Traditional Chinese Medicine
Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name
Dr. Clay Morton
Proposal Track
Student
Session Format
Paper Presentation
Abstract
This study discusses the effectiveness of traditional treatments while comparing its theories to modern medical practice and exploring common themes in traditional cures. Like other cultures, the Chinese developed their own medical values and traditions over the course of their early history, and many of these practices are still implemented today. Rooted in the ancient religion of Daoism, traditional medicine echoes the heart of traditional China itself by emphasizing the mysterious effects of yin/yang forces, the vital importance of balanced qi, and a healthy relationship between nature and the individual’s inner self. Thus, traditional Chinese medicine is a mixture of ancient knowledge and ancient superstition, and because it has been used for so long, many of its treatments are effective and have stood the test of time. However, rather than originating as a science controlled by documented trials, traditional Chinese medicine began as superstition that eventually morphed into a well-practiced art. As a result, many traditional prescriptions remain in the system out of respect for the practice itself rather than their objective successfulness. Therefore, although some ancient treatments have gained ground in Western circles of thought, the effectiveness of each must be weighed carefully before it is implemented.
Whereas modern medicine views the human body as an organism to be studied, dissected, and measured, ancient Chinese medicine sees humanity as one tiny part of nature and teaches that health springs from alignment with nature and balance within a patient’s inner self. Because of these differences in perspective, practitioners from both schools of thought have difficulty understanding the reasoning behind each other’s methods. Due to the theory’s absolute dependence on its ancient religion, medicine rooted in Daoism must be accepted and understood on its own terms; however, reference to evaluations of specific treatments is important for individuals considering traditional treatments in their own lives.
Keywords
Chinese history, history of medicine, Daoism
Award Consideration
1
Location
Room 2908
Presentation Year
2015
Start Date
11-7-2015 1:00 PM
End Date
11-7-2015 2:00 PM
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Maddox, Rachel, "Traditional Chinese Medicine" (2015). Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (2014-2015). 81.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gurc/2015/2015/81
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Room 2908
This study discusses the effectiveness of traditional treatments while comparing its theories to modern medical practice and exploring common themes in traditional cures. Like other cultures, the Chinese developed their own medical values and traditions over the course of their early history, and many of these practices are still implemented today. Rooted in the ancient religion of Daoism, traditional medicine echoes the heart of traditional China itself by emphasizing the mysterious effects of yin/yang forces, the vital importance of balanced qi, and a healthy relationship between nature and the individual’s inner self. Thus, traditional Chinese medicine is a mixture of ancient knowledge and ancient superstition, and because it has been used for so long, many of its treatments are effective and have stood the test of time. However, rather than originating as a science controlled by documented trials, traditional Chinese medicine began as superstition that eventually morphed into a well-practiced art. As a result, many traditional prescriptions remain in the system out of respect for the practice itself rather than their objective successfulness. Therefore, although some ancient treatments have gained ground in Western circles of thought, the effectiveness of each must be weighed carefully before it is implemented.
Whereas modern medicine views the human body as an organism to be studied, dissected, and measured, ancient Chinese medicine sees humanity as one tiny part of nature and teaches that health springs from alignment with nature and balance within a patient’s inner self. Because of these differences in perspective, practitioners from both schools of thought have difficulty understanding the reasoning behind each other’s methods. Due to the theory’s absolute dependence on its ancient religion, medicine rooted in Daoism must be accepted and understood on its own terms; however, reference to evaluations of specific treatments is important for individuals considering traditional treatments in their own lives.
