A prominent gynaecologist in southern China has captured widespread attention—and sparked a lively online debate—with an unconventional approach to women’s health: he recently recommended that women suffering from low energy and stress should look at muscular men as a form of visual therapy to enhance mood and relieve stress, according to a report by MoneyControl and other regional news outlets (MoneyControl, NDTV, South China Morning Post).
The doctor’s advice, delivered with a mix of humor and seriousness in a recent viral video, comes at a time when mental health and stress management are dominating public discourse—both globally and in Thailand. For Thai readers contending with high rates of workplace stress, urban fatigue, and the pressure to maintain “phu-ying suay” (female beauty and poise), any new approach to boosting well-being is bound to pique curiosity.
In his video, the physician—who works at a major public hospital in Shenzhen and has amassed a large following on social media for his insights into women’s health—suggests that women experiencing symptoms of “qi and blood deficiencies” such as lethargy, dull skin, dizziness, and insomnia, should seek “visual pleasure” by gazing at fit, muscular men. The doctor explained that this form of visual enjoyment could trigger dopamine production in the brain—a neurotransmitter closely associated with happiness and stress relief.
“When your qi and blood are deficient, you are often too lethargic, too tired to talk, and your skin may look dull. You might also experience dizziness and insomnia. That does not bring the right conditions for romance,” he explained humorously. “Avoid falling in love too often. Watch more muscular men instead. Seeing something beautiful activates the brain’s reward system and releases dopamine, making us feel happier,” he added (MoneyControl).
At the heart of this claim is dopamine—a chemical messenger in the brain often dubbed the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine is known to play a major role in the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, which are activated by anticipation or experience of something enjoyable. According to foundational research in neuropsychology, pleasurable visual stimuli, such as art or attractive faces and physiques, can indeed activate these pathways (NIH). However, scientific evidence specific to the recommendation of “looking at muscular men” for women’s mood improvement is limited.
The concept of using visual stimuli for stress and mood management is not entirely new. Studies on “visual therapy” have shown that exposure to pleasing images—such as scenes of nature or works of art—can induce relaxation and positive emotional states (Frontiers in Psychology). However, most clinical and experimental work focuses on universally pleasant stimuli rather than a particular physical type. Whether intentional exposure to images of muscular men yields unique psychological benefits for women, as the doctor suggests, remains unproven by controlled studies.
Public reactions to the viral video have ranged from amusement to skepticism. Many online users have dubbed the advice “eye candy therapy,” while others have questioned its medical basis. Nevertheless, the discussion has drawn attention to the broader topic of how non-pharmacological interventions can play a role in promoting mental well-being—especially for women who may feel pressured by social norms to suppress their stress or mask fatigue.
Healthcare professionals in China and elsewhere have weighed in. According to a leading mental health specialist at a university hospital in Beijing, there is some support in clinical psychology for the idea that pleasant visual stimuli can transiently elevate mood, especially when paired with mindful viewing techniques. “Dopamine is released in response to beauty and pleasure, which can momentarily alleviate stress or fatigue. But to manage chronic exhaustion or mental health issues, more comprehensive interventions are required,” the academic noted. Meanwhile, a medical sociologist from Hong Kong remarked, “The advice should be viewed as light-hearted, not as a substitute for professional help when dealing with depression or anxiety” (SCMP).
In a Thai context, the doctor’s suggestion invites reflection on cultural attitudes toward gender roles, beauty standards, and stress relief. Thai society often blends seriousness and sanook (a sense of playfulness), and health recommendations that mix humor and science can resonate with the public but may also mislead if not presented with clear scientific backing. The notion that women should seek mood elevation through “watching handsome men,” while entertaining, does not substitute for systematic mental healthcare—especially as Thailand’s rates of stress-related symptoms, sleep disorders, and burnout continue to climb (ThaiPBS).
Historically, Thailand has employed a range of mood-enhancing practices rooted in both traditional wellness and contemporary science—from meditation and mindfulness to Thai massage and herbal remedies. Visual arts and cultural performances, popular among both Thai men and women, have long been valued for their mood-lifting qualities. This raises important questions: might there be a uniquely “Thai” version of visual therapy? Some health promoters in Thailand have already incorporated art therapy and “green space therapy” (exposure to parks and gardens) into workplace wellness schemes with positive results (Bangkok Post].
Globally, the use of visual stimulation as a mental-health tool is gaining scientific traction. Recent psychological research confirms that viewing beautiful art, nature, or preferred visual content can activate the brain’s reward system and promote short-term mood enhancement (Frontiers in Psychology). However, the “dose” and longevity of such effects remain to be established. As for the specificity of looking at muscular men, more robust evidence—such as clinical trials and comparative studies—will be necessary to move this idea from meme status to medical advice.
Looking ahead, there is potential for further research into “tailored visual therapies,” where individuals select the type of visual input that best supports their emotional needs. This could range from traditional Thai art and cultural performances to curated health-promoting digital content. Thai universities and health authorities are encouraged to investigate the effectiveness of such strategies—possibly adapting them for digital health platforms accessible via smartphone, which are increasingly popular in Thailand.
For practical purposes, Thai readers interested in boosting their mood might consider experimenting with a broader array of visual stress-relief methods: watching traditional or contemporary dance performances, viewing nature scenes, engaging with art, or simply taking time to appreciate visually pleasing aspects of daily life. However, anyone experiencing persistent low mood, fatigue, or stress-related symptoms should seek advice from health professionals rather than rely on viral trends.
In conclusion, while the advice from the Chinese doctor combines elements of truth—namely, that visual pleasure can stimulate the brain’s reward system—the specificity of his suggestion is more playful than prescriptive. Thai readers can draw inspiration from the broader message: finding joy in daily visual experiences is healthy, so long as it forms part of a balanced approach to well-being.
Sources:
- MoneyControl: China doctor asks women to look at muscular men to boost mood, relieve stress: Report
- South China Morning Post: doctor tells lethargic anaemic women to look at muscular men for mood boost
- NIH: Dopamine, Pleasure, and Reward
- Frontiers in Psychology: Effects of Visual Art on Stress Relief
- ThaiPBS: Stress, Burnout Hits Thailand’s White-collar Workers
- Bangkok Post: Urban green spaces as a solution to stress