Yang Water and the three moxibustions: A TCM theory for Wudalianchi cold springs and its application in medical tourism

The Wudalianchi Cold Mineral Springs, along with the Vichy Springs of France and the Caucasian Mineral Springs of Russia, are recognized as three of the world’s foremost cold mineral springs. A questionnaire-based survey of 121 individuals engaged in mineral spring bathing reveals that, for healthy individuals, immersion in cold springs, drinking mineral water, and natural therapies can regulate Yin and Yang, and boost Qi. Furthermore, this study addresses frequently raised public questions from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Yin-Yang theory, such as why drinking cold spring water does not cause stomach pain or diarrhea but instead induces comfort; why immersion in cold springs does not lead to leg cramps; and why conditions diagnosed incurable by modern medicine show improvement or even recovery through spring therapy. Based on the Yin-Yang theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this study proposes for the first time that “though cool in temperature, spring water is Yang in nature.” Through investigation into the unique magnetic properties of the volcanic lava in Wudalianchi, a theoretical concept is introduced: “solar-bestowed Yang Energy: A Natural Moxibustion Field Between solar and Earth.” This framework is extended to propose three innovative concepts: Tianjiu (Solar Moxibustion), Dijiu (Earth Moxibustion), and Shuijiu ( Hydro-Moxibustion). The exploration not only expands the research perspective on the integration of volcanic geology and wellness culture, provides theoretical and practical foundations for the development of medical tourism, but is also anticipated to foster further scholarly investigation.