“Speechless Brother” Experiences Traditional Chinese Culture in Chongqing

Nan’an Xiahuali Old Street is a historic commercial street in Chongqing, China, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It served as a vital hub for trade and river transport along the Yangtze River. Today, it is a preserved cultural site featuring traditional architecture that offers a glimpse into the region’s mercantile past.

Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China with a history spanning over 3,000 years, serving as the capital of the Ba State during ancient times. It gained historical prominence during World War II as the provisional capital of China, where it endured significant bombing campaigns by Japanese forces. Today, it is a sprawling megacity and a key economic hub, famous for its mountainous terrain, hot pot cuisine, and role as a starting point for scenic Yangtze River cruises.

Tea whisking is a traditional Japanese practice central to the tea ceremony, most famously using a bamboo tool called a chasen. This method was refined in the 16th century by the tea master Sen no Rikyū to prepare matcha, creating a smooth, frothy beverage. It remains a vital, meditative component of chanoyu, embodying the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

“Gua Sha” is not a place but a traditional East Asian healing technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to intentionally create temporary therapeutic petechiae (red spots). Historically, it has been used for centuries to treat pain, stimulate blood flow, and release toxins from the body.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine with origins in traditional Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. The practice involves placing heated cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to promote healing by increasing blood flow. It is still used today to relieve pain, inflammation, and to promote relaxation.