TCM on the rise globally
The following news was brought to my attention recently.
For the first time in China a government backed organization has been formed to promote TCM in other countries of the world. The alliance was formed in Beijing earlier this year and includes Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, the health ministry’s Development Center for Medical Science and Technology, and 12 pharmaceutical companies in China. Official statistics have shown that the number of countries interested in and recognizing the advantages of TCM in the treatment of diseases is now more than 160, and this number is still growing.
This is, of course great news. However, most of that global interest has been in the acupuncture component of TCM. The other main component, herbal medicine, is less popular. Chinese medicinal herbs are recognized more as dietary supplements in the West than for their ability to heal illnesses, despite the fact that they have been known for their therapeutic use in TCM for thousands of years.
Hopefully the new alliance in China will be able to exert some influence in Europe where the debate continues regarding the imminent changes in European health regulations. If the THMPD (Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive) is implemented, there will be a total ban on the sale of all Chinese TCM and Indian Ayurvedic herbal products within the EU by any vendor other than a licensed medical practitioner as early as April 2011.
How would this ban affect us in the US? To quote Lao Tsu, the father of Taoism on which TCM is based: Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and let the mud settle.
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