A traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Henan has gone viral on the internet. The clinic combines traditional Chinese medicine, known as TCM, into healthy meals aimed at improving people's wellbeing. The clinic is also running activities for children. Zhou Yixin has the story.

When you think of a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, you may imagine shelves of herbal remedies, a mix of potions, and the strong smell of medicinal brews.

But in central Henan Province, a traditional Chinese medicine clinic is charting a different path, combining the culture of TCM with everyday life, beginning with healthy food.

ZHOU YIXIN Zhengzhou, Henan Province "Traditional Chinese medicine has a concept: medicine and food are linked. And that means integrating some theories about food in traditional Chinese medicine into meal preparation. For example, the white pepper added to these noodles is warming, so it can have the effect of relieving a cold and strengthening our stomach."

The clinic started serving meals after realizing many patients suffered illnesses resulting from poor dietary habits, or a lack of knowledge about preparing nutritious meals.

Their mission is to promote a healthier lifestyle in line with TCM principles.

LI JIAHUI Founder and General Manager Dongjitang Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic "Our hope is that people don't get sick, get sick less often, or can easily treat their illnesses. We also hope people feel the charm of traditional Chinese medicine and integrate the culture of traditional Chinese medicine into their daily lives. People taking care of their daily health not only improves their quality of life and happiness, but also reduces the country's medical expenditure."

Li says she's happy to see many young people come to dine at her place, and learn about TCM.

WANG ZHENG Diner "I think this traditional Chinese medicine clinic is using another way to integrate traditional Chinese medicine culture into people's daily lives. Food is perhaps the most important thing for people, so they're using it to promote traditional Chinese culture."

QIU GAOCHANG Diner "Nowadays, young people are under a lot of pressure in life and need a way or a place to improve their lifestyle and relieve stress. I think this traditional Chinese medicine clinic and restaurant is a good choice."

Beyond serving meals, the clinic also hosts different activities for children and their parents, such as teaching children how to prepare authentic Chinese dishes and educating them about how grains are made into food. The owners think this is a good way to teach children to appreciate food and other blessings in life, and get to know more about traditional Chinese culture. Zhou Yixin, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan Province.