Traditional Chinese Medicine and its Role in Preventive Healthcare

Thesis from the year 2024 in the subject Medicine - Alternative Medicine, , language: English, abstract: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds significant importance within China's healthcare system and has garnered global attention for its potential impact on healthcare and pharmaceutical development. This project engaged over two hundred researchers for three and a half years, resulting in the publication of twenty editorials and comprehensive reviews in a special edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. TCM, with roots dating back over two millennia, is founded on the principles of yin-yang and the five elements which provide a framework for understanding natural phenomena, including human health. According to the yin-yang theory, the universe consists of mutually supportive and interdependent forces, whose equilibrium is essential for maintaining harmony, both within the human body and throughout the cosmos. Despite its centuries-old history and widespread use, TCM presents a complex array of challenges and opportunities within the contemporary healthcare landscape. While TCM offers unique perspectives and therapeutic modalities that have been utilized for millennia, its integration into modern healthcare systems poses significant questions regarding efficacy, safety, regulation, and cultural relevance. Furthermore, the scientific validation of TCM interventions remains a subject of debate, with varying levels of evidence supporting different modalities and practices. This study seeks to address these challenges by examining the following key issues: The efficacy and safety of TCM interventions for treating specific health conditions, including pain management, chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and women's health issues. The integration of TCM into mainstream healthcare systems, both in China and globally, and the policies, initiatives, and challenges associated with this process. The philosophical and cultural underpinnings of TCM and their implications for clinical practice, patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The ethical considerations surrounding the practice, research, and commercialization of TCM, including informed consent, patient autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability.