Joyce Zhang

Joyce studied community health in China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and Mandarin Chinese at the intermediate level in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China for six weeks through the School for International Training (SIT). By the end of this international experience, Joyce achieved an understanding of the fundamental differences between Chinese and Western medical systems. She observed doctors in local TCM hospitals and was able to practice TCM treatment methods with these doctors on herself in the classroom environment. Treatments for symptoms both physical and mental included herbal medicine preparation, Chinese tuina massage, cupping, acupuncture and moxibustion. She also learned that the philosophy behind TCM treatments are based on Daoist, Buddhist and Confucianist principles involving rebalance with the environment and within oneself to be healthy in mind, body and spirit; a whole different perspective than western medical thought. Through discussions about this philosophy and her first excursions to Buddhist monasteries and temples, Joyce rediscovered her religious roots in Buddhism. Additionally, she visited various minority villages to observe how these smaller village communities handled illness and disease in their respective county- or township-level hospitals despite having less funding from the Chinese government. During her stay in Kunming, Joyce improved her Chinese fluency by practicing with friends for class, taking the initiative to order while dining, and translating for non-Chinese speakers on the program. The other students with her on the program came from all over the world, each with differing levels of proficiency in Chinese language and culture. Therefore, it was a wonderful experience to be exposed to their respective walks of life and for them to learn about her culture as a Chinese American. From this opportunity, Joyce gained a new perspective on health care, friends for a lifetime, and a better grasp of her identity.