J R Soc Health. 2002 Dec; 122(4): 220-5.

Integrating Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine in GP surgeries and the community: a review of the two pilot schemes.

Au S, Hiew S.

Whole Research Centre, TCM HealthCare, 101 Bulwer Road, London E11 1BU, England. herb@tcm.uk.com

The popularity of complementary medicine has been relentless over the past decade. Among the most popular are Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has a long and unbroken history. This article reports on two integrated health care pilot schemes where TCM and Western medicine are merged, to varying degrees, for the benefits of patients. One of the schemes focuses on general medicine whilst the other focuses on mental health. The authors conclude that the integrated schemes have many advantages and, on the whole, are beneficial for patients. The issues involved and learning points are discussed.