Evidence-based medicine: applicability and value for acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (part 2)
Item
Title
Evidence-based medicine: applicability and value for acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (part 2)
Description
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture (2018), Walters, John.
Abstract
While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) does not lack well-conceived, empirically- and time-tested diagnostic and therapeutic treatment methodologies, these may be insufficient to support its fuller integration with the dominant Western health system. Western medicine continues to discount, ignore, or even dismiss, many of the fundamental theories of TCM. Moreover, there continues to be widespread criticism of the methods, and therefore the findings, of TCM-related research. Although questions increasingly arise as to the appropriateness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for studying certain types of medical research questions, including many pertaining to TCM, RCTs remain the gold standard for scientific research and strongly influence evidence-based medicine (EBM). Aspects of EBM have been informal component of TCM dating back to the time of Zhang Zong-Jing, and the Shang Han Lun certainly reflects key elements of formal EBM. A deeper understanding and greater use of EBM among TCM professionals would improve the overall perception and credibility of TCM and contribute to its fuller integration with the conventional Western healthcare system, including among those who provide, pay for, and utilize TCM services.
Alternative Title
International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture
Creator
Date
Date Created
5/1/2019
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
issn
1074-1979
issue
1
page end
68
page start
34
volume
27