Revisiting TCM / CTM / CCM etc.

[Guest guest]

The American periodical Acupuncture Today has published an interview with

Paul Unschuld in its last 2 issues (July and August 2004). They are

available on-line at:

 

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/jul/07bauerunschuld.html

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/aug/08bauerunschuld.html

 

The 2nd, more extensive part, touches on:

 

" The major misconceptions held in the West have to do with:

A. the definition of " TCM " ;

B. the world views underlying Chinese traditional medicine;

C. the nature of Chinese pharmaceutical therapy; and

D. the role of acupuncture in Chinese medicine. "

 

Dr. Unschuld's exposition of these themes, and the overview of the history

of CTM, as well as existing and emerging literature (in English) will

probably interest some of those here who participated in recent discussions

as to what our focus here ( " TCM forum " ) is, could be, should be, etc.

 

Note: Dr. Unschuld chooses the term Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) to

refer to the broadest range of the written and oral legacy of medicine in

China over the last 2200 years or so, arguing, along with other authors,

that " TCM " historically and properly has a narrower meaning. I have noticed

other authors using the CTM concept, for instance Dr. Leon Hammer.

 

I'm not going to argue one way or the other here, but just suggest that

those interested in the topic might take the time to read these articles.

Whether one accepts the viewpoints or not, or in part, one should be

familiar with them to able to intelligently discuss aspects of them, as

will likely recur here from time to time.