovery brings modern science full circle with ancient healing traditions. In Ayurveda, Prana, the life force carried by the breath, is understood to nourish both the mind and body and can be viewed as a nonphysical substance, finer than oxygen. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi flows with the breath and is a key indicator of vitality and well-being. These traditions always saw breath not merely as a mechanical act, but as a mirror of the whole self. Now, neuroscience is saying the same thing. The study linked above used 24-hour nasal airflow monitoring and found that respiratory patterns remained remarkably stable across time and conditions, including rest, sleep, stress and activity. Even more compelling, these breath signatures reflected underlying emotional dysregulation and cognitive strain, often before they were consciously acknowledged by the person being studied. From Breath To Burnout The early identification of imbalances caused by chronic stress resonates deeply in our current health climate, where burnout, emotional exhaustion and cognitive fatigue are silently epidemic. We often talk about burnout in terms of long hours, high demands and lack of purpose, but what if we could detect its early physiological signs before people reach their breaking point? What if we could monitor subtle changes in our breathing and recognize when something is off, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally? This would represent a radical shift: not just toward early diagnosis but true preventive care. Rather than waiting for a diagnosis from disease screening or a breakdown from burnout, we could intervene at the first sign of dysregulation through lifestyle adjustments, breath work, sleep optimization or support for emotional health. These are not abstract ideas. They are actionable shifts waiting to happen if we invest and build the technology and systems to support them. Innovation Must Catch Up Modern healthcare, as it stands, is ill-equipped to detect this kind of subtle imbalance. It is built on late-stage intervention, rigid protocols and coding systems that reward acute illness over balanced health. Clinicians are overburdened with checklists, prior authorizations and productivity quotas. The system is excellent at treating disease, but poor at maintaining health. That's why rethinking how we assess health by embracing unconventional markers of well-being, like breath patterns, heart pulsations and other nonconventional biomarkers isn't just helpful; it's urgent. In a system centered on diagnosing disease, we need new frameworks that recognize the subtle rhythm disruptions before illness takes root. By moving beyond what's easily billable toward what's truly meaningful, we can open the door to more personalized and preventative care. Wearables have already started moving us in this direction. Finger-based ring wearables from a variety of brands, like Oura, SleepOn and Circul, can help track personalized health metrics such as sleep quality, heart rate variability, readiness scores and skin temperature. These wearables have empowered users to identify trends, optimize recovery and adjust behavior in real time. What these wearables have done for sleep and recovery, respiratory fingerprinting could do for emotional resilience and cognitive clarity. Imagine being alerted when your breath indicates rising anxiety levels, even before you feel physically stressed. Imagine your care team being notified when your sleep-breathing rhythm subtly shifts, predicting an oncoming bout of depression or cognitive fatigue. These are the front lines of preventative care. They are the future of medicine that honors the whole person, not just their diagnosis. Ancient Wisdom, Modern Precision In traditional healing systems, imbalance was addressed before illness appeared. Practitioners read the pulse, the tongue, the skin and the breath to assess how energy was flowing in the system. Treatment wasn't reactionary. It was responsive. The respiratory fingerprints discovery is a scientific bridge back to that wisdom. It offers modern precision to ancient intuition. It also offers a compelling blueprint for the next evolution of healthcare: one that is personalized and predictive. But to get there, we must invest in technology that captures dynamic health data, not just lab values once a year. We must support clinicians in using these insights within care plans and build reimbursement models that reward prevention, not just higher acuity. And most importantly, we must believe that well-being is more than the absence of disease—it's also in experiencing functional balance across all body systems. A New Way To Measure Wholeness As we learn more about how to measure ancient biomarkers, one thing is true: They are not a gimmick. They are a call to measure differently, to care differently and to lead differently. As a healthcare leader, I've seen what happens when systems become more focused on managing cost than advancing well-being. I've witnessed talented professionals fall into burnout while meeting metrics that have little to do with transforming healthcare. I've also seen the power of aligning cutting-edge technology with the timeless principles of traditional medicine and the whole-person healing it can enable. The discovery of respiratory fingerprints is not just a biometric breakthrough. It's a wake-up call to reimagine how we define, measure and maintain health. It affirms what many of us in the whole-health and integrative space already know: Well-being is complex, dynamic and deeply personal. It also strengthens the case I've made in my previous articles for high-tech holistic medicine and how innovation can help make the pivot from focusing on cost-containment to avoidance. We must invest in systems that listen to and measure the full story of our health, not just what's visible on a lab panel. It's time to breathe new life into healthcare and ourselves. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
HKTDC Research Report: Exploring Opportunities in Hong Kong's Proprietary Chinese Medicine Industry
International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products to be held next month to foster progress in traditional medicine research - The implementation of streamlined approval procedures for Hong Kong- and Macao-registered proprietary Chinese medicines ('pCms') by mainland China presents significant opportunities for Hong Kong companies to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland market. - A unified and comprehensive registration system strengthens the quality control of Hong Kong's pCms, reinforcing confidence among other regulatory bodies and stakeholders. - Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital will gradually commence operations by year end. This will help promote the popularity of Chinese medicine and pCms. HONG KONG - July 25, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council ('HKTDC') today released a report, 'Challenges and Opportunities in Hong Kong's Proprietary Chinese Medicine Industry,' that analyses the sector's development, challenges, and export potential of Hong Kong's pCm sector. With the completion of the transitional registration process for pCms in June this year, all pCms sold in Hong Kong now hold formal registration, marking a new era in the regulatory regime. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong is set to begin operations by late 2025 further popularising pCms. Additionally, mainland China has streamlined approval procedures for Hong Kong-registered traditional pCms, creating easier access to the mainland market. Hong Kong's pCms enjoy a strong reputation, with streamlined registration procedures facilitating expansion into the Mainland market Hong Kong currently has approximately 2,000 companies involved in pCms and Chinese herbal medicine-related businesses, including import/export trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail. Among these, some 264 enterprises are listed as local pCm manufacturers. The majority of pCms produced in Hong Kong are geared toward the consumer market. In 2024, Hong Kong's pCm exports totaled HK$2.88 billion with 93% locally produced, setting the industry apart from re-export-driven sectors. Mainland China remains the largest export market, accounting for over 70% of exports, followed by Macao (20%), and ASEAN (6%). Wing Chu, Principal Economist (Greater China) of the HKTDC, stated: 'Many Hong Kong proprietary Chinese medicines companies are eager to expand exports especially to the mainland market although pCm imports in mainland China are relatively small, with different pCms registration system and technical standards from those of Hong Kong. Notably, Hong Kong's pCms are highly regarded in Southern China and overseas Chinese communities, and streamlined approval procedures in mainland China for traditional pCms of Hong Kong and Macao offer significant opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland markets. Additionally, the rise of online shopping enables companies to leverage cross-border e-commerce platforms to access mainland and overseas markets, provided they comply with the corresponding regulatory requirements.' Comprehensive registration system drives standardisation of Chinese medicine The report indicates that, in recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively promoted the development of Chinese medicine. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to oversee the registration and management of pCms, and continuous support for Chinese medicine services in areas such as education, medical treatment, and scientific research. These efforts have enabled Hong Kong to cultivate professional Chinese medicine talent and promote the modernisation of Chinese medicine. Earlier this month, some 345 Hong Kong enterprises, including traders, registered a total of 8,244 pCms. The report states that a unified and comprehensive registration system enhances the quality control of Hong Kong's pCms, further increasing the confidence of other regulatory bodies and stakeholders in these products. Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital is set to open in late 2025, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services with Chinese medicine, which will drive the popularisation of Chinese medicine and pCms. In addition, Hong Kong pCm companies and local universities are committed to developing new pCms to further expand the market. Recently, the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of HKSAR Government under the InnoHK Research Clusters, developed a novel drug, CDD-2101, for the treatment of chronic constipation. The innovation is based on previous pilot clinical studies and basic research on the traditional Chinese herbal formulation 'MaZiRenWan'. For the first time, it has received authorisation for clinical research in the United States. Prof. BIAN Zhaoxiang, Director of the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and Associate Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) at HKBU, said: 'Our goal is to collect sufficient safety and efficacy data to obtain FDA approval for CDD-2101 as a marketable new drug and successfully launch it in the United States. This represents not only a major breakthrough in the research and development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong but also an important step in driving the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine.' Mainland market surpasses RMB450 billion Mainland China, the world's largest pCm market valued at RMB450 billion, streamlined registration and approval procedures in 2021 for traditional pCms for external use being sold in Hong Kong and Macao. In January 2025, the National Medical Products Administration further simplified the approval process for traditional pCms for oral use, provided they have been in use in Hong Kong for more than 15 years and whose production processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. Relevant application materials and technical requirements were also released in April this year. The report notes that the implementation of the streamlined registration procedures opens a more convenient channel for Hong Kong companies to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland markets. The recognition and acceptance of pCms differ across overseas regions. In many international markets, pCms are categorised and regulated as herbal medicines, health foods or dietary supplements. However, many Southeast Asian countries have specific, similar legal requirements for pCms, providing a clear pathway to enter these markets. The rapid growth of global e-commerce has created new sales channels for Hong Kong's pCms through cross-border e-retail. For the mainland market, the report points out that certain pCms for external use, such as Chinese medicinal wines and cooling oils, have been incorporated in the Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List, allowing relevant products to be sold to mainland China through cross-border e-commerce channels. In overseas markets, the e-commerce retail sector in ASEAN is experiencing significant growth, fueled by robust demand for herbal and health-related products in local markets. By adhering to local regulations, Hong Kong pCm enterprises can capitalise on additional business opportunities through online channels. Annual Chinese Medicine Conference to Share Latest Research Findings To foster the development of the Chinese medicine industry, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15 to 16 August 2025. The conference is jointly organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association, the HKTDC and 10 scientific research institutions. During the event, 21 scholars and experts from medical schools, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and organisations from mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand will discuss the latest research progress in the prevention and treatment of tumors, inflammation, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases using traditional medicine. They will also present a number of related clinical research results and share successful cases. For more details, please visit: Report and photo download: Media Enquiries Ogilvy Public Relations HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department Media Room: About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HKTDC Research Report: Exploring Opportunities in Hong Kong's Proprietary Chinese Medicine Industry
International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products to be held next month to foster progress in traditional medicine research - The implementation of streamlined approval procedures for Hong Kong- and Macao-registered proprietary Chinese medicines ("pCms") by mainland China presents significant opportunities for Hong Kong companies to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland market.- A unified and comprehensive registration system strengthens the quality control of Hong Kong's pCms, reinforcing confidence among other regulatory bodies and stakeholders.- Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital will gradually commence operations by year end. This will help promote the popularity of Chinese medicine and pCms. HONG KONG - July 25, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council ("HKTDC") today released a report, "Challenges and Opportunities in Hong Kong's Proprietary Chinese Medicine Industry," that analyses the sector's development, challenges, and export potential of Hong Kong's pCm sector. With the completion of the transitional registration process for pCms in June this year, all pCms sold in Hong Kong now hold formal registration, marking a new era in the regulatory regime. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong is set to begin operations by late 2025 further popularising pCms. Additionally, mainland China has streamlined approval procedures for Hong Kong-registered traditional pCms, creating easier access to the mainland market. Hong Kong's pCms enjoy a strong reputation, with streamlined registration procedures facilitating expansion into the Mainland market Hong Kong currently has approximately 2,000 companies involved in pCms and Chinese herbal medicine-related businesses, including import/export trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail. Among these, some 264 enterprises are listed as local pCm manufacturers. The majority of pCms produced in Hong Kong are geared toward the consumer market. In 2024, Hong Kong's pCm exports totaled HK$2.88 billion with 93% locally produced, setting the industry apart from re-export-driven sectors. Mainland China remains the largest export market, accounting for over 70% of exports, followed by Macao (20%), and ASEAN (6%). Wing Chu, Principal Economist (Greater China) of the HKTDC, stated: "Many Hong Kong proprietary Chinese medicines companies are eager to expand exports especially to the mainland market although pCm imports in mainland China are relatively small, with different pCms registration system and technical standards from those of Hong Kong. Notably, Hong Kong's pCms are highly regarded in Southern China and overseas Chinese communities, and streamlined approval procedures in mainland China for traditional pCms of Hong Kong and Macao offer significant opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland markets. Additionally, the rise of online shopping enables companies to leverage cross-border e-commerce platforms to access mainland and overseas markets, provided they comply with the corresponding regulatory requirements." Comprehensive registration system drives standardisation of Chinese medicine The report indicates that, in recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively promoted the development of Chinese medicine. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to oversee the registration and management of pCms, and continuous support for Chinese medicine services in areas such as education, medical treatment, and scientific research. These efforts have enabled Hong Kong to cultivate professional Chinese medicine talent and promote the modernisation of Chinese medicine. Earlier this month, some 345 Hong Kong enterprises, including traders, registered a total of 8,244 pCms. The report states that a unified and comprehensive registration system enhances the quality control of Hong Kong's pCms, further increasing the confidence of other regulatory bodies and stakeholders in these products. Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital is set to open in late 2025, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services with Chinese medicine, which will drive the popularisation of Chinese medicine and pCms. In addition, Hong Kong pCm companies and local universities are committed to developing new pCms to further expand the market. Recently, the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of HKSAR Government under the InnoHK Research Clusters, developed a novel drug, CDD-2101, for the treatment of chronic constipation. The innovation is based on previous pilot clinical studies and basic research on the traditional Chinese herbal formulation "MaZiRenWan". For the first time, it has received authorisation for clinical research in the United States. Prof. BIAN Zhaoxiang, Director of the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development and Associate Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) at HKBU, said: "Our goal is to collect sufficient safety and efficacy data to obtain FDA approval for CDD-2101 as a marketable new drug and successfully launch it in the United States. This represents not only a major breakthrough in the research and development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong but also an important step in driving the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine." Mainland market surpasses RMB450 billion Mainland China, the world's largest pCm market valued at RMB450 billion, streamlined registration and approval procedures in 2021 for traditional pCms for external use being sold in Hong Kong and Macao. In January 2025, the National Medical Products Administration further simplified the approval process for traditional pCms for oral use, provided they have been in use in Hong Kong for more than 15 years and whose production processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. Relevant application materials and technical requirements were also released in April this year. The report notes that the implementation of the streamlined registration procedures opens a more convenient channel for Hong Kong companies to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland markets. The recognition and acceptance of pCms differ across overseas regions. In many international markets, pCms are categorised and regulated as herbal medicines, health foods or dietary supplements. However, many Southeast Asian countries have specific, similar legal requirements for pCms, providing a clear pathway to enter these markets. The rapid growth of global e-commerce has created new sales channels for Hong Kong's pCms through cross-border e-retail. For the mainland market, the report points out that certain pCms for external use, such as Chinese medicinal wines and cooling oils, have been incorporated in the Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List, allowing relevant products to be sold to mainland China through cross-border e-commerce channels. In overseas markets, the e-commerce retail sector in ASEAN is experiencing significant growth, fueled by robust demand for herbal and health-related products in local markets. By adhering to local regulations, Hong Kong pCm enterprises can capitalise on additional business opportunities through online channels. Annual Chinese Medicine Conference to Share Latest Research Findings To foster the development of the Chinese medicine industry, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15 to 16 August 2025. The conference is jointly organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association, the HKTDC and 10 scientific research institutions. During the event, 21 scholars and experts from medical schools, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and organisations from mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand will discuss the latest research progress in the prevention and treatment of tumors, inflammation, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases using traditional medicine. They will also present a number of related clinical research results and share successful cases. For more details, please visit: Report and photo download: Media Enquiries Ogilvy Public Relations Chole Chan Tel: (852) 6809 6633 Email: Leanne Pok Tel: (852) 9379 9694 Email: HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department Stanley So Tel: (852) 2584 4049 Email: Serena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: Media Room: About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's hottest Xiaoshu: what does it mean and how can you cope?
Hong Kong experienced the hottest Xiaoshu on Tuesday, with the mercury at the Observatory hitting 34.3 degrees Celsius (93.7 Fahrenheit). Advertisement However, the hottest weather is still yet to come, it warned. The Post explains what Xiaoshu is and presents traditional Chinese medicine's recommendations for coping with the heat. 1. What is Xiaoshu? Xiaoshu, the 11th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, means minor or moderate heat and signifies the onset of summer, but not in full force. The period is marked by rising temperatures. According to the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the Department of Health, it happens around July 7 each year. 'While the peak of summer has arrived, it is not yet the hottest period of the year,' it said. Advertisement The 24 Solar Terms is a calendar system developed by ancient Chinese people. It indicates seasonal changes, directs agricultural practices, and affects all aspects of daily life such as food, housing and transport.
