Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapeutics: An Overview of the Basics and Clinical Applications

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Luís Carlos Matos (Author) FEUP; Jorge Pereira Machado (Author) Other; Fernando Mendes Monteiro (Author) FEUP; Henry Johannes Greten (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Healthcare

Pages: 1-257

ISSN: 2213-0764

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-J7Q

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030257

Abstract (EN): Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a systematic healthcare system developed from clinical experience based on a scientific model of regulation. TCM relies on unique theories and practices to treat diseases and enhance health. These practices include Chinese herbal medicine and dietetics, acupuncture and moxibustion, and other non-medication therapies such as Chinese bodywork or manual therapy, known as "Tuina", and traditional biofeedback exercises, known as "Qigong" and "Taijiquan". The integration of TCM in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures. Understanding the structural concepts of the TCM language makes possible the parallelism to Western physiology, and the inherent rational use of the reflex therapeutic systems, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and mental training involved, for example, in acupuncture and "Qigong". The results of TCM clinical trials and fundamental research on its nature and mechanisms have encouraged the development and application of well-designed research strategies such as double blinding in acupucture to overcome limitations and resistances in integrating these practices into the existing biomedical paradigms of the West. This review aims to overview some TCM theoretical concepts and the evidence-based clinical application of TCM's leading practices to create an easy-to-consult and condensed source of information, available for the healthcare community, facilitating the understanding and communication between conventional health professionals and TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 32