A dynamic doctor couple from Kerala, Dr. Changampalli Kizhakkillath Mohamed Shafeeque and Dr. Dane, is making waves in China by introducing the 3,000-year-old Indian healing system of Ayurveda, creating a groundbreaking cultural bridge with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Hailing from a 600-year-old Ayurvedic lineage, Dr. Shafeeque, a Tulu Brahmin descendant whose family once served royalty, and Dr. Dane, from a Christian background, met at Kerala University’s Ayurveda College. Their shared passion for the “science of life” has led them to pioneer Ayurveda in Guangzhou, a hub of China’s affluent wellness scene.
Since 2016, Dr. Shafeeque’s journey began after treating Chinese patients in Pondicherry, prompting him to explore opportunities in China. Overcoming initial regulatory hurdles, the couple established a clinic offering holistic therapies like Sirodhara, a soothing treatment involving medicated oil dripped on the forehead. They’ve also trained Chinese students in Ayurvedic practices, both in-person and online, amassing over 10,000 online followers.
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Their clinic, supported by the Indian Consulate and TCM institutes, has gained traction for treating depression and liver disorders, with locals embracing Ayurveda’s plant-based remedies and pulse diagnostics, which share 80% similarity with TCM’s five-element approach. Dr. Dane notes that Ayurvedic massages, gentler than TCM’s pressure-based techniques, are winning hearts.
From Yoga Day events at the Indian Embassy to lectures across Beijing and Shanghai, the couple’s efforts are sparking a wellness revolution. With students launching Ayurvedic units in major cities, Dr. Shafeeque and Dr. Dane aim to expand their mission, blending India’s ancient healing with China’s TCM legacy while adhering to local regulations.
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