Recently, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture has been "breaking into the mainstream" frequently: As soon as the short video seriesExploring China Through Ancient Medical Classicswas launched, it quickly topped the trending lists of multiple video platforms, and its innovative perspective has aroused many netizens’ interest in TCM. At the recently concluded 8th China International Import Expo, the displays of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items related to TCM—such as Lu-style Acupuncture Therapy, Shanghai-style Herbal Paste, and the Twelve-Movement Daoyin Method of the AncientYijinjing(Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic)—attracted numerous visitors to stop and experience them. Behind the "mainstream-breaking" communication of TCM culture lies innovative exploration that aligns with the pulse of the times.

Through lively animation demonstrations and clever AI-generated content,Exploring China Through Ancient Medical Classicsbrings classic elements such as ancient medical scenarios, herbal processing techniques, and acupuncture bronze statues to life. It "breaks down" the knowledge in ancient TCM books through a "small, fast, and flexible" lightweight communication format and daily language, making the image of TCM culture more vivid, three-dimensional, and approachable.

TCM-themed markets have become increasinglypopular among young people; the "TCM fever" swept the Winter Olympics and Asian Games; and TCM herbal teas have become a new health trend... In recent years, the "mainstream-breaking" spread of TCM culture is driven by a "mutual commitment"—the people’s growing health needs and their increasing recognition of TCM culture. However, there is still a gap between the supply of TCM cultural products and services and the diversified needs of the public. Moreover, the high level of professionalism of TCM has raised the threshold for its communication.

Only when traditional culture integrates into daily life and gets closer to the public can its vitality be sustained. As an important and typical representative of China’s excellent traditional culture, TCM needs to have "contemporary appeal" injected into its culture to ensure it spreads further and becomes a cultural awareness for the public to improve their health. This requires promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of TCM culture.

To help TCM culture "ride the wave of popularity," we must accelerate digital integration: make good use of modern technology and information means to carry out emergency protection of ancient TCM books and the academic thoughts of renowned senior TCM practitioners, and build a digital service platform for TCM knowledge. We should fully utilize modern communication tools, innovate communication formats, create a series of TCM cultural brand events and high-quality works, and stimulate the public’s interest in and recognition of TCM culture. Additionally, we need to build a high-level team of TCM popular science promoters and cultivate "cross-disciplinary" talents in the field of TCM cultural communication.

By keeping up with the times, meeting the public’s needs, and making good use of technological empowerment, we can truly bring TCM—this treasure of Chinese civilization—into ordinary people’s homes, enabling it to contribute more to enhancing people’s health and well-being and strengthening cultural confidence.