Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially Chinese acupuncture, has gained widespread acceptance and practice around the world in recent years. With more people recognizing its value and benefits, TCM’s holistic and multifaceted approach to healing stands out as a distinctive alternative to Western medicine.
Despite its growing popularity, integrating TCM with Western medicine remains a challenge. According to Lau Chak-sing, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong and immediate past president of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, more effort is needed to bridge the gap between these two medical systems to improve people’s health.
“TCM offers a comprehensive approach that considers the body as a whole, which can complement the strengths of Western medicine focused on targeted treatments,” Lau said. He emphasized that combining the wisdom of TCM with the advances of Western medical science could lead to more effective healthcare solutions.
Lau advocates for increased collaboration between practitioners of both disciplines. “By fostering mutual understanding and respect, we can develop integrative treatment plans that harness the benefits of both TCM and Western medicine,” he explained. Such integration could enhance patient care and offer more holistic options for those seeking medical treatment.
As TCM continues to gain international recognition, the call for its integration with Western medicine reflects a growing trend towards embracing diverse medical practices. This approach not only broadens the scope of available treatments but also caters to the varied needs of patients worldwide.
Reference(s):
Health Talk: More effort needed to integrate TCM with Western medicine
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