Canadian Nutrition Expert Ying Shi’s Organic Life Journey in Hainan, China
Haikou, Hainan, China, Auquest 19, 2024 – Shaoren Gou, Canada & World Report – In the heart of Hainan, where the scent of agarwood dances in the breeze and the vibrant hues of tropical flora paint the landscape, a Canadian nutritionist embarks on a journey of discovery. Ying Shi, a renowned expert in nutrition, has found herself enchanted by the natural riches of this island, immersing herself in an organic lifestyle that harmonizes with the rhythms of nature. Her journey also coincides with the anticipation of the 2024 International Dalbergia Odorifera & Agarwood Convention, set to take place from November 29th to December 1st, a significant event celebrating Hainan’s cultural heritage.
An Enchanted Arrival
In August 2024, Ying Shi set foot on Hainan Island, eager to explore the organic treasures that this tropical paradise has to offer. Known for her expertise in nutrition and her dedication to promoting healthy living, Ying Shi’s journey in Hainan was not merely a vacation but a deep dive into the island’s natural and organic life.
Hainan, with its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, offered Ying Shi an opportunity to connect with the earth in a way that few places could. Here, she found herself surrounded by an environment where traditional wisdom and modern health practices intersect, creating a haven for those who seek a life in balance with nature.
The Fragrance of History: Hainan Agarwood
Ying Shi’s journey began at the Zhong Lin Guo Xiang Agarwood Club, a place where history and tradition are interwoven with the fragrant threads of agarwood. Agarwood, often referred to as “the wood of the gods,” is a precious material that has been revered for centuries for its aromatic qualities and spiritual significance.
At the club, Ying Shi met with Mr. Wang Zhiyou, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in the agarwood industry. Through their conversations, Ying Shi learned about the intricate processes involved in cultivating and processing agarwood. This precious wood, grown in the fertile soils of Lingao County, undergoes a transformation when it is injured, producing a resin that is harvested and used to create incense, essential oils, and other products, including agarwood tea.
The process of making agarwood incense is an art form in itself. By drilling into the agarwood trees and allowing the wood to heal, the resin is produced naturally, creating a scent that is both intoxicating and meditative. Ying Shi was captivated by the meticulous care and attention required to produce high-quality agarwood, appreciating the blend of natural processes and human ingenuity that has been perfected over centuries.
As Ying Shi inhaled the rich, earthy aroma of agarwood incense, she felt a deep connection to the ancient traditions that have preserved this craft. She realized that in this fragrant wood, there was a story of resilience, of nature’s ability to heal and transform, a story that resonated deeply with her own philosophy of nutrition and well-being.
A Floral Symphony: Tunchang Perfume World
From the earthy depths of agarwood, Ying Shi’s journey took her to the vibrant, colorful world of Tunchang Perfume World. This 4A-level tourist attraction and cultural industry park is a testament to the power of nature’s fragrances and the human desire to capture and celebrate them.
Tunchang Perfume World is a paradise for the senses, where the air is filled with the scent of flowers and the sight of endless blooms delights the eyes. Here, Ying Shi explored the vast fields of aromatic plants, from the delicate white magnolia to the robust osmanthus. Each plant, she learned, is not only beautiful but also holds significant health benefits, aligning perfectly with her belief in the healing power of nature.
The Perfume World’s emphasis on “four-fragrance plants” — fragrant trees, fragrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and vanilla — intrigued Ying Shi. These plants, she discovered, are the foundation of the park’s industry, providing raw materials for a wide range of natural products, including essential oils, herbal teas, and even edible flowers. Existing categories include 61 items across 11 categories, such as essential oils, essence water, essential oil handmade soaps, herbal tea gifts, agarwood series, and four-fragrance plant food.
Ying Shi was particularly fascinated by the park’s commitment to sustainable practices. The essential oils extracted from the plants are not only used in perfumes but also in aromatherapy, where they promote relaxation and well-being. The park’s products are a reflection of the delicate balance between nature and human craftsmanship, a theme that runs throughout Ying Shi’s exploration of Hainan.
As she wandered through the fragrant fields, Ying Shi felt a profound sense of peace. The connection between the plants and their products reminded her of the intricate relationship between what we consume and how it affects our health. Just as the flowers in Tunchang Perfume World bloom naturally under the tropical sun, so too should our lives bloom when nourished by natural, organic foods and products.
The Healing Power of “Fairy Grass”: Volcanic Dendrobium Garden
The final leg of Ying Shi’s journey took her to the Volcanic Dendrobium Garden, located in the picturesque Shicha Village. Known as the “Fairy Grass on Earth,” Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile Lindl.) is a revered herb in traditional Chinese medicine, celebrated for its remarkable healing properties.
Walking through the thousand-acre garden, Ying Shi was struck by the serene beauty of the landscape. The dendrobium plants, with their delicate green and blue hues, swayed gently in the breeze, creating a scene of tranquility that seemed worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The volcanic soil of Shicha Village, rich in minerals and nutrients, provides the perfect environment for dendrobium to thrive. Here, the plants are nurtured with care, reflecting the local community’s deep respect for nature and its healing powers. The transformation of the dendrobium industry from a small-scale bonsai practice to a large-scale, eco-friendly enterprise is a testament to the village’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and health.
In the product display hall at the entrance of the garden, Ying Shi marveled at the variety of dendrobium products available. From fresh dendrobium strips to dendrobium wine and cosmetics, the products showcased the versatility of this “fairy grass.” Each item was a reminder of the profound connection between nature and health, a connection that Ying Shi has dedicated her life to exploring.
As she sampled the products, Ying Shi reflected on the ancient wisdom embedded in traditional Chinese medicine. The healing properties of dendrobium, she realized, are not just the result of modern scientific research but are also a legacy of centuries of observation and practice. This blend of tradition and modernity resonated deeply with Ying Shi, reinforcing her belief in the power of natural remedies to promote health and well-being.
A Journey of Discovery and Inspiration
Ying Shi’s journey through Hainan was more than just a trip; it was an exploration of the organic life that the island offers. From the fragrant agarwood forests to the vibrant perfume fields and the healing dendrobium gardens, Hainan revealed itself to be a treasure trove of natural beauty and health.
For Ying Shi, this journey was a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature. The organic products she encountered, whether in the form of fragrant incense or healing herbs, were all reflections of the earth’s ability to nourish and heal. As a nutritionist, Ying Shi has always advocated for a lifestyle that embraces natural foods and remedies, and her experiences in Hainan have only deepened her commitment to this path.
As she prepares to return to Canada, Ying Shi carries with her the scents and sights of Hainan, along with a renewed sense of purpose. She hopes to share her experiences with others, inspiring them to explore the benefits of an organic lifestyle and to reconnect with the natural world.
Looking Forward: The 2024 International Dalbergia Odorifera & Agarwood Convention
Ying Shi’s journey also comes at a time when Hainan is preparing for the 2024 International Dalbergia Odorifera & Agarwood Convention, set to take place from November 29th to December 1st. This event promises to be a celebration of Hainan’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together artisans, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world.
For Ying Shi, the convention represents a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of agarwood and to explore the intersections of culture, art, and health. She looks forward to engaging with other experts and enthusiasts, sharing her insights, and continuing her journey of discovery.
In many ways, Ying Shi’s experiences in Hainan are a prelude to the convention, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions and innovative practices that will be showcased. Her journey is a testament to the power of nature to inspire, heal, and transform, a message that will resonate with all who attend the convention.
As the scent of agarwood lingers in the air and the vibrant blooms of Tunchang Perfume World continue to thrive, Ying Shi’s organic life journey in Hainan serves as a reminder of the beauty and wisdom that nature has to offer. It is a journey that will continue to inspire and guide her long after she leaves the island, a journey that reflects the timeless connection between health, nature, and the human spirit.
About Ying Shi:
Ying Shi, founder, researcher, and chief training instructor of the Amalgamated Registered Nutritionists Association, created the nutritionist course standards and handouts. She has been training nutritionists since 2016 and has trained nearly 700 registered nutritionists from North America, China, and other countries. Over the past 10 years (2014-2024), she has answered more than 10,000 questions about diet and health from readers and listeners.
In 1999, she moved to Canada and worked in basic medical research at universities and biological companies. From 2006 to 2008, she studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in her spare time, where she obtained the Registered Holistic Nutritionist qualification.
In 2012, she quit her job to devote herself to the research, education, and practice of “food and health.” In 2013, she published her first book, Natural vs. Processed: Identifying the Connection between Food and Health; in 2015, she published her second book, Don’t Let Medication Bring New Diseases; and most recently, in June 2024, she published her third book, The Mysterious Thyroid: Understanding Hypothyroidism as the Root Cause of Chronic Diseases.
Ying Shi has also served as the president and chief lecturer of the Amalgamated Registered Nutritionists Association of Canada. She has continued to create and refine the nutritionist course standards and handouts, training nearly 700 registered nutritionists from various countries, including North America and China. Over the past 10 years (2014-2024), she has answered more than 10,000 questions related to diet and health from readers and listeners.
In 1984, she graduated from the Department of Biology at Liaoning University, majoring in microbiology. In July of the same year, she worked at the Liaoning Provincial Center for Disease Control, where she was responsible for the supervision and monitoring of influenza, Japanese encephalitis, and epidemic hemorrhagic fever viruses in the province, and participated in the observation and implementation of the epidemic hemorrhagic fever vaccine.
In 1999, she worked in the medical laboratory at the University of Toronto, Canada, applying genetic engineering technology to study the relationship between mitochondrial enzymes and cell mutations.
In 2000, she worked in the medical laboratory at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, researching new technologies for bovine herpes virus detection.
From 2001 to 2012, she worked at Vita-Tech Canada, where she participated in numerous research and development projects for animal disease detection, as well as the development and application of test kits.
From 2006 to 2008, she studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in her spare time, graduated, and obtained the Registered Holistic Nutritionist qualification.
In 2012, she quit her job to focus on research, education, and training in food and health, organic food, and non-GMO food. She has published two monographs: Modern Food and Disease, Natural Food and Health (2013) and Don’t Let Medication Add New Diseases (2015).
In addition to her research and teaching, Ying Shi received a Certificate of Participation from The Pacific Basin Respiratory Virus Research Group, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and The World Health Organization in October 1994.
She served as the Vice Chairperson of the Specialty Committee of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) Fermentation Study of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies from 2017 to 2021.
From 2016 to 2021, she was a researcher at the China People’s Livelihood and Law Research Center, Liaoning University.
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