Soc Sci Med. 1988 ; 27(5): 521-9.

Integration of traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine--right or wrong?

Cai JF.

China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.

The presence of a dualistic medical system in most Asian, African and Latin American countries results from specific historical events. In China, traditional medicine and Western medicine exist side by side during the last century. Through Chinese medicine suffered from discrimination which retarded its development for several decades, under the protection and encouragement of New China's policy, it develops steadily and flourishes. Moreover, a new policy of integrating Chinese with Western medicine is a right orientation for development in China. Yet this is not the only way of development for traditional medicine. New achievements in traditional Chinese medicine prove that this new field is worthy of further exploration.