Dialogue Between Ancient Chinese Medicine and Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine Unfolds in Sri Lanka

From March 20 to 22, the "Silk Road Medical Dialogue: Exchange Between Ancient Chinese Medicine and Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine" series of events took place in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, and other cities in Sri Lanka. Eleven physicians from the Longsha Medical School Heritage Studio in Jiangsu, China, showcased the charm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture and its unique diagnostic and therapeutic techniques through lectures, clinical demonstrations, and free medical consultations. Over 300 Sri Lankan traditional medicine practitioners, students, and enthusiasts participated.

On March 21, the "TCM Cultural Exchange and Diagnostic Skills Workshop" was held at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine. Attendees included Ni Lisheng, Director of the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka; Professor Ranjana W. Seneviratne, President of the university; and over 130 faculty members and students.

Professor Ranjana emphasized the university’s efforts to introduce TCM through collaborations, such as developing TCM courses to deepen understanding and benefit patients. Dr. W. A. L. Chandrasiri Waliwita, Dean of the Graduate School, noted that both China and Sri Lanka possess profound traditional medical systems. He highlighted the event’s role in advancing Sri Lankan traditional medicine practices rooted in TCM principles.

Director Ni Lisheng stated that TCM embodies millennia of wisdom and the philosophical tenets of "harmony between heaven and humanity and following the laws of nature." He underscored the shared values between the two traditions, such as holistic health, internal balance, harmony with nature, reverence for life, exploration of natural remedies, and emphasis on preventive care. He expressed confidence that the exchange would deepen integration between TCM and Sri Lankan traditional medicine, fostering mutual understanding and contributing to a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.

Professor Gu Zhishan, Chief Representative Inheritor of the Longsha Medical School Heritage Studio and a professor at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, delivered a lecture titled Chinese Civilization and TCM Culture, explaining TCM’s core theories and their cultural foundations. His team then demonstrated the "Longsha Opening-Closing Six Qi Acupuncture Technique," captivating attendees with its immediate therapeutic effects.

After the lecture, university leaders personally experienced the acupuncture technique. President Ranjana and Dean Chandrasiri enthusiastically discussed their newfound understanding of "yin and yang" with students. Uthpala, a student, shared, "We previously focused only on Sri Lankan medicine, but today’s event opened our eyes to TCM. It offers more ways to help patients." The university proposed further collaborations, including online courses and short-term TCM training programs.

On March 23, a "TCM Cultural Exchange and Diagnostic Skills Seminar" was held in Kandy, attended by over 130 participants, including Mrs. Senarathna, Senior Assistant Secretary; Dr. Cyril Wickramathilake, Provincial Commissioner of Ayurveda Department of Ayurveda, Central Province; and local practitioners.

Dr. Shereen praised the event as a platform for sharing knowledge and techniques, noting its benefits for both practitioners and patients. Professor Gu repeated his lecture, followed by live acupuncture demonstrations. Attendees actively sought consultations and requested contact details and materials, praising the Longsha methods for their accessibility and efficacy. Many urged for extended training sessions.

During the event, the Longsha team also provided free medical consultations in Colombo for over 120 local residents and Chinese expatriates, receiving widespread acclaim.

This series of exchanges highlighted the growing synergy between Chinese and Sri Lankan traditional medicine, paving the way for future collaboration in education, research, and healthcare innovation.