ABSTRACT

Background Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism. The theory of TCM takes a holistic view of the human body by seeing it as integral with its social and natural environment. As an important part of the Chinese culture, TCM has evolved into a unique and complete medical system during the long history of China. TCM practice includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy. Today, TCM is widely practised both in China and around the world.

Relevance TCM has come to be respected as a credible treatment modality in many countries around the world. It is the subject of active basic and practice research, which appears to validate much of the underlying principles. All this is owed to a clear vision and strategy by the Chinese government to systematize, modernize, and 118promote TCM to be on a par with Western medicine. It is therefore clear from this that the mainstreaming of traditional knowledge and practices can only succeed with the active support of government policies and political will.