TCM provides an ideal solution to mass medical treatment

Despite skepticism of Western doctors and general public about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), NBA star Yao Ming has chosen the ancient remedy to help heal the stress fracture in his left foot after surgery in early March. He is hoping to get better in time for the Beijing Olympic Games in August this year.

In the center of the intense debate is whether TCM would help or harm Yao’s recovery. Some people claim there is no scientific evidence to support TCM.

But Professor Niu Xin, an expert in the area of integrating traditional and western medicines, said he believed TCM will help Yao.

"Western medicine may work more rapidly in reducing pain and treating many ailments, while TCM is specially effective in treating bone injuries," said Niu, director of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine International School. Click to learn Chinese herb Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Chenxiang).

Niu said Yao’s cultural background made him more receptive to using TCM. He says when it comes to deciding which medicine is best for a patient, it is good to respect his or her own choices.

There are abundant examples of Chinese athletes employing TCM in curing injuries and enhancing physical performances. More than 90 percent of Chinese athletes who get injured are treated in China, many of whom get TCM treatment. For example, the Chinese women’s volleyball team members often use herbal vapors to reduce swollen ankles, and national gymnasts receive accupuncture and massage regularly.

And latest media reports said Yao is set to join his national team mates for full Olympic training in June as the basketball center continues his recovery from foot surgery with the help of TCM.

Modern Western medicine is based on technical data and testing, while TCM largely works on practical experiences, which Prof. Niu admitted hindered the promotion and popularization of TCM outside China.

TCM was formed and developed through China’s thousands of years of history, and was the only form of medicine before Italian missionary Matteo Ricci? introduced Western medicine into China in 1580. According to Prof Niu, although the modern medicine has taken over 80 percent of China’s medical field, traditional medicine is still an important part. Click to learn Chinese herb Flos Caryophylli (Dingxiang).

The relatively low cost and effectiveness of TCM provides an ideal solution to mass medical treatment in a populous country like China, which aims to realize universal medical insurance by 2020.

As a medicine that derives its ingredients from nature, "TCM does well in strengthening people’s health and preventing potential illnesses", Prof. Niu said.

And one sport enthusiast also sings the praises of TCM.

Li He plays soccer or goes hiking in the mountains every week. Like others who play sports as a hobby and for exercise, he is dogged by physical injuries from time to time. And in most cases, the 26-year-old man resorts to TCM for help.

"I like it because traditional medicine is natural and I feel more comfortable there," he said.

Li was seriously injured when the ball hit the middle finger on his right hand. The injury caused numbness to the finger. After a scan of the injury at the hospital, his hand was put in a cast for two weeks. Li was treated at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, where he was offered western medicine. But he later turned to a TCM hospital because he disliked having his hand in cast and hoped to find a better way of healing his finger. Click to learn Chinese herb Radix Aucklandiae (Muxiang).

At the Guo Yi Tang hospital, Li received accupuncture and electrotherapy twice a week. After 10 weeks, his finger was back in action.

Later on he goes for TCM treatments like accupuncture and cupping every week to reduce muscle tension.

Another TCM fan is former Vice Premier Wu Yi, who was once also chief of China’s Ministry of Health. Wu has been a long-time TCM advocator. With her efforts, the number of TCM hospitals reached more than 3,000 in 2007 from 2,518 five years ago, and more than 90 percent of urban community health clinics and 70 percent of rural hospitals provide TCM services. And the 70-year-old has started learning TCM since her retirement this year.

Article source: chinadaily