17-19世纪西人眼中的中医针灸

Western Perceptions of Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion from 17th-19th Century

17—19世纪是欧洲人对中医针灸进行探究的起始阶段,也是中西医学体系、文化信仰展开碰撞、对话的阶段。这一时期,荷兰东印度公司医生以及来华传教士是中医针灸西传的主要译介主体,他们发回欧洲的书信、报告、译作等共同构成了西方针灸知识的主要来源。西人对针灸的态度随着社会发展、文明强弱等因素逐渐发生改变,由最初接触针灸产生的惊奇、赞叹转变为质疑、嘲讽。探究中医西传初期西人眼中的针灸形象及其对针灸态度产生变化的原因能够为当今中医药文化走出去带来启示。

Between the 17th and 19th centuries,Europeans began to explore acupuncture and moxibustion,fostering a dialogue between Chinese and Western medical systems and cultural beliefs.During this time,doctors of the Dutch East India Company and missionaries in China emerged as key figures in translating and disseminating knowledge about these practices back to Europe through their letters,reports,and translations.These documents constituted the primary sources of Western knowledge about acupuncture and moxibustion.As society evolved,along with disparities in civilizational strengths and other contributing factors,Western attitudes towards acupuncture and moxibustion shifted from initial wonder and admiration to skepticism and derision.Investigating the early Western perception of acupuncture and moxibustion,as well as the reasons behind the changing attitudes towards these practices,can offer valuable insights for promoting the global reach of modern Chinese medicine culture.