The Status Quo of TCM
2 min readThere are fundamental differences between TCM and the Western medical system.For some time，the scientific community in the West looked upon TCM with suspicion.The former could not accept the claims of the latter without objective scientific evaluation.In recent decades，however，there has been a healthy crossover from Western biomedicine to Chinese traditional medicine.More and more people in the world are becoming interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine.Some Westerners，with understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy，have begun to realize the value of TCM.They are interested in learning its knowledge and techniques to treat patients and studying why it works，and they would like to accept its treatment.
Universities and colleges in China are providing degree and diploma courses in TCM.Crosseducation in both TCM and Western system are provided to medical students with majors in either one of the systems.Among the foreign students in natural sciences，those who major in Traditional Chinese Medicine account for the highest percentage.A large number of specialists in TCM have been invited by countries in Asia，Europe，the Americas and other continents to give lectures on TCM or to conduct activities in TCM therapy and scientific research.The World Health Organization has established seven collaborating centers of traditional medicine and pharmacology. International training centers have been set up in Beijing，Shanghai，Guangzhou，Nanjing and Xiamen to train TCM personnel from other countries.
The attitude towards Traditional Chinese Medicine and pharmacology across the world is changing.Traditional Chinese Medicine as a subject has been added to teaching plans in many famous medical colleges in the West.Colleges of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture have been founded in France，the US，Italy and Australia.An institute of TCM theoretical research has been set up in the Munich University of Germany.Cooperation in TCM has been established between China and Japan，the United States and Germany.With the present development of Traditional Chinese Medicine，its integration with modern science and technology will surely enhance its contribution to human health.
