With the blessing of the Renaissance, the West entered the first industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, with political, economic, and technological leaps that were in sharp contrast to the East, which was characterized by political corruption and national stagnation at that time. In the second half of the 19th century, the weak and corrupt East had become a target of oppression and bullying by Western powers. Years of repeated military defeats, territorial concessions, indemnities, and unequal treaties not only drained the nation's foundation but also eroded the East's self-confidence.

In the first half of the 20th century, the West dominated the world in politics, economy, military and culture; while the East seemed to be suffering from a serious illness, losing all its vitality, faltering, and generally losing confidence in its own culture. In the latter part of the 20th century, after nearly half a century of struggle and recuperation, the East was able to regain its footing and resume its own path. At the beginning of the 21st century, most of the vitality of the East has been restored, and it has begun to be able to deeply reflect on itself, face the past, rebuild self-confidence, and embrace the future.

As the East loses its confidence in its own culture, traditional Chinese medicine has also experienced the fate of being abolished several times. However, traditional Chinese medicine, like its parent culture, is melodious, resilient, and can indeed protect all living beings. Although it is constantly being unreasonably suppressed, traditional Chinese medicine is still alive. As the vitality of the East recovers, confidence in its own culture gradually rises. At the same time, because Chinese medicine does have "inexplicable" curative effects, it is gradually accepted by the masses again. However, the new East has evolved, and Chinese medicine also needs to evolve. We can no longer indulge in self-deception or be content with mediocrity. We must be more diligent. No progress means regression.

In the author's opinion, the theoretical model of traditional Chinese medicine is far beyond modern medicine in some aspects. If modern medicine is for children, traditional Chinese medicine is for adults, and it is not an exaggeration to win hundreds of Nobel Prizes in medicine for the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Unfortunately, the presentation grammar of traditional Chinese medicine classics is too archaic, coupled with the lack of self-confidence left over from the previous dynasty, there is almost no mention of traditional Chinese medicine culture in modern oriental basic education. No wonder it is difficult for modern people to understand traditional Chinese medicine.

The traditional Chinese medicine tradition accumulated over thousands of years does have many dregs and anachronisms, but what we value and can endure is its theoretical essence. Modern medicine has its subtleties, but it also has many immature aspects. From a rational perspective, whether from the perspective of a doctor or a patient, the wisest decision is to integrate the advantages of Chinese and Western medicine and eliminate the shortcomings or inappropriateness. However, the difference between Chinese and Western medicine is not just about the similarities and differences, but also the fundamental differences in the vision and scale of adaptation of each theory. Chinese medicine is macroscopic and Western medicine is microscopic. Just like observing Earth from a satellite orbit versus from the Earth's surface, both are looking at Earth, but the perspectives are completely different.

Modern medicine has a history of only two or three hundred years, and its content is still being constantly updated. Its ability to treat diseases is to quickly cover up symptoms. Its theory is still in its immature stage. It only sees the part but not the whole, so it cannot cure the disease. Patients must take long-term medication to control symptoms; but its research methods, experimental spirit, diagnostic instruments, and surgical skills are beyond the reach of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has a macro theory that has been passed down for thousands of years. It is simple, cost-effective and can cure all kinds of strange diseases. However, it is full of many unproven hypotheses. Compared with modern medicine, it is lacking in details and technology in many aspects. It is also insufficient. Therefore, regardless of whether one is Chinese or Western, medical practitioners should set aside prejudices and humbly seek to understand and learn.

The dragon has awakened and will regain its confidence in its own culture. The 21st century will inevitably be a century of revival of Eastern culture. The East will surely rise to the pinnacle of the world once again, and the ancient and profound Eastern culture will spread far and wide. Traditional Chinese medicine has been stagnant for a hundred years. It should strive for excellence and use contemporary technology and new knowledge to re-clarify the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and make it more suitable for contemporary applications. If so, traditional Chinese medicine will surely usher in its golden age and protect all living beings!

Author of this site, Dr. Shen (Shen Yaozi), on February 27, 2022.