2026 Lunar New Year Talk: "Chinese Medicine and Meditation"

Chinese medicine is deeply rooted in Taoist theories that view the human body as a miniature universe. Ancient Chinese philosophy emphasized that preventing illness was more important than curing disease. Maintaining health involved living a balanced lifestyle, including eating the right foods, which were also considered the primary source of medicine when illness occurred. Meditation has a long history in China as a means of cultivating calmness and wisdom, helping individuals resolve conflicts and maintain harmony. Audiences will hear legends of ancient Chinese doctors who integrated these traditional values into their medical practice, positively shaping both healthcare and society.

Caltech alumna Wen Chen (Ph.D. 00) has served as a scientific curator for Caltech's WormBase project since 2000. Beyond her scientific career, she has a deep interest in ancient Chinese art and history. Through public speaking, she actively bridges Eastern and Western communities while honoring and sharing her cultural heritage. She has a blog: https://wenchenview.blogspot.com/

Tea and Asian pastries will be served at 11:00 a.m. in the Chen Breezeway. The featured presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Chen 100. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to reserve your seat.