On October 21, the International Exchange Conference on Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and the Promotion of the Yi Medicine Wellness Industry was held in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. At this event, Chuxiong, recognized as the birthplace and primary heritage area of Yi medicine, unveiled a collection of classic Yi medicinal prescriptions, treatment protocols, and canonical texts to enhance its service capabilities and lay a stronger foundation for the sustainable development of ethnic medicine.
Wang Yin, Vice President of the Yunnan Ethnic and Folk Medicine Association, introduced 15 classic Yi medicinal prescriptions and 20 diagnostic and treatment plans. He emphasized that the release of these clinically significant and research-focused treatment protocols represents the collective wisdom and hard work of Yi medicine practitioners, marking a new phase in the standardized and scientific development of Yi medicine.
Dr. Dai Bihong, Director of the Chuxiong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, presented the “Chinese Yi Medicine Classics: Volume on Luowu Yi Medicine” and “Chinese Yi Medicine Classics: Selected Transcriptions Volume Two.” He noted that the published texts, totaling over 1.1 million characters, were systematically organized based on disease characteristics and medication principles, resulting in accessible documents. Dr. Dai expressed that these publications would serve as a catalyst for further research and promotion of Yi medicine, aiming to unearth its hidden potential and explore pathways for its integration with modern medicine.
Yi medicine embodies the accumulated experience and wisdom of the Yi people in their long battle against diseases, forming an essential part of Chinese medical heritage. Chuxiong’s Yi medicine is characterized by its rich historical culture and abundant resources. Notably, the “Shuangbai Yi Medical Book,” written in 1566, predates the “Compendium of Materia Medica” by 12 years. Currently, the region boasts 1,381 species of medicinal materials across 243 families, which includes 1,292 plant-based medicines, 76 animal-based medicines, and 13 mineral medicines.
With its unique comparative advantages, Chuxiong has prioritized the development of Yi medicine, aiming to establish a “Demonstration Zone for Chinese and Yi Medicine” and a “Central Yunnan Medicine Valley,” thus promoting high-quality, leapfrog development across the industry. As of now, there are 55 enterprises in the region involved in the Chinese and Yi medicine wellness industry, including manufacturing, services, and distribution. A total of 484 effective drug approval numbers have been granted, including 22 for Yi medicinal products. In 2023, the industry realized a value added of 8.723 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 5.7%. For the first half of 2024, the industry added 4.617 billion yuan, reflecting a 6.7% increase.
During the event, Chen Feimin, Deputy Governor of Chuxiong Prefecture, stated that the region is accelerating the implementation of its three-year action plan to develop “Yi Medicine Hometown and Central Yunnan Medicine Valley” along with ensuring high-quality development in the health industry. The goal is to align with the ambitious 100 billion yuan industry development targets and promote the integration of various industries, ultimately transforming Chuxiong into a hub for industry and health tourism.
