Hungarian student Liu Bao Oscar holds a hawthorn ball he has just made at the Traditional Chinese Medicine night market at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shenyang, Liaoning, on Aug 8. CHINA DAILY
From Aug 8 to 10, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) night market took place at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (LUTCM) in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province.
A foreign face stood out at the market. He was deeply engrossed in making hawthorn balls, a traditional Chinese remedy for boosting appetite and digestion.
"Even though I've studied TCM for years, this is my first time actually making a medicinal formula with my own hands," said Liu Bao Oscar, a 26-year-old Hungarian student at LUTCM.
Liu's journey from Hungary to LUTCM was not just academic but also personal.
As a child, Liu often struggled with digestive issues — a weak stomach and frequent diarrhea — and Western medicine offered little relief. "It cast a shadow over my childhood," he said.
So, Liu's father, a graduate of LUTCM, turned to his own training. He applied traditional Chinese medicinal patches to Liu's belly button, where the Shenque acupuncture point is located. In a matter of months, Liu's condition improved significantly.
"At the time, it seemed almost magical," Liu recalled. "How could something so different from Western medicine be so effective? I had to understand it."
In 2019, driven by both a love for the ancient practice and admiration for his father, Liu left Hungary for China. "I knew I had to come to the source to truly learn," he said.
During his studies, Liu's understanding of TCM broadened and deepened. He learned that the patches his father used contained herbs believed to have warming effects, perfectly suited to his cold-induced digestive issues, and that the proximity of the Shenque acupuncture point to the digestive organs allows the medicine to be absorbed more effectively.
"It all made sense once I understood the theory," he said. "It's not magic — it's science."
This realization marked a turning point for Liu. He began applying what he had learned to his own condition.
Diagnosed with spleen deficiency, Liu tried to create a personalized remedy by experimenting with different combinations and adjusting the formula based on his understanding of TCM principles.
LUTCM Party Secretary Lyu Xiaodong (right) checks a citizen's pulse at the night market on Aug 10. CHINA DAILY
After several months of treatment, the results were clear. "My appetite improved, I had more energy — my whole condition improved," he said.
The success of his self-treatment solidified Liu's commitment to TCM.
Among the many ancient texts he studied, Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) — one of the Chinese medical classics — resonated most deeply with him, especially the principle of "nourishing yang energy in spring and summer, and yin energy in autumn and winter".
"This concept of aligning oneself with the seasons — it's so simple yet so profound," he said.
To preserve his yang energy, Liu made a significant lifestyle change. "I haven't eaten ice cream in three years," he said. "It's a small sacrifice to maintain my health."
The night market offered Liu a rare opportunity to see TCM in action outside the classroom. He eagerly engaged in various activities. At the acupuncture and massage booths, he watched seasoned practitioners at work, absorbing their techniques and insights.
"Seeing the theory put into practice — it's invaluable," he said. "It's one thing to study it; it's another to see it help real people."
Over three days, the market saw more than 55,000 people receiving treatments like acupuncture, cupping, and massage. An additional 100,000 participated in cultural activities, from tea tastings to making herbal remedies.
"Compared to Western medicine, TCM's most distinctive feature is its focus on holistic lifestyle adjustments to maintain health and balance," said LUTCM Party Secretary Lyu Xiaodong. "This night market isn't just about showcasing TCM — it's about making it accessible and helping people integrate it into their lives."
For Liu, the event reinforced his desire to bring this knowledge back to Hungary. "I want more people to understand, to accept, and to benefit from TCM," Liu said. "It's a responsibility, but it's also a privilege."
Reflecting on his journey, Liu sees himself as part of a larger narrative.
"Many years ago, my father came to LUTCM to study TCM.Now, I'm here, continuing that legacy," he said. "The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to discover."
