Chongqing - Dragon Boat Festival is more than just thrilling races and delicious zongzi—it's a 2,000-year-old tradition deeply rooted in wellness. While the vibrant celebrations along the river may steal the spotlight, the heart of this festival beats with ancient wisdom on health.

At the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, we investigated how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps preserve these customs. Scented sachets, once worn to ward off summer illnesses, are still handcrafted using herbs like mugwort, clove, and mint—each carefully chosen for its healing properties.

Cupping therapy, known for improving circulation, and acupuncture, used to balance the body’s energy, connect us directly to TCM’s holistic approach. As one doctor explained, these practices aren’t just treatments—they're time-tested traditions meant to prevent illness and restore balance.

From herbal sachets to tiny needles, the Dragon Boat Festival reminds us that celebration and health can go hand in hand. Whether you're by the water or in a TCM clinic, it’s the perfect time to care for your body—and let your qi flow smoothly.

(Shi Guangyan, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)