Beijing | A doctor couple from Kerala specialising in Ayurveda is gaining traction in China by offering a new platform for locals to experience the wellness of ancient Indian healing, perhaps the first foray into the land of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Dr Changampalli Kizhakkillath Mohamed Shafeeque and his wife, Dr Dane (36), come from contrasting cultural and religious backgrounds but have chosen a common, ambitious path of practising Ayurveda — the over 3,000-year-old Indian system of medicine, often translated as the "science of life." They believe Ayurveda shares many similarities with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly due to its emphasis on herbal formulations and holistic healing.

Together, they are trying to popularise India's ancient wellness system in China and create a cultural bridge between Ayurveda and TCM.

Dr Shafeeque hails from the 600-year-old traditional Ayurveda family named "Changampalli Gurukkal". The members of the family were originally Tulu Brahmins, serving as physicians of royal families in the past.

Dr Shafeeque says while some members of his family have since embraced Islam, others remain Hindu. He sees his work in Ayurveda as a continuation of his ancestral roots.

Dr Dane, on the other hand, comes from a Christian family. She studied at the Ayurveda College of Kerala University in Thiruvananthapuram, where she met Dr Shafeeque.

Dr Shafeeque's China sojourn began in 2016 after he started treating several Chinese patients seeking Ayurvedic treatment while practising in Pondicherry in his early career.

This prompted him to visit China's affluent Guangzhou city to explore new opportunities in the practice.

After initially working with various Yoga and wellness centres and a detailed study of Chinese regulations for medical practices, he started his own clinic providing holistic Ayurveda therapies.

These therapies include the famous Sirodhara, a classical procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil and other liquids on the forehead.

He began training young Chinese individuals in Ayurveda, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills such as oil massage through in-person and online classes.

He established a consulting company in Guangzhou, excluding medical services as per the rules.

With the help of the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou and connected institutes in TCM, he gained trust and popularity among the Chinese clientele, he said.

“Initially, it was difficult to establish myself, and I found the going very tough. But slowly, Dane and I found steady support and encouragement with more patients showing trust," Dr Shafeeque told PTI during his recent visit to Beijing.

The growing inquisitiveness and interest in Ayurveda were visible at the Yoga Day celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Beijing on June 22, when a long line of Chinese youth lined up at Dr Shafeeque's small booth.

Besides practising at his clinic in Guangzhou with Dr Dane, he regularly gives lectures and demonstrations, gaining over 10,000 followers online.

His practical Ayurveda training courses have become popular, with his students starting their small units in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, he said.

His Ayurveda holistic treatment for depression and liver disorders received positive feedback, he said.

Speaking of similarities between Ayurveda and TCM, Dr Shafeeque said both are energy-based and follow a five-element approach, besides pulse reading, though not similar, he said.

“Their treatment, like ours, is based on plant-based herbal medicines and oils," he said, adding, “We have 80 per cent similarities." At the same time, there is great research in TCM to establish its scientific validation. Whereas in Ayurveda, such an effort is ongoing, he said.

Dr. Dane said Chinese trust in pulse examination is very high.

“Our Ayurveda is doing good here," she said.

Ayurvedic massages are smooth but very effective, unlike those of Chinese, which are more based on pressure, she said.

Considering the popularity, both would like to expand their practice to popularise the Ayurvedic traditional medicinal healing in China, abiding by the local rules and regulations.