A replica of an ancient bronze figure used to teach acupuncture. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Learning those TCM classics is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. I have to learn the classics 'piece by piece' first. When I master enough TCM knowledge, I can integrate it into clinical practice, which is based on both medical theory and observation," she says.

She is one of a growing number of foreign students of traditional medicine in China. Zhang Daliang, director of the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, says TCM is the most popular field of natural sciences for foreign students in China.

"TCM has been spread to 183 countries and regions. International education has played an important role in promoting TCM worldwide," says Zhang.

Chinese-American Chelsea Qi Xie is also a student at the International School of BUCM. She is an overseas Chinese and her mother is a pharmacist. She is studying TCM not only to learn about her cultural roots, but also because it is becoming more accepted in the US.

"Acupuncture is an alternative therapy with relatively few side effects. Acupuncture services are available in many big hospitals in the US, and registered acupuncture practitioners must pass formal exams. To my knowledge, there are around 20,000 registered acupuncturists in the state of California alone," Xie says.

The Beijing university has also established relations with 108 universities and research institutions in 30 countries and regions around the world, boosting the general recognition of TCM abroad.