China
In China, medical practices such as acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, cupping and
certain exercise techniques are regarded as integrative therapies that aim to restore harmony and
balance to the human body, which is viewed holisti
cally. Chinese traditional medicine is based on
the following interlinked concepts: the yin/yang complementary aspects of the whole, the former
being considered as a negative state associated with cold, darkness, stillness and passivity, and
the latter as a positive state associated with heat, light and vigour; the five phases or elements
(wood, fire, earth, metal and water); the three treasures of the human body (essence, qi energy,
mind/spirit) encompassing both tangible and intangible elements within the body; the zang/fu
organs (solid/hollow) which create, transport and store the essence as well as draff of water and
grain, and the meridians or channels that link together all the fundamental elements and enable
energy and blood to flow throughout the body. Be
ing an integral part of national plans for
comprehensive health care services for the vast population of China, traditional medicine has been
approached from a scientific perspective, with the focus on research into its treatment methods.
Consequently, it is now fully integrated across all
levels of health care provision. Some 95% of
Chinese hospitals currently have traditional medicine departments.
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