The term "acupuncture and herbal medicine" has gained popularity in some contexts as an alternative to "Traditional Chinese Medicine" (TCM). Many acupuncture-related organizations are officially changing their names to include "acupuncture and herbal medicine," reflecting the growing trend to emphasize these specific treatment modalities. Examples of such organizations include:
- The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM): This organization is responsible for accrediting educational programs in the field of acupuncture and herbal medicine. By using this term in its name, ACAHM highlights the two primary treatment methods in the broader scope of traditional medicine.
- The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM): Previously known as the National Council of Acupuncture Schools and Colleges (NCASC), this organization was incorporated in 1982. The recent name change to CCAOM reflects an effort to better represent the broader range of traditional medicine practices that are taught and promoted within its member institutions, which include acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as other modalities.
The term 'traditional' might suggest a bygone medicinal practice. Yet, the reality is the mainstream medicine, including Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese medical practices, is a living, breathing aspect of contemporary medicine actively utilized in these regions. We must differentiate this from what we refer to as 'traditional Greek medicine' or 'traditional Egyptian medicine.' We don't use the qualifier 'traditional' for currently used therapeutic approaches such as chiropractic care or homeopathy. Similarly, appending 'traditional' to 'acupuncture' seems unfitting. Particularly, the term 'traditional Chinese medicine' gives the misleading implication from a Western viewpoint of a very niche medical practice that exists solely in the annals of history. Also, by highlighting these specific therapeutic methods to a particular country or ethnic group, these organizations strive to foster a deeper comprehension and recognition of these practices among both practitioners and the general public. Medicine is an applied science, and applied science cannot belong to certain country or ethnic group, unless it is not begone history. Culture can belong to certain ethnic group, but medicine including AHM is not a culture.
- Clarity and specificity: The term "acupuncture and herbal medicine" clearly identifies two of the primary treatment modalities within TCM. Using this term helps people who may not be familiar with TCM to understand what these practices involve. It also highlights the fact that acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used independently or together as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Cultural sensitivity: Using the term "acupuncture and herbal medicine" can be seen as a more culturally sensitive approach, as it does not attribute these practices exclusively to China. While TCM has its roots in ancient China, similar practices have been independently developed and adapted in other East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Referring to these practices as "acupuncture and herbal medicine" acknowledges their broader East Asian heritage and recognizes the contributions of other cultures.
- Inclusiveness: As TCM has spread globally, practitioners from various cultural backgrounds have adopted and adapted its techniques. By using the term "acupuncture and herbal medicine," the focus is placed on the treatment methods themselves rather than their cultural origins, allowing for greater inclusiveness within the global community of practitioners and patients.
- Avoiding misconceptions: The term "Traditional Chinese Medicine" may lead some people to believe that TCM is an outdated or unscientific form of medicine. By referring to "acupuncture and herbal medicine," practitioners can emphasize the scientific research and evidence-based practices that support these therapies, helping to legitimize them in the eyes of patients and the broader medical community.
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (AHM) has its roots in ancient China, where it was developed and practiced by the Han ethnic group. As Chinese civilization spread across East Asia, so too did AHM, leading to the adoption and adaptation of AHM in various countries. Let's take a look at the different terms used to refer to AHM in other countries, along with the literal meanings of the Chinese characters used in each term.
Zhongyi (中醫)
Zhongyi is the term used to refer to AHM in modern China. 中 means China, representing the country and its people. 醫, as mentioned earlier, signifies medicine or doctor. This term highlights the continuation and development of AHM within its country of origin. Originally, Zhongyi was an attempt to integrate traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine to create a unique medical system exclusive to China. Now, with the addition of the word "traditional," it has become the Chinese term commonly referring to AHM.
Kampo (漢方) and Hanbang (漢方)
Both Kampo and Hanbang use the same Chinese characters, 漢方. 漢 refers to the Han ethnic group, which established ancient China around 0 AD and developed Chinese civilization, including the foundations of AHM. 方 represents the method or prescription; in this context, it means medicine comprehensively. Kampo is the term used for AHM in Japan, while Hanbang is the term used in South Korea. People often think of Kampo as traditional Japanese medicine, but when looking at its origin, it can be understood that Kampo is the Japanese pronunciation of Chinese traditional medicine.
Haneui (韓醫) and Haneui (漢醫)
Haneui is a term used in South Korea to refer to AHM. There are two variations of this term, which use different Chinese characters for the first part: 韓 and 漢. 韓 refers to the Republic of Korea, while 漢 represents the Han ethnic group from ancient China. The second character, 醫, means medicine or doctor. Both variations of Haneui signify the practice of AHM in South Korea. Before 1986, Hanui (漢醫) was commonly used, but the name was changed to Haneui (韓醫, Korean medicine) in the 8th amendment of the National Medical Law in 1986.
Koryoeui (고려의) and Donguieui (東醫學)
Koryoeui and Donguieui are terms used in North Korea to refer to AHM. After the ceasefire in 1953, North Korea actively encouraged the practice of AHM, referring to it as Donguieui (東醫學). In 1993, the term Koryoeui (고려의) was introduced to reflect a renewed focus on national identity and cultural heritage. The term Koryoeui signifies the practice of AHM in North Korea, emphasizing its connection to the country's history and culture.
You can see all the terms originated from Han, which means ancient China(漢). W can not deny that Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine has started in ancient China and spread across East Asia and has been adopted and adapted by various countries, each with its own terminology reflecting local culture and history. The terms Kampo, Hanbang, Haneui, Zhongyi, and Koryoeui all signify the practice of AHM in different countries, highlighting the shared origins in ancient China and the diverse ways in which AHM has evolved and been incorporated into other cultures.