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As global environmental, social, and governance standards become more prevalent, industries are stepping into a new chapter of growth and responsibility.
The year 2024 marks two decades since the ESG concept was introduced. In celebration of this milestone, the United Nations Global Compact, the Asia-Pacific Center at China International Communications Group, and a major financial news outlet collaborated to launch the ‘ESG+20 Sustainable Development Leadership Interview Series.’ This series features dialogues with 20 entrepreneurs and on-site visits to highlight the achievements and leadership of Chinese companies in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.
In this installment of the series, we interviewed Liang Dong, the chairman of Z’an Health, a company dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese medicine and cultural heritage.
“Our company’s intentions are genuine, and we are committed to fostering a sustainable world,” Liang explained. He emphasized that Z’an Health shares the UN’s vision of creating a better future for upcoming generations.
Z’an Health advocates for traditional Chinese medicine by bridging ancient practices with modern science, technology, and ecological consciousness, Liang said. The company operates a network of clinics that also serve as educational hubs and lifestyle centers, offering lessons in Tai Chi, standing meditation, scraping therapy, Gua sha, and herbal medicine, among others.
“The more I delve into research and study, the more convinced I am that traditional Chinese medicine can be meaningfully integrated into modern lifestyles,” Liang stated. Many chronic diseases are lifestyle-related, and TCM presents a comprehensive approach that considers time, space, genetics, family environment, and mental state as interconnected factors in treatment.
Liang pointed out that TCM’s principles can also blend with other contemporary fields, including psychology, physics, chemistry, biology, and even emerging disciplines like computer science and artificial intelligence.
For instance, TCM emphasizes the role of consciousness and its impact on physical health. Recent advancements in brain science, such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which implants neural interfaces to observe how consciousness influences bodily functions and hormonal regulation, showcase the potential for interdisciplinary integration, Liang noted.
Earlier this year, Liang represented the TCM community to introduce an international initiative for cooperation and innovation in traditional medicine during the Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure in Jakarta. The goal is to establish an open and equitable platform for traditional medicine experts worldwide to exchange insights and collaborate.
“Maintaining an open-minded approach is essential,” Liang said. “Only through continuous communication can we foster true understanding and sharing. This openness should extend beyond traditional practitioners to include a dialogue with modern science and technology.”
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