Today, I attended the 6th China-UK Summit Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Academic Exchange Conference that was hosted by Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (UK) (1).
There were around 11 speakers from both the UK and China, sharing their clinical experiences, research, and perspectives in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The four-hour presentation was incredibly interesting and fascinating. A couple of the presenters had travelled from China, and their inspiring case studies really got me thinking and opened up new perspectives.
The topics covered a wide range of areas:
- TCM Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes
- A Study of Shanghan Lun and Jinkui Yaolue from the Perspective of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (小建中汤)
- Integrated Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach for Acupuncture Intervention in Depression and Associated Insomnia
- An Interpretation of Ba and Bianstone Therapies from a Clinical Perspective
- Targeted Therapy of Vertigo Guided by Modern Tongue Diagnosis
- diabetes-related vision problems, and some unique techniques demonstrated by a Tuina master...etc.
The topic that impressed me the most was “Application of External Therapies of TCM in Refractory Skin Diseases”, presented by Prof. Min Xiao.
Although many of the products discussed contained mineral or animal-derived substances, I found it particularly interesting that TCM formulas can be modified by using alternative substances with similar properties and functions. This demonstrates the flexibility of TCM in adapting formulations while maintaining their therapeutic principles.
The common refractory skin conditions discussed included chronic skin ulcers, intractable eczema, atopic dermatitis, severe acne, verruca plana, chronic urticaria, and postherpetic neuralgia, among others. I found the application of external TCM therapies in these difficult-to-treat conditions particularly interesting, as it provided me with a broader understanding of how TCM can be applied beyond internal herbal medicine and acupuncture.
It was a very inspiring and thought-provoking afternoon. I came away with many new ideas and perspectives that I hope to explore further in my own TCM clinical practice.
Generally speaking, over the past few years, most of the speakers I have encountered at TCM conferences in the UK have been based in the UK. Today was the first time I had the opportunity to hear several speakers who had come from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2), China, which gave me a very different perspective.
I was particularly impressed by their approach to TCM and by some of the products they had developed. Their clinical experience and innovative use of different ingredients were fascinating. Compared with the UK, there appear to be different regulatory frameworks governing the ingredients that can be incorporated into certain TCM products in China, which allows practitioners and researchers to explore a broader range of traditional substances.
What impressed me most was the reported clinical effectiveness of some of these products and the way traditional knowledge has been translated into practical applications.
It certainly gave me a lot to think about, particularly in terms of how we can preserve the principles of TCM while adapting formulas and products to different regulatory environments and clinical settings.
Reference:
1) Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (UK): https://ftcmp.co.uk/en/home/
2) Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine: https://zyd.cdutcm.edu.cn/gjjyxy/zsxx/wjxs/content_136179
