Running Head: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 1

: Impact of Hong Kong Government Funding on the Development of Chinese Medicine.

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Introduction.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a significant aspect of Chinese Culture. This

type of medication has been widely used, particularly in China, until recently when Chinese

Medicine evolved (Tang et al., 2008). In 2018, when Hong Kong was announcing its budget, it

mentioned that it had set aside $500 million for the development of Chinese Medicine. As a

result, these funds majorly impacted Chinese Medicine. Therefore, determining the history of

TCM and the impact of Hong Kong Government Funding on the Development of Chinese

Medicine is the core purpose of this essay.

History of TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest medical systems across the globe. It is

approximated to be 23 centuries old, and its core aim is preventing diseases and maintaining a

healthy balance in the body. This kind of balance was referred to as the 'yingyang' balance. The

TCM healers wanted to restore the balance between two complementary forces known as yin and

yang. The former refers to passive while the latter refers to active. These healers claim that the

complementary forces spread through the human body just like they do to the universe. As a

result, defining a healthy person in TCM refers to someone whose body is in harmony with these

two forces. Conversely, illness particularly occurs when there is a breakdown in the yin and yang

equilibrium. Therefore, Chinese history can be traced back to the past 23 centuries, and it

majorly focuses on two complementary forces as the determinant of an individual's health.

TCM Practitioners.

The TCM healers used an array of traditional medicines to restore harmony between the

body and the two forces. The two major methods of treatment used during those times were

acupuncture and cupping. The cupping process involves placing hot glass cups on a patient's
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body to draw blood to the skin. On the other hand, acupuncture involves inserting several

needles on the surface of the skin or underlying tissues (Ma, 2000). Sometimes, the TCM healers

could prescribe a brew that contains one of the medicinal or animal parts. Therefore, acupuncture

and cupping were the core methods of treatment used in the ancient times of Chinese medicine.

A professional TCM practitioner requires various skills to identify an unbalanced health

condition. These include the use of voice vibrations, smell, touch, hearing and pulse diagnosis

when diagnosing a disease in a patient. They will then determine the organ to which the

condition can be related and the affected meridians. Moreover, the TCM practitioner uses five

phases, also known as wu xing, during diagnosis. To use these five agents, the practitioner

observes the natural laws that are in action. These five agents include fire (Huo), metal (jin),

wood (mu), water (Shui), and earth (tu). The TCM practitioners discovered that these five-

element have myriad correspondences that are visible and invisible. As a result, skilled

practitioners use this framework to identify unbalanced health conditions. For instance, using

time as the key factor, a practitioner can identify which correspondence is related to that

particular time. Let us use a patient who experiences a headache at 4 pm. A TCM practitioner is

able to tell that the headache occurs due to an unbalanced bladder. The reason is that the bladder

is in charge of taking care of the body's function at that particular time. Thus, a practitioner is

able to create a treatment plan for the patient using the five element theory. These treatment

plans can entail changing lifestyle, eating specific food for healing, acupuncture or use of herbs.

The use of Chinese psychology can also be part of a treatment plan as it helps determine how the

energy of a particular emotion can affect the functioning of an organ. Therefore, TCM

practitioners require an array of skills to be able to determine the disease.

Use of Herbs in TCM.

TCM primarily make use of herbal therapy. TCM practitioners make use of herbal

formulas to strengthen body organs and sustain the health of individuals. Hence the practitioners

must understand the herb in-depth to be able to prescribe herbs that have a healing effect Tang et

al., 2018). The herbs should be able to create a healing effect that surpasses their physical

practices and chemical composition. Thus, the TCM practitioner chooses a herbal formula with

energy vibrations that can stimulate the body's energy vibrations. Some of these herbal formulas

have been in use for more than 2,200 years, and they entail ingredients that function when

combined with each other. In the Western medical system, practitioners prescribe drugs

individually for a particular condition. The same applies to TCM as each herbal formula plays

different roles within the body to achieve harmony. It takes a long procedure before a plant is

included in a Chinese apothecary. For instance, each part of the herb must have a healing

purpose. Therefore, TCM must understand a herbal formula before prescribing it to a patient

with the aim of creating balance in the body.

TCM Key Principles.

There are four key principles of TCM. The first principle states that the body of living

beings is integrated as a whole. This means that each part of the human body is significant as it

has an impact on the whole body. The mind, emotions, energy, forces are not exempted as they

form an interrelated system. The second principle states that the body of human beings is wholly

connected to nature. Hence, when there is a change in nature, its effect reflects on the body.

When looking at an individual's health issues, TCM considers the time of the day, genetics,

seasons, and the condition of the body. The third principle states that all of us are born with the

natural ability of self-healing. Just the way nature has its regenerative ability; the body also has
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the ability to heal itself. Even though the self-healing ability may be difficult to access, it never

goes away completely. The last principle states that prevention is the best form of cure. The body

regularly reveals signs regarding its state of health. However, the majority of us tend to ignore

these signs and symptoms until the situation becomes complicated. TCM practitioners have the

ability to interpret these signs and symptoms; hence they can prevent further damages to the

body.

The relationship between Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine still remains to be the most advanced and therapeutic

approach used across the globe. Its knowledge greatly impacts the direction of modern medical

system development (Dong, 2013). The reason is that its knowledge is simple and can perfectly

fit the changing times, and can be applied in varying cultures. Traditional Chinese medicine is

divided into three parts. These include; the part consistent with modern medicine, which is

involuntarily behind modern medicine and requires to be elevated.

The part consistent with modern medicine is first in the category. Western medicine was

introduced to China in the 16th century. However, it was not commonly used in the region during

that time; hence its impact was minimal. An Opium war erupted in China, and it was after the

war, Western medicine began to develop in China. This means that prior to the event, TCM was

the leading system of healthcare in China. The founding of China in 1949 also played a large role

in promoting western medicine in China. As a result, the therapeutic principles, theories,

understanding of the relationship between life and science and the basic structure of TCM were

clearly elaborated. Therefore, TCM began reaching a common point with modern medicine.

There are various concepts of TCM that are evident in modern medicine. For instance,

the kidney plays a significant role in the human body. It was majorly used in the theories guiding
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Chinese medicine. In modern medicine, kidney syndrome is also majorly used to determine

various symptoms. The diagnosis concept of TCM is also used in modern medicine. TCM

diagnosis entails major components known as inspection, auscultation-Olfaction, Inquiry and

Palpation. The inspection involves visually examining the patient to determine changes in

physical appearance. In modern medicine, the same concept is used while visually examining a

patient. Therefore, there are various concepts in TCM that have been adopted in modern

medicine.

Chinese Medicine Development Fund.

As TCM continued evolving, various nations across the globe offered to grant China

funds to develop the TCM system. For instance, in 2018, the Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region Government set aside funds to develop Chinese medicine. The amount was $500 million,

and it was part of the public budget. Hence, in 2019 the Chinese Medical Development fund was

launched. These funds were supervised by the Food and Health Bureau. The Chinese Medical

Development Fund was put in two categories: the Enterprise Support Scheme and the Industry

Support Scheme. In the ESP category, there are other four funding schemes. These include

'Chinese Medicine Warehouse Management, Logistics and Service Improvement Funding

Schemes', Proprietary Chinese Medicine Quality and Manufacturing System Enhancement',

'Chinese Medicine Clinical Improvement Funding Scheme' and the 'Proprietary Chinese

Medicine Registration Supporting Scheme.' The ISP category has also been divided into two

parts: ' Chinese Medicine Applied Studies and Research Funding Scheme' and 'Chinese Medicine

Promotion Funding Scheme.'

Advisory Committee.
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For the funds to be properly managed and its objectives to be achieved, an advisory

committee had to be formed so that they could oversee the process. The Food and Health

Secretary was given the responsibility of appointing members of the Advisory Committee. The

Committee was to consist of a chairperson, a Chinese Medicine practitioner to act as a

representative, Chinese medicine drugs, healthcare, testing and certification, and a person

experienced in the business. The committee members were appointed to be in office for a two-

year term.

Importance of Advisory Committees.

Getting advice on what to do is significant because it acts as a guide to an organization.

Just like their name 'advisory committee', their role is to advise the organization on what should

be done to be able to perform effectively and achieve its objectives. Advisory committees are

significant because they give advice from the perspective of the citizens. For instance, the Food

and Health Department in China formulated an advisory committee because they wanted to be

advised on ways they can make good use of the Chinese Medicine Development Fund.

There are several reasons why these advisory boards are important. One major reason is

that they directly focus on a certain aspect and use their expertise in ways the Food and Health

Department was limited. Another importance is that they issue advice based on a third-party

perspective. As a result, they are able to combat decisions made under emotions. People tend to

make decisions based on their emotions and not facts, leading to a failure because of poor

decision-making skills. An advisory committee always illustrates their willingness and

responsibility by including an array of perspectives.

Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Science has varying opinions regarding the use safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Scientists say that some of the Chinese products are found to be contaminated with animal

materials and undeclared plants. Examples of these contaminants include warfarin which thins

the blood, and nonstediol, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. Scientists also claim that some of

these herbs are incorrect because they can damage organs. The prescriptions are also not

medically approved; hence consumption of these herbs for a long time damages the body.

There are also reports of complications that occur after using acupuncture. The

complications arise because some of these needles are not sterilized before use (Uzuner et al.,

2012). Additionally, sometimes the TCM practitioner is not fully qualified, delivering improper

treatment (Robinson, 2006). Some of the severe effects of delivering acupuncture treatment

include the risk of developing infections, vital organs can be punctured, the lungs might collapse,

and the central nervous system can be injured.

Tai chi has always been perceived as safe practice in Chinese medicine. The reason is

that the likelihood of an injury occurring is minimal. However, some of its side effects include

minor aches and pains in the body. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to seek advice from

their healthcare providers before taking part in a Tai Chi exercise program.

Objectives of the Chinese Medicine Development Funds.

The objective of the Chinese Medicine Development funds was to mitigate these risks

that result from Chinese medicine. The core objective was to enhance the overall standard of the

industry. The Chinese Medicine industry was lagging behind in its production process. The

reason is because of the introduction of scientific methods of treatment which were cheaper. The

scientific system was also fast because technologies were used to diagnose diseases, and the
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medicines were already manufactured. As a result, the Chinese Medicine industry deteriorated as

it had fewer patients. Hence the funds will raise the standards of the TCM industry.

Another objective is to be able to nurture talent for Chinese Medicine Hospital

Development. The government of Hong Kong wanted a Traditional Chinese Healthcare Center

to be developed in China. The healthcare centre was to be used not only by those in China but

also the tourist patients from all over the world seeking treatment. The healthcare centre was to

use TCM only to diagnose and treat diseases. The funds were also supposed to be used in

developing a training school of TCM practitioners. The people who mastered the skill of using

TCM as a method of treatment became old, and they can no longer offer their services. For TCM

not to become distinct, the funds were issued to establish a TCM training school. The training

school was to teach young talents these techniques.

Another objective was to promote Chinese medicine scientific research. For instance,

scientific studies have discovered that some of these CM products and techniques are not safe for

our health. Therefore, the Food and Health Department can develop ways of dealing with such

issues. For instance, science should determine the components of these herbs and their effects on

the body. This will prevent the consumption of excess amounts of herbs. Science can also

develop better ways to manufacture these herbs to avoid contamination. The use of unsterilized

objects such as needles in acupuncture is scientifically unhealthy as it can spread various

diseases. Hence science can help develop new techniques that can be used for treatment.

Therefore, scientific research is significant as it helps to prevent the risk associated with CM.

Another objective is to teach the public about CM. Knowledge is power, and there are so

many myths regarding Chinese medicine. As a result, the majority of people refrain from using

these treatment methods because of the myths. Others do not visit healthcare centres and only
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rely on TCM for treatment. For instance, some people still believe that the body naturally heals

itself; hence there is no need to seek medication. This can result in death because sometimes the

condition is worsening and requires urgent medical attention. People should also be taught to use

Chinese medicine when prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner to avoid endangering

their lives. Hence, when they have knowledge regarding the disease, they will be able to know

which treatment plan suits their condition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Policies.

To enhance the development of Chinese medicine, the State Council of China developed

implementation policies to speed up and support Chinese medicine. This circular was issued on

February 2021. After Congress passed such policies, TCM has been able to achieve so much in

its reformation and development.

More effort is needed to enable TCM to achieve a competitive advantage against other

traditional drugs and be coordinated with western medicine. China knows that it will benefit

significantly if Chinese medicine is approved as a safe method of treatment worldwide. The

reason is that they will not only receive more foreign patients but will also export their products

and services; hence their economy will grow. Thus, the policies were put in place to ensure that

the medication being supplied and services offered are of high quality. The policies were also put

in place to support the innovation of TCM. For instance, more safe ways of CM treatment should

be developed, and equipment for manufacturing the herbs innovated so as to increase its supply.

The policies entail paying equal attention to both western medicine and Chinese

medicine. The government particularly emphasized retaining its traditions to develop TCM.

Another policy was to increase research to determine more some of the areas that need

improvement. The research will also help in discovering more herbs that can be used for
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treatment and better treatment plans. Another policy was to have a cultural day in China where

people can learn about various cultures in China. Because each culture had its method of

treatment, they can share such information during such days hence promoting TCM.

Conclusion.

In summary, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a significant aspect of Chinese

Culture. It is one of the oldest medical systems across the globe. It is approximated to be 23

centuries old, and its core aim is preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy balance in the

body. The TCM healers used an array of traditional medicines to restore harmony between the

body and the two forces. The two major methods of treatment used during those times are

acupuncture and cupping. . Moreover, the TCM practitioner uses five phases, also known as wu

xing, during diagnosis. To use these five agents, the practitioner observes the natural laws that

are in action. These five agents include fire (Huo), metal (jin), wood (mu), water (Shui), and

earth (tu). In 2018, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government set aside funds to

develop Chinese medicine. The Chinese Medical Development Fund was put in two categories:

the Enterprise Support Scheme and the Industry Support Scheme. The objective of the Chinese

Medicine Development funds was to mitigate these risks that result from Chinese medicine. The

core objective was to enhance the overall standard of the industry.

References.

Chan, K. (1995). Progress in traditional Chinese medicine. Trends in pharmacological

sciences, 16(6), 182-187.

Dong, J. (2013). The relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and modern

medicine. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.

Ma, K. W. (2000). Acupuncture: its place in the history of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture in

Medicine, 18(2), 88-99.

Robinson, N. (2006). Integrated traditional Chinese medicine. Complementary therapies in

clinical practice, 12(2), 132-140.

Tang, J. L., Liu, B. Y., & Ma, K. W. (2008). Traditional Chinese medicine. The

Lancet, 372(9654), 1938-1940.

Normile, D. (2003). The new face of traditional Chinese medicine. Science, 299(5604), 188-190.

Uzuner, H., Bauer, R., Fan, T. P., Guo, D. A., Dias, A., El-Nezami, H., & Xu, Q. (2012).

Traditional Chinese medicine research in the post-genomic era: good practice, priorities,

challenges and opportunities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 140(3), 458-468