Chinese Medicine and Culture

Revisiting the Medical Work of George Soulié De Morant Jean Claude Dubois Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):53-56 It is now time to revisit the medical work of George Soulié de Morant (1878–1955). Over the past 64 years, studies and research on acupuncture-moxibustion have undergone exceptional growth in China, and Western sinology has made remarkable progress. A careful rereading will bring a new light to this decisive work.

Studies on Xin'an Medicine (新安医学) since the Ming and Qing Dynasties Jian Wang, Yebo He Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):57-61 This article reviews the studies on Xin'an medicine since the Ming and Qing dynasties and introduces the representative Xin'an physicians in different periods and their medical works as well as the efforts made by researchers and scholars in the 20th Century, aiming to interpret the historical values and impacts of Xin'an medicine and hence facilitate its development in future.

The importance of the Classics in the Transmission of Chinese Medicine to the West Sandra Hill Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):62-65 This paper discusses the role of the classical texts (Neijing and Nanjing) in the transmission of Chinese medicine – in particular acupuncture – to the West. This is presented in the following sections: A short historical overview of acupuncture practice in the UK; Philosophy of health and nourishing life (Yang sheng养生); The body as a complex system; Mind-body connections and the future of medicine and the problem of qi (气).

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia: A Brief Historical Overview of the Associations Hon Foong Wong, Shih Chau Ng, Wen Tien Tan, Huiying Wang, Xun Lin, Si Woei Goh, Bao Ling Hoo, Chyong En Chai, Jun Liu Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):66-68 The increasing number of TCM practitioners and herbal suppliers, both of which accelerated by the formation of various TCM institutions, substantiated the creation of regional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) associations in post-World War II Malaya. In response to the restrictions and levies imposed by the British colonial government, these regional associations united and formed a national organisation now known as the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Medicine Dealers Association of Malaya (FCPMDAM). The current designated TCM practitioner body, the Malaysian Chinese Medical Association (MCMA) were also originally established to nurture local talents in the face of import restrictions. Owing to difference with MCMA, a separate association named the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia (FCPAAM) was setup in 2003 to absorb self-studied and patrimonial-educated TCM practitioners.

Essays in the History of Medicine Lei Xu Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):69-70 Professor Karl Sudhoff had spent most of his career time researching the history of medical development in medieval Europe. The book collects the source fragment of the evidence of Professor Sudhoff's job.

The Establishment and Spread of Acupuncture Model Based on Different Cultures Yu Zhang, Sheng Liu Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):71-76 The Belt and Road (B and R) brings a historic opportunity for the Chinese medicine culture communication, especially the traditional acupuncture. The high rate of acupuncture cognitive barriers is one of the important factors among patients and service providers in “B and R” countries. The proposed project, to be conducted in “B and R” countries, has the following primary aims: (1) to assess acupuncture knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions; (2) to assess acupuncture knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among clinic staff; and (3) to adapt, develop, and deliver acupuncture education programs for patients and clinic staff. The secondary aims are as follows: (4) to explore the barriers that impact acupuncture receiving intervention and medical service and (5) to explore ways to help service providers to provide acupuncture services to patients in acupuncture clinics based on different cultures. Through an iterative process of discussion and revision, we plan to develop a comprehensive acupuncture intervention program that is appropriate for the “B and R” countries setting and that can be tested for its effectiveness in a series of controlled trials in future research.

A Review on Ben Cao Gang Mu Ying Jiao Dui Zhao (《本草纲目影校对照》 A Contrast between the Photocopy and Collation of Compendium of Materia Medica) Shunong Shen Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):77-79 Ben Cao Gang Mu Ying Jiao Dui Zhao (《本草纲目影校对照》 A Contrast between the Photocopy and Collation of Compendium of Materia Medica), completed by Zhang Zhibin and Zheng Jinsheng, is the latest variorum on Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》 Compendium of Materia Medica). Adopting five different Jinling editions as the master copy, the book carefully collates the complex contents on the original book by contrasting the photocopies with the supplement and correction, which makes it easy to use. What is more, full-form punctuation is used to mark the reference books and proper nouns, which is a big success feat in the research history of Ben Cao Gang Mu.

Indigo Naturalis (青黛) Comes from Blue, but it Excels Blue Tianwen Yao, Baican Yang Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):80-83 Indigo naturalis (青黛) is also called “indigo flower,” “bright cyan,” and “cyan clam powder.” The alias “indigo flower” shows its complex progress about producing dyes. The alias “bright cyan” vividly displays the visual characteristics of indigo naturalis. Its another alias “cyan clam powder” implies its properties, flavors, and particular morphologic characteristics. The name of “indigo naturalis” emphasizes its wide use in ancient times to paint their eyebrows. Indigo naturalis, which comes from the Persian Kingdom, wins the favor and praise of customers in the respects of dye and cosmetics in both Eastern and Western Regions. It not only shows the infinite charm of dye culture in the Western Regions and provides a visual sensation for people, but also adds new color for Chinese medicine culture.

Traditional Chinese medicine: How is it An Invaluable Intangible Cultural Heritage Anwen Zheng Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):84-87 This article deals with the concept of intangible culture heritage and the reasons why traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should be specially preserved. The potential value of TCM and the existing measures for carrying on the cultural heritage adopted by China are also explored in the article.

Making Sense of an Ancient Discipline in a Modern Time: How Tai Chi (太极) Practice Benefits the Body–Mind Meghdad Abdi Chinese Medicine and Culture 2019 2(2):88-92 Tai chi(太极) is an ancient Chinese traditional martial art that, today, is also practiced as a graceful and multifaceted form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing and expanded awareness of the body, mind, and surrounding environment. There is growing evidence that this mind–body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems and you can get started even if you are not in top shape or the best of health. This paper is a review of the research that has been conducted internationally on the health-enhancing aspects of Tai Chi practice over the past few years. It is not possible to cover all areas of research in one paper; therefore, three important areas are chosen and discussed, namely, improving balance, strengthening the bones, reducing pain and the rest will be referred to in a future article.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
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