Chinese and Indian Medicine Today by Md. Nazrul Islam

Author:Md. Nazrul Islam
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer Singapore, Singapore

3.7 Conclusion

Chinese medicine , ayurveda and Western medicine have own theories, methods and history which cannot be readily integrated . The theories of dao (the universe), qi (vital energy), yin-yang (two complementary phase of the dao), and five phases (wood, fire, earth , metal and water) from Chinese medicine do not fit with the theory of microorganism in Western medicine. Similarly the theories of three bodily humors vata-pitta-kapha (air/wind-bile-phlegm ) from ayurveda do not easily fit with the theories of Western medicine. Any attempts to integrate these theories with the modalities of Western medicine can only cause the loss of epistemological authority for Chinese medicine and ayurveda over Western medicine. Since Western medicine readily suit with modern lifestyle which gives it advantages, young graduates of Chinese medicine and ayurveda will be very reluctant to follow the theories of their own system of medicine.

Professionalization of Chinese medicine and ayurveda according to the Western line caused the decline of traditional apprenticeship and family education . Today the training and research of Chinese medicine and ayurveda have moved out of the traditional apprenticeship system and into the formal education system. More specifically, students are able to study Chinese medicine and ayurveda from a tertiary institution and are awarded formal degree qualifications for their training. This formalization and professionalization has led to a revival of interest at various points. There has been a popularization of interest in obtaining Chinese medicine and ayurvedic qualification by college -going students. At the same time, the professionalization of Chinese medicine and ayurveda and the formal training program have created an avenue for graduates to do back-door Western medicine practice because of nature of their education curriculum . Most students come to study Chinese medicine or ayurveda after having failed to enrol in colleges of Western medicine . The major trend of education and practice in Chinese medicine and ayurveda today is the integrated medicine which combines Chinese medicine and ayurveda with Western treatment modalities. As the statistics has revealed that students and graduates from Chinese medicine and ayurvedic colleges are eager to learn Western medicine and use Western diagnosis and treatment methods apart from prescribing Western drugs . However, this trend has raises serious concern about authenticity. This would not be surprising if Chinese medicine and ayurveda only exist as a brand name to sell Western medicine practice and products if this integrated education and practice continued.

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