Twenty-nine traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) specialists were elected as the nation's TCM masters on Thursday.

The new masters were elected to help with the development of the time honored medical science. Ranging from 68 and 102 years old, the masters from 22 different provinces and autonomous regions have varied specialties such as the internal, gynecology, acupuncture, and orthopaedics.

Wang Guoqiang, director of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine said the initiative aimed to encourage TCM practitioners in the nation to provide quality care for their patients and help create positive working environments for TCM doctors.

It's the second time the administration has elected TCM masters. The first was in 2009, where 30 TCM masters were nominated.