After several months of treatment, the results were clear. "My appetite improved, I had more energy — my whole condition improved," he said.

The success of his self-treatment solidified Liu's commitment to TCM.

Among the many ancient texts he studied, Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) — one of the Chinese medical classics — resonated most deeply with him, especially the principle of "nourishing yang energy in spring and summer, and yin energy in autumn and winter".

"This concept of aligning oneself with the seasons — it's so simple yet so profound," he said.

To preserve his yang energy, Liu made a significant lifestyle change. "I haven't eaten ice cream in three years," he said. "It's a small sacrifice to maintain my health."

The night market offered Liu a rare opportunity to see TCM in action outside the classroom. He eagerly engaged in various activities. At the acupuncture and massage booths, he watched seasoned practitioners at work, absorbing their techniques and insights.

"Seeing the theory put into practice — it's invaluable," he said. "It's one thing to study it; it's another to see it help real people."

Over three days, the market saw more than 55,000 people receiving treatments like acupuncture, cupping, and massage. An additional 100,000 participated in cultural activities, from tea tastings to making herbal remedies.

"Compared to Western medicine, TCM's most distinctive feature is its focus on holistic lifestyle adjustments to maintain health and balance," said LNUTCM Party Secretary Lyu Xiaodong. "This night market isn't just about showcasing TCM — it's about making it accessible and helping people integrate it into their lives."

For Liu, the event reinforced his desire to bring this knowledge back to Hungary. "I want more people to understand, to accept, and to benefit from TCM," Liu said. "It's a responsibility, but it's also a privilege."

Reflecting on his journey, Liu sees himself as part of a larger narrative.

"Many years ago, my father came to LNUTCM to study TCM. Now, I'm here, continuing that legacy," he said. "The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to discover."

Contact the writers at [email protected]

WU YONG and XING ZHIYUAN in Shenyang