Exploring Multi-Sensory Medicine in Science Education

The origins of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be traced back thousands of years, rooted in rich medical and life experiences. Herbal medicine is central to TCM, integrating principles of natural science. However, obtaining fresh herbs is challenging due to growth conditions, regulations, and transportation costs. To address this issue, we propose the "TCM Herbal Education" system, which integrates 3D scanning, interactive virtual reality, and olfactory devices to provide multidisciplinary education on Chinese herbal science. This system offers insights into cultivation, pest control, prescriptions, and herbal aromas. By virtualizing traditional education, users can interact with herbs through virtual reality, enhancing understanding through sensory experiences. Exploratory research evaluates and refines the system to improve cross-reality experiences. We hope to foster interdisciplinary collaboration through entertainment, education, promotion, and the integration of hardware and software technologies, enabling the co-development of traditional Chinese medicine education and industry with digital creativity.