Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Passes the Torch: Dr. Wu Mingjie’s Apprenticeship Ceremony Held at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

On the morning of November 13, 2024, a strong traditional atmosphere filled the campus of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, as the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute hosted the grand apprenticeship ceremony for Dr. Wu Mingjie. This ceremony was not only a grand event for the passing on of the legacy of TCM but also a testament to the blossoming of Chinese medicine in the new era. It attracted many TCM professionals and guests from various sectors, who gathered to witness this meaningful moment.

Dr. Wu Mingjie, a prominent disciple of Professor Xiao Xinhe and a key figure at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, embarked on the journey of passing on his knowledge and skills with a deep passion and sense of mission for TCM. Hailing from a traditional TCM family in Guangtai Town, Puning City, Guangdong Province, Dr. Wu was immersed in TCM culture from an early age in the Chaozhou-Shantou region, a land rich in centuries of Chinese cultural heritage. Influenced by his family, he became acquainted with TCM and Tai Chi at the age of 7, and thus began his lifelong exploration of TCM’s mysteries.

As a treasured gem of Chinese culture, TCM has many methods of succession, and the “master-apprentice” tradition has been a long-standing and effective means of education. Dr. Wu understands the value of this tradition. For him, it is not only the transmission of techniques but also the inheritance of culture and spirit. Through the “master-apprentice” model, true TCM practitioners who are dedicated and skilled can be nurtured, bringing continuous fresh energy to the revival of TCM. The unique TCM skills that Dr. Wu possesses are the crystallization of the wisdom passed down by generations of forebears, as well as the precious teachings of several mentors. Now, with a heart full of gratitude, he is determined to pass these invaluable skills back to his country, allowing TCM culture to take root, blossom, and bear fruit both in China and across the world.

The ceremony was presided over by Xu Jianhui, Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute. His solemn and warm opening remarks marked the beginning of the event. The guests present included Professor Yu Jin, Director of the Jin San Zhen Research Center at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and also the Director of the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute, as well as: Tan Qianya, Secretary of the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine’s Work Committee; Chairman Deng Shanyou of Guangzhou Xinghuo Hospital; Mr. Chen Weiqiang, Marketing Director of Guangzhou Xinghuo Hospital; Mr. Liang Liran, Senior Reporter for Guangdong Elderly Newspaper; Mr. Xie Zehui, President of Guangdong Tiegan TCM Health Management Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ye Shixing, Legal Representative of Guangdong Jianyuan Investment Co., Ltd.; Mr. Guo Weimin, Manager of China Academic Review Publishing House; Tan Shengguo, General Manager of Guangzhou Henton TCM Clinic, and many disciples of Professor Xiao Xinhe, with over 60 attendees in total.

The prestigious guest list highlighted the event’s significant attention and support from various sectors. Professor Li Zequan of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, as a mentor at the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute and a witness to the ceremony, attended with Dr. Wu Mingjie’s mentor, therefore the new apprentices’ grandmaster, Professor Xiao Xinhe. The authority of these two seasoned TCM experts added incomparable dignity and solemnity to the ceremony.

Professor Xiao Xinhe delivered an important speech at the ceremony, first expressing his sincere thanks to all those who attended. Reflecting on his 65 years of clinical experience, Professor Xiao shared how the accumulation of years made him realize the importance of health maintenance. He particularly emphasized the critical role of pulse diagnosis in TCM diagnostics. His work, Rapid Study of Pulse Diagnosis, is the result of years of research and practice. Professor Xiao also pointed out that the inheritance of TCM cannot be separated from the transmission of classical techniques such as pulse diagnosis and the “four diagnostic methods and eight principles,” which represent the essence of TCM. He shared insights from his clinical experience, such as mastering common pulse patterns through extensive practice and the lessons learned when treating critically ill patients. He advised the new apprentices: "Clinical practice is the life of TCM. Accurate pulse diagnosis can provide important clues for diagnosing diseases. You must study hard, inherit the valuable heritage of TCM, and give back to society in the future." His words, filled with deep hopes and unwavering faith in TCM's inheritance, moved every listener present.

Professor Yu Jin, Director of the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute, then spoke, guiding the audience through the development of TCM education and research. Professor Yu shared his personal journey and experiences, recounting how, inspired by Qian Xuesen’s human science theory, he became interested in TCM health preservation and rehabilitation. He chose acupuncture as his field of study and followed Professor Li Zequan for his clinical training. During his university years, he dedicated himself to studying and practicing health preservation techniques under the guidance of Professor Li. After graduation, Professor Yu continued his studies and became a key teacher in the first TCM health preservation program at his alma mater, witnessing the growth of the rehabilitation department from scratch.

Professor Yu elaborated on the core idea of TCM health preservation, which emphasizes the activation of consciousness to achieve longevity and maintain health, a concept that aligns with the philosophy from the late Professor Deng Tietao. He also introduced the history of the Guangdong Provincial Centennial Health Research Institute, established in 2012, with Professor Xiao Xinhe as its first director. The institute aims to study the functional states of centenarians and promote TCM health preservation culture. Professor Yu, now the director, spoke of his commitment to advancing the institute and emphasized the importance of scientific research and application to strengthen TCM health preservation. He also mentioned an upcoming longevity forum in Chengmai, Hainan, which would further expand the global influence of TCM health preservation.

Amidst the anticipation of the audience, Dr. Wu Mingjie took the stage to share his journey with TCM. He recalled his childhood in a TCM family, where his father’s strict training in standing postures helped him build a solid foundation and a rigorous attitude. Immersed in the traditions of Chaozhou-Shantou culture, his love for TCM only grew stronger. Dr. Wu acknowledged that, although some TCM practitioners are uncertain about the future of TCM in China, he firmly believes that TCM's roots are in China, with a rich cultural heritage and broad public support. He stressed that taking on apprentices is not just about passing down techniques, but also about honoring his mentors, parents, and the support of the country and its people. “Though I have lived overseas for 35 years, my heart has always yearned for my homeland, and my mission to carry forward TCM remains unchanged. I hope that through this apprenticeship, I can pass on my knowledge to more aspiring practitioners and spread TCM culture across the world,” he stated. His words reflected his strong commitment to the inheritance of TCM and his deep emotional connection to his homeland.

Next, nine apprentices, including Rady Mom from Massachusetts, Wei Li from Massachusetts, Richard Kevorkian from Connecticut, Zhang Weihui from Shandong, Yang Shaoli from Puning, Han Lili from Shantou, Liu Jiaqi from Beihai, Xie Ruijun from Puning, and Wang Jinfen from Fuzhou, took turns reading their apprentice letters. They came from different regions and backgrounds but were united by their admiration and love for TCM, eager to become Dr. Wu Mingjie’s disciples and continue the tradition of TCM. Each sentence in their letters expressed their unwavering dedication to TCM and their respect for their teacher, creating a solemn and passionate atmosphere.

During the formal apprenticeship ceremony, Dr. Wu Mingjie first honored heaven, the Medicine Sages, and the medical ancestors, expressing his reverence for the TCM tradition. He then paid respects to his mentor, Professor Xiao Xinhe, and senior mentor, Professor Li Zequan, thanking them for their guidance. The nine apprentices, under the witness of Professors Xiao and Li, performed a respectful bow and tea ceremony to formally become Dr. Wu Mingjie’s disciples, starting their new journey in TCM. This traditional and solemn ceremony not only marked the establishment of the master-apprentice relationship but also symbolized the continued inheritance of TCM culture, connecting the present with the rich history and cultural charm of TCM.

Dr. Wu Mingjie’s closing remarks were filled with emotion. He expressed that he had been waiting for this moment for 35 years. Since his journey to the United States in 1990 to spread TCM culture, he had longed to pass the torch of TCM to more like-minded individuals. He warmly welcomed his new apprentices and expressed his hope that through their collective efforts, TCM culture would continue to grow and thrive, realizing the vision of four generations working together to sustain the brilliance of TCM. His speech, filled with confidence in the future of TCM, inspired all present to continue working hard for the advancement of TCM.

Professor Li Zequan’s speech added a unique touch to the ceremony. He humorously explained why he and Professor Xiao Xinhe had not been promoted to full professors, sharing how the spiritual transformation and longevity potential of their health practices had led to some students pursuing a monastic life, which had caused dissatisfaction among parents and impacted their promotions. Nonetheless, he used this experience to emphasize the profound effects of proper practice on one's mental state and longevity. He demonstrated a special sitting posture on-site and explained in detail its positive effects on spinal correction and overall life force. He pointed out that the common sitting posture often leads to spinal misalignment, while this special sitting method can help adjust the spine and improve one's life state. It may even enable a person to transcend the ordinary and achieve extraordinary results. He also shared his thoughts and explorations on health-preservation practices, mentioning a photo of an elderly yogi who had not eaten or drunk for 60 years. By comparing the yogi's sitting posture with that of ordinary people, he sparked an in-depth discussion on the mysteries of health-preservation techniques. Professor Li, though humorously acknowledging that his hair had turned white and he had not yet found the secret to reversing aging, encouraged everyone to actively explore excellent health-preservation methods. He hoped that everyone would examine and practice the techniques he demonstrated, working together to uncover the true essence of TCM health-preservation. His speech, delivered in a relaxed and humorous atmosphere, led the audience to gain a new understanding and perspective on TCM health-preservation methods.

Finally, Rady Mom, representing the Massachusetts House of Representatives, awarded honorary certificates to Grandmaster Professor Xiao Xinhe, Master Dr. Wu Mingjie, and fellow apprentices Liu Jiaqi and Han Lili. These certificates were presented in recognition of their significant achievements in the field of TCM and their outstanding contributions to human health. This segment not only demonstrated the international recognition and respect for TCM culture but also highlighted the global influence and spread of TCM. The awarding of these certificates was a high acknowledgment of Dr. Wu Mingjie and his disciples' team, as well as a powerful encouragement for the inheritance and development of TCM. It also revealed the vast potential for TCM culture to expand worldwide.

The successful conclusion of Dr. Wu Mingjie's apprenticeship ceremony carries profound significance and impact. It was not only an event for passing down TCM skills but also a continuation of the spirit of TCM culture. Through the traditional "master-apprentice" model, the wisdom and essence of TCM are being passed on to a new generation, injecting fresh vitality into the flourishing development of TCM both domestically and internationally. With the collective attention and support of people from various walks of life, TCM culture will undoubtedly shine even brighter in the new era, contributing more to global health and writing a more glorious chapter. We believe that with the efforts of Dr. Wu Mingjie and his disciples, TCM, a brilliant gem, will shine more brightly on the world stage, bringing its profound depth and miraculous healing effects to benefit more people.

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