In recent years, there has been a sudden surge in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Gen Z has begun adopting Chinese medicine for health and wellness.
Now drinking hot water instead of iced tea, and moving the body every day to promote the flow of “qi,” the life force for all living beings. Demand for herbal teas and remedies is rising as TCM health practices become increasingly popular among Gen-Z.
According to the National Cancer Institute, TCM is a traditional medical practice that dates to ancient China thousands of years ago. It focuses on preventive care and treatment by balancing the harmony of the life force across the body’s different channels.
Well-known practices such as cupping, gua sha, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes are part of TCM. It has gained popularity among the recent generation as they explore alternative treatments to maintain their well-being and manage their symptoms.
One big reason for its growing popularity among American Gen-Z is the skepticism toward American healthcare and its prices, which can put a person in debt. The skepticism makes sense as the American healthcare system focuses heavily on treatment rather than prevention.
American healthcare providers are paid under a fee-for-service model, where payment depends on the procedure or treatment they provide, rather than on prevention, making it expensive. Alternatively, TCM offers a less expensive approach to not only treatment but also to prevention. Hence, Gen Z has begun leaning towards the traditional practices in hopes of preventing and managing their qi.
As TCM takes off, questions about cultural appropriation or appreciation of the culture and these practices arise. Some note the positive effects the growing popularity of TCM has brought to its providers and the global recognition it has received. Others worry this could eventually become a case of cultural appropriation where people fail to understand, learn and respect the origins of these practices. They worry that this could be adopted and rebranded as something new and different, without any credit for its origins.
It is important to understand the meaning and use of traditional practices from any culture, and to show respect for their origins.
Overall, Gen Z’s growing interest in TCM highlights how the recent generation views healthcare and their hopes for a more holistic approach towards their well-being. The growing attention to TCM might eventually shape the future of the health system, as it could combine the two practices to improve people’s lives.
