Muyu

What is Muyu?

Muyu, also known as the wooden fish, is a traditional instrument used in Buddhist and Taoist rituals. Originally, monks and nuns used it to maintain rhythm during chanting. Today, it has gained popularity among the younger generation in China as a tool for stress relief. The Muyu is struck in the middle to keep a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow. With the rise of digital apps, virtual Muyu simulations have become widely available, allowing users to tap a virtual wooden fish on their screens. Each tap produces a crisp sound accompanied by phrases like "merit +1" or "peace +1," which can be personalized to reflect individual goals or moods, such as "income +999" or "worry -1."

Benefits

Muyu offers several benefits, particularly for mental well-being. It provides a simple yet effective way to cope with stress and anxiety. The rhythmic tapping can be calming and meditative, helping users to focus and find peace. The personalized messages add a layer of motivation and positivity, making the experience more engaging and tailored to individual needs. For many, using Muyu has become a form of digital mindfulness, offering a quick and accessible way to relax and reduce anxiety.

Use Cases

Muyu is primarily used as a stress-relief tool. Users can tap the virtual wooden fish on their screens whenever they feel stressed or anxious. The app is designed to be used anytime, anywhere, making it a convenient tool for quick relaxation. It is particularly popular among young adults who are looking for simple and effective ways to manage their mental health. The personalized messages can also be used to set goals or track progress, adding a motivational aspect to the experience.

Vibes

Muyu has gained significant popularity on Chinese social media platforms. The hashtag #virtualMuyu on Xiaohongshu has over 11.1 million views, and Muyu-related topics on Weibo have triggered more than 130 million discussions. Wooden fish videos on Douyin have garnered up to 100 million views, with new Muyu special effects being created regularly. Netizens have commented that tapping the virtual Muyu brings them real peace and happiness, making them feel like monks or nuns in cyberspace. One of the popular Muyu apps, "Wooden Fish," has been downloaded over 300,000 times on the Chinese App Store and is ranking second in all categories.

Additional Information

The younger generation's desire to pursue stress relief and reduce anxiety is the main reason behind the virtual Muyu craze. According to the 2022 National Healthcare Insight report, up to 91% of individuals have some type of mental well-being issue. Young adults suffering from anxiety problems at work or study has been a heated topic in Chinese society in recent years. The overall sales of mental health bolstering products have increased by nearly 40% on Tmall, China's cross-border e-commerce giant. This trend highlights the growing awareness and demand for self-care and stress relief products among the younger generation.