On May 10th, 2012, at the request of the local community, Prof. Weihong Yan, Director of Confucius Institute at Pfeiffer University, offered a Traditional Chinese Medicine Lecture to the community.

Prof. Yan first introduced to the audience two important books of TMC. One is Emperor Huang Di's Classic of Internal Medicine, the first classic discussing TMC. As the most important book and the foundation of TMC, it makes great contribution to the development of TMC. It is also the first regimen book in China. Prof. Yan also gave a brief introduction to the other book, Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Then Prof. Yan discussed briefly the history and basic theories of TMC, like Main and Collateral Channels, Ying and Yang, Acupuncture Points, the Five Elements, etc. He said TMC pays more attention to the relationships among main and collateral channels and all organs, which makes the greatest difference between TMC and Western medicine.

Treatment of TMC includes Chinese herbal medicine therapy, acupuncture, massage, Qigong exercise, dietary therapy, etc. Prof. Yan also talked about two traditional Chinese medicine formulas. From his own experience of practicing Qigong, he told the audience the benefits of Qigong exercise to life-cultivation. He also shared with the audience his unique understanding of the theory of Qi. "Qi is not only energy, it has also psychological significance. There are relationships between Qi and the art, Qi and the business, etc. It is also closely related to a Western Psychology concept, emotional intelligence." he said. No person has ever talked about Qi like this before.

Prof. Yan said TMC emphasizes natural life style. He also discussed TMC theories of Ying and Yang, the Five Elements, etc. These concepts are new to the American audience. However, Prof. Yan gave clear and vivid explanations to them from his own studies and experiences.

Prof. Yan also talked about TMC dietary therapy. TMC emphasizes a balanced and nourishing diet. People should adjust their diet according to the seasons and have a natural life style, so as to prevent diseases. This is what TMC regards as the healthy life style. Prof. Yan also cooked a nourishing porridge made of medlar and seafood for the audience to try. In addition, he showed a video of how the porridge is made and explained it to the audience.

The lecture was warmly received by the audience, who thought it very instructive in their daily life. One of the audience said, "For me, the lecture is not only an opportunity to learn TMC, but also an opportunity to learn the Chinese language, for Prof. Yan gave each Chinese term Pinyin and let us read after him." Some audiences expressed, "we hope more lectures like this can be offered by the Confucius Institute."