With the warm spring breeze of March, women shine with elegance and vitality. To celebrate the 116th International Women’s Day, and to express care and appreciation for female faculty and staff, the Trade Union of the School of Materials Science and Engineering held a “Warm Mugwort for Women’s Day, Wellness through Herbal Hammers” DIY activity on the afternoon of March 6 in Conference Room 324 of the Comprehensive Research Building. The event was jointly organized with the support of Bank of Ningbo, using traditional wellness culture as a medium. Through this innovative university–enterprise collaboration, the activity delivered a festive gift with both practical value and cultural warmth to female faculty members who work diligently in teaching and research.

At the beginning of the event, the guest speaker delivered a themed sharing session for Women’s Day, addressing both women’s health care and wealth management needs. Afterwards, the speaker introduced in detail the health benefits and the production process of the mugwort wellness hammer. Mugwort is known for its ability to warm the meridians, promote circulation, and relieve fatigue. When made into a wellness hammer, it can effectively help alleviate neck and shoulder soreness as well as muscle tension, making it a health tool that combines traditional wisdom with modern practicality.

During the hands-on session, the organizers had prepared complete material kits in advance, including dried mugwort floss, cotton fabric, anti-slip wooden handles, and colorful strings. Under the guidance of the instructor, the female faculty members enthusiastically engaged in the creative process: fluffing the mugwort floss, evenly filling the cloth cover, compacting and securing the hammer body, and wrapping decorative strings. Through mutual help and cooperation, the previously scattered materials gradually turned into beautifully crafted wellness hammers emitting a gentle mugwort fragrance. The atmosphere on site was warm and harmonious. Many teachers commented that they are usually busy with teaching and research and rarely have the chance to experience handicraft activities. Such immersive experiences not only help relieve stress but also provide a practical wellness tool, making the event particularly meaningful.

At the end of the activity, all participants posed for a group photo while holding the mugwort wellness hammers they had made themselves, capturing bright and confident smiles. Participants proudly displayed their creations and praised each other’s creativity and craftsmanship. Some faculty members also tried out the wellness hammers on the spot, experiencing the unique charm of traditional health practices. The event also featured a financial knowledge quiz, designed as a fun interactive session based on the wealth management content introduced earlier. The atmosphere was lively as participants eagerly answered questions, and those who responded correctly received thoughtful prizes.

This event effectively integrated traditional wellness culture, the enjoyment of handicraft activities, and public welfare collaboration between the university and enterprise. It not only enriched the cultural and spiritual life of female faculty members but also conveyed the positive concept of “caring for oneself and living a healthy life.” In the future, the School’s Trade Union will continue to pay attention to the growth and development needs of female faculty members by building diverse activity platforms and launching more featured events that combine cultural value with practical benefits. These efforts will help women shine even more brightly in teaching, research, and campus development, injecting lasting vitality and strength into the high-quality development of the School.