Traditional Chinese Medicine
Having lived in the Pacific North-West, I have only been educated on Western Medicine and the quick
effective process it has on the body. While traveling South-East Asia, and ultimately moving to Taiwan
for personal reasons, I’ve noticed the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was done in all
fashions by ingesting herbal remedies, the use of acupuncture, or even the elderly in the park doing
some sort of Kung Fu. I later learned that this was Tai Chi.
(Taiwanese-secrets, n.d)
What is TCM? It is an evolved medicine practice that has been developed over thousands of years. TCM
practitioners use various psychological and/or physical approaches such as acupuncture, tai chi, as well
as herbal products to address health problems. (D. Craig. 2019)
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 calls for nations to
develop traditional medicines in accordance with their own national conditions and to incorporate
traditional medicine into the local healthcare system. The WHO also estimated that more than 70% of
the world’s population has utilized traditional medicines as part of its healthcare services. Based on the
analysis of the U.S.-based Grand View Research, the market size of traditional medicine and alternative
therapy was estimated to increase by 18.11% by 2025. (MOHW. n.d.) Many hospitals are incorporating
a Western/Chinese medicine combined care model. TCM has been used in the long-term care system
which is involved in drug rehabilitation and therapy models in all Hospitals in Taiwan. This aims to
foster diverse developments in Chinese medicines.
(MOHW. n.d)
Common herbs used in TCM
A form of TCM is acupuncture. This technique
stimulates specif points on the body, usually inserting
thin needles through the skin. Studies suggest that
acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural
painkillers and affects areas in the brain involved in
processing pain. Several studies suggest real acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often
chronic, such as lower-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
(Taiwanese-secrets, n.d)
The second form of TCM is Tai Chi. This technique combines certain postures, gentle movements,
mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. Research suggests that practicing tai chi may improve balance
and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s disease, reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis,
and help promote quality of life and improve mood in people with heart failure.
Lastly, the main TCM practice is Chinese herbal products. Using Chinese herbal products has been
studied for many medical problems including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory
diseases, such as bronchitis and the common cold. A national survey, conducted in the US, showed that
about one in five Americans use them. This is because many studies have poor quality and no firm
conclusion can be made about their effectiveness. (D. Craig. 2019)
There seem to be a lot of benefits of TCM, but are there any ill negative impacts? Well, there is a
negative in most things including TCM. There was an outbreak in the 1950s, that aristolochic acid
triggered nephropathy or kidney failure. Aristolochic acid, which is derived from Aristolochia, a large
plant genus, is a common ingredient that has been used in TCM for thousands of years.
Today, many of us believe that nature must be the best, but sometimes simple is not the best. It is always
best to ask your doctor and inform him/her of any alternative medicines you are taking. As for me, I
believe TCM helps me in positive ways!
References:
1. Taiwanse-Secrets. (n.d.) Tai Chi practitioners behind Chiang Kai Shek Memorial in Taipei.
[image]
2. MOHW. (n.d.) Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy in Taiwan.
https://www.mohw.gov.tw/np-3687-2.html
3. MOHW. (n.d.) Common herbs used in TCM [image] https://www.mohw.gov.tw/cp-3701-58121-2.html
4. D. Craig Hoop, Ph.D., David Shrtleff, Ph.D., NCCIH. (April 2019.) Traditional Chinese
Medicine: What you Need to Know [article] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditionalchinese-medicine-what-you-need-toknow#:~:text=Traditional%20Chinese%20medicine%20(TCM)%20has,products%20to%20addr
ess%20health%20problems.
5. Elizabeth Matsangou. (April 2019.) The dark underbelly of traditional Chinese medicine boom.
[article] https://www.worldfinance.com/markets/the-dark-underbelly-of-the-traditional-chinesemedicine-boom