A group of foreigners had the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese medicine during a cultural activity on Aug 12 that was part of the IN KEQIAO campaign organized by authorities of Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province.

During their visit to the traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Shaoxing's Keqiao district, the nine foreigners, who are from countries including the Netherlands, South Korea, India and Ghana, experienced TCM treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, and sanfutie, which is a medicinal patch made of Chinese herbs.

TCM practitioners believe that using sanfutie can help people ward against coughs, asthma and arthritis in the summer. The patch is also used to treat illnesses that are common in winter.

"Hot and warm, the Chinese herbal medicines applied to the body seem to exude magic," said NandK, an Indian expat, after a piece of sanfutie was applied to his skin.

NandK, who has been living in Keqiao for 20 years, added that his wife Nisha has also experienced the benefits of TCM, adding that she recovered quickly after received scraping treatment for her cold.

Dutch national Tomas experiences acupuncture. 

Kevin, a Dutch national, described his moxibustion experience as "very relaxing".