Private Project

Living in Harmony with Nature: The Untold Story of Miao Medicine

This documentary explores the inheritance of Miao medicine through the lens of two generational inheritors: Wu Haita, the 8th-generation Miao doctor, and Wu Shuangyu, the 9th generation. It presents some intriguing facts about Miao medicine, including rituals like the worship of mountain gods and the use of special herbs such as Mahonia. It also emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources by Miao doctors, the harmonious coexistence between Miao people and nature, and how reverence for the land brings about the guidance and generosity from nature. Additionally, the documentary shows the emotional journey of younger inheritors as they went from being skeptical to rediscovering the efficacy of Miao remedies and genuinely appreciating their miraculous cure. It also illustrates how the powerful medicinal effects of Miao medicine can support numerous families and benefit the entire community. Ultimately, the film reflects on the importance of preserving this ancient knowledge for future generations.

  • Yixuan Fu
    Director
  • Yizhen Fu
    Writer
  • Yixuan Fu
    Producer
  • Haita Wu
    Key Cast
  • Shuangyu Wu
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    与自然共生
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 HKD
  • Country of Origin:
    China
  • Country of Filming:
    China
  • Language:
    Chinese, English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Shenzhen Foreign Languages School & Shenzhen Middle School
Director Biography - Yixuan Fu

Fu Yixuan is a student filmmaker from Shenzhen, China, currently studying at Shenzhen Foreign Languages School. Fu is passionate about biomedicine and seeks to use her films to document and promote the precious heritage of traditional Chinese medicine, like Miao medicine. She hopes to make more young people aware of and appreciate this ancient field's unique practices and wisdom through her work.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my mother’s teachings in Miao medicine, particularly a vivid memory of her using chewed wild chrysanthemums to treat my scraped knee. She explained that, in her culture, chewing herbs imbues them with “spiritual energy.” This experience sparked my curiosity about the intersection of traditional healing practices and modern science.

Amazed by the remarkable healing effects of Miao medicine, I travelled to Qiandongnan in Guizhou, my mother’s homeland, eager to learn from its remaining practitioners. I was fortunate to become an apprentice to Doctor Wu Haita, spending every summer foraging for herbs and crafting Miao remedies. The scientific principles behind many childhood remedies that I once viewed as magical began to unfold before me. For example, my studies in molecular biology taught me that chewing herbs releases active compounds through enzymes in saliva. Yet, each revelation only led to more questions, and I had conceived a plan for documenting this.

When I visited Guizhou again in the summer of 2024, this time with a professional camera in hand, I documented Dr. Wang’s diagnosis and treatment of bone injuries and his trip to Mount Leigong to gather medicinal herbs and interviewed his children about their views on continuing the practice of Miao medicine. Even now, I wouldn’t claim to have a thorough understanding of Miao medicine... there are thousands of remedies that demand decades to master. However, one thing is clear to me: the survival of this ancient medical tradition is facing imperative challenges. Few young people are willing to take on a profession that requires selfless dedication and offers little financial reward... I glimpse a bleak future of Miao medicine.

Perhaps this film is my small way of making more people appreciate the beauty and value of this endangered cultural heritage before it fades away.