San Cai

Our Story



Our Philosophy

The word San Cai (sān cái, 三才) originates from ancient Chinese cosmological thought, which began to take shape during the Zhou dynasty (周朝, 1046–256 BCE) and deeply influenced both Eastern philosophy and traditional medicine. The concept of San Cai, translated as “The Three Treasures” or “The Three Powers”, describes the triadic relationship between Heaven (天, tiān), Humanity (人, rén), and Earth (地, dì) — a relationship of continuous interaction and balance.

According to this foundational principle, humans are the intermediary link between spiritual (heavenly) and material (earthly) forces. Health and life depend on a harmonious connection with these cosmic powers, as well as on cultivating one’s inner structure.

The triadic human constitution is expressed through the concept of Jīng–Qì–Shén (精–氣–神), meaning Essence–Energy–Spirit. These three foundations of human existence must remain in balance in order to maintain health and inner harmony.

Like the theory of opposites Yīn–Yáng (陰陽, yīn–yáng), San Cai is a cornerstone of Eastern medical thought, deeply influencing diagnosis, treatment, and overall life philosophy. It encompasses not only the body but also the holistic understanding of the human being as a carrier of physical, energetic, and spiritual existence.

A Space with History

The name San Cai was given later, but the essence of the space has deep roots. Since the mid-20th century, this space functioned as a traditional craft workshop, inspired by Asian artistic tradition, focused on the creation of silk artworks: cords, belts, and woven items — all crafted with care, precision, and awareness of the material’s and space’s energy.

The silent energy of creation remains alive to this day. The space has evolved, but has not strayed from its essence: it continues to serve subtlety, transformation, and inner balance — now through the promotion of human health and the revival of Eastern wisdom.

Hellenic Corporation of Chinese Medicine (HCCM)

San Cai now hosts part of the activities of the Hellenic Corporation of Chinese Medicine (HCCM), an organization with a vital mission in Greece and internationally.

HCCM was founded in 2011 as a non-profit civil company, aiming to systematically promote the education, research, and dissemination of Chinese Medicine. Since its establishment, it has become a leading institution in Greece in the field of traditional medicine.

It combines:

  • Respect for tradition
  • Modern scientific documentation
  • International collaboration
  • High-level education

Fields of Activity

HCCM offers a holistic and comprehensive approach to Chinese Medicine, through theoretical education, practical training, and interdisciplinary application:

  • Acupuncture (針灸 zhēn jiǔ)
  • Moxibustion (艾灸 ài jiǔ)
  • Herbal Therapy (中藥 zhōng yào)
  • Chinese Dietetics (食療 shí liáo)
  • Therapeutic Exercise (Qìgōng 氣功)

The organization’s activities are not limited to application but also include:

  • Research and studies
  • Publishing activities
  • International conferences, symposia, and seminars

Its educational programs follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, ensuring scientific validity and internationally recognized competence.

Certifications & Partnerships

HCCM is:

  • A certified member of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)
  • In collaboration with universities, institutes, and therapeutic centers in China and Europe

Therapies & Invitation

At San Cai, we mainly offer therapies rooted in Asian Medicine, based on the principles of harmony, energy flow (氣 qì), and enhancement of the body’s vital natural force. We are also open to other therapeutic approaches, such as various massage techniques, all with the same purpose: well-being and self-healing.

We Invite You

Whether you visit for a therapy session or participate in one of our training seminars, we invite you to discover:

  • The basic principles of Chinese Medicine
  • Self-healing and prevention techniques
  • An alternative path to healthy living

The door of San Cai is open to all who seek meaning, harmony, and a return to a deeper wisdom of body and nature.