TCM terminology and member posts

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

I'm sorry for not keeping a close eye on messages recently. I've just come

back from China, graduated and am in the process of finding a job and a

place to live. Coupled with that I'm also translating a text from Chinese to

English on digestive disorders for publication. I'm also learning and

constructing various web sites, which are all keeping me far too busy and

away from the group. I apologise to all.

 

Nevertheless, my silence has got many worried and lead discussions down the

wrong path. When I originally started this group, I was very laidback about

what members can and can't do. After a year of running the group, it's

become apparent that strict and clear guidelines need to be in place in

order for discussions to be clear and of certain TCM quality. I therefore

need to make clear statements as to what members can and can't post on this

group.

 

Firstly, the group is open to ALL healthcare professionals, whether they be

TCM practitioners, students, MDs, herbalists, Tuina or Qi Gong

practitioners. However, this is a TCM group and therefore illness and

disease need to be discussed within the contexts of TCM understanding and

terminology. A good TCM standard to use for terminology is Wiseman's TCM

dictionary. If you don't have a copy, I strongly recommend that you buy one.

This and other established TCM medical texts such as the classics are to be

the basis of all discussions within this group. Members are not allowed to

make references from others without adhering to these guidelines. Of course

not all of TCM is written down in stone. Certain information is handed down

orally. Although this can only be used if a TCM practitioner is gaining

information from their teacher and not a non-TCM practitioner gathering

information from a qualified TCM practitioner.

 

If members are not qualified in TCM then they should not discuss TCM issues

unless they wish to ask questions and make certain points clear. If on the

other hand, WM is discussed, then I don't except TCM practitioners and

others to know better than MDs in their chosen field. Again, if nutrition,

Tuina or Qigong is discussed then nutrionists and Tuina/Qigong practitioners

are to be respected in their chosen field.

 

I know that these rules sound harsh and restrictive, but unfortunately their

necessary. I personally don't 'get-off' imposing them, rather the opposite,

but they are needed, are being introduced and will be adhered to. If any

members are not happy with this, please feel free to email me off list. My

email address if not shown is attiliodalberto

 

I hope this further clarifies discussions on this important list for TCM.

 

Kind regards

 

Attilio

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

These are not harsh rules at all, Attilio. Without these guidelines,

there is no basis for meaningful discussion. To me, having people not

trained in Chinese medicine contributing is quite lenient, considering

few people are going to contribute their lack of expertise when

discussing Chinese medical issues.

 

 

On Sep 18, 2004, at 8:02 AM, Attilio D'Alberto wrote:

 

> If members are not qualified in TCM then they should not discuss TCM

> issues

> unless they wish to ask questions and make certain points clear. If on

> the

> other hand, WM is discussed, then I don't except TCM practitioners and

> others to know better than MDs in their chosen field. Again, if

> nutrition,

> Tuina or Qigong is discussed then nutrionists and Tuina/Qigong

> practitioners

> are to be respected in their chosen field.

>

> I know that these rules sound harsh and restrictive, but unfortunately

> their

> necessary. I personally don't 'get-off' imposing them, rather the

> opposite,

> but they are needed, are being introduced and will be adhered to.

 

Chair, Department of Herbal Medicine

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

San Diego, Ca. 92122