Challenges in integrating traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota research for insomnia treatment

The gut microbiome is an extensive variety of bacteria with a range of metabolic capabilities that can be pathogenic,beneficial,or opportunistic.Changes in the gut microbiota's composition can affect the link between gut integrity and host health as well as cause disruptions to numerous neurological systems.The second most prevalent mental health problem,insomnia has a negative social and economic impact.Currently,it is becoming increasingly obvious how crucial it is to preserve the delicate balance of gut microbiota to treat illness-related symptoms like insomnia.Although traditional Chinese medicine has proposed an effective strategy against insomnia through gut microbiota alteration in animal models,studies in human models are limited.This decreases the predictive value of the studies in terms of human outcomes.This editorial places an emphasis on cultural sensitivity rather than scientific reasoning that promotes the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).We aim to emphasize the concern that promoting TCM could divert resources from conventional medical research,leading to suboptimal care.

A Brief History of the Development of Hui Medicine

The Hui Medicine in China, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history. It originated from the unique medical knowledge and practices of the Hui ethnic group and impacted the health of people of all ethnic groups in the whole nation. Over time, it has continuously absorbed and integrated the essence of various medical systems. In ancient times, Hui doctors made important contributions with their superb medical skills. They passed on their medical wisdom from generation to generation. In modern times, with the development of science and technology, Hui Medicine has also been constantly evolving and innovating, combining modern medical concepts and technologies. It has played an active role in protecting people’s health and promoting medical progress in China. Although facing challenges, it still strives to inherit and develop, showing strong vitality.

Study on Current Trends in the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia and Policy Proposals of Internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Education in Future

With the rapid rise of China’s economy and the deployment of the Belt and Road Initiative,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),one of the main components of Chinese culture,has become an important aspect of foreign exchange.Therefore,recent research has focused on how to effectively spread TCM culture internationally and improve TCM acceptance.Australia is currently a representative region with decent TCM development.Taking TCM development in Australia as a starting point,this article analyzes the challenges in TCM development,discusses countermeasures to address these issues,and provides recommendations for improving the international development and dissemination of TCM.

Traditional Chinese Medicine:How Is It An Invaluable Intangible Cultural Heritage

This article deals with the concept of intangible culture heritage and the reasons why traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)should be specially preserved.The potential value of TCM and the existing measures for carrying on the cultural heritage adopted by China are also explored in the article.

The Li Lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Professor Li Ding(李鼎)is the founder and tenured professor,doctoral supervisor at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,a Representative Inheritor for China Intangible Cultural Heritage-Acupuncture and Moxibustion.It is well known that Chinese medicine is rooted in Chinese culture and history.The inheritance of Chinese medicine cannot be separated from the inheritance of Chinese culture and history.Professor Li Ding’s path of Chinese medicine inheritance perfectly reflects the above-mentioned laws and is worthy of further exploration and research.The full text of this article is divided into three parts and will be published one after another.The first part“The Lineage of Gu Yi Tang”brings us Li’s family historical stories;the second part“The Lineage of Chinese Studies”introduces professor Li’s Chinese culture studies;and the third part“The Lineage of Dao Sheng Tang”discusses professor Li's inheritance of Chinese medicine.This article will bring our readers a rich and colorful Chinese scroll painting,which not only focuses on Chinese Medicine,acupuncture but also touches ancient Chinese history culture,Daoism,and even more.

Chinese Immigrants’Health Beliefs and Practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia of Canada

Objective:This study is to address the health beliefs and health behavior of Chinese immigrants residing in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia(BC)Province in Canada.This article discussed Chinese immigrants’traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)use,health beliefs,and health behaviors.Methods:Information used in this study is based on data collected in the Chinese-speaking community in the Greater Vancouver area of BC in 2020–2022.Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to this study.The first stage recruited 314 participants for the quantitative study to cross-validate an instrument tool,followed by the 2nd stage of 20 stratified random sampling out of the 314 participants for TCM-related in-depth qualitative interviews.This study focuses on the second stage of TCM qualitative interviews.Results:Results indicated that TCM health beliefs have cultural and spiritual meanings tied to the Chinese-speaking participants.There are barriers for the Chinese-speaking population to access the existing healthcare services due to their TCM health beliefs and other health needs,for example,family doctors,integrated medicine for better health outcomes,and mental health services especially during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Conclusion:Integrating TCM health beliefs and behaviors of Chinese-speaking immigrants into existing Canadian mainstream health services are strongly recommended.

The Internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine into the Western World

This paper introduces the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine into the western world.Internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)into the Western world is not a simple or easy task.Its exposure and exportation into the rest of the world should be a task taken on with a special focus and determination on staying strong along the way.Keeping the truth,strength,and integrity in TCM medicine as it is exported is the highest priority and the best way to promote it.Doing this will give it a solid foundation in its new land and for its new patients.Let’s study and analyze what really is required to help TCM avoid all problems and hardships of this exportation process as TCM goes west.

The Li Lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine cannot be separated from Chinese culture and history.Professor Li Ding's path floridly embodies that,and so is worthy not just of admiration,but also of studious exploration.Aside from still,after well over half a century there,serving as a doctoral supervisor professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(SHUTCM),and being one of the university's founders,he continues to contribute long after having been formally declared“A representative inheritor for China intangible cultural heritage-Acupuncture and Moxibustion.”This is the second article in a three-part series on Professo r.Li Ding.The first part focuses on“The Lineage of Gu Yi Tang,”and that storied our family history we will continue discussing now,with this second installment:"The Lineage of Chinese Studies,"which introduces professor Li's Chinese cultural studies.The forthcoming third part:“The Lineage of Dao Sheng Tang”will discuss professor Li's inheritance of Chinese medicine specifically.These three articles will bring our readers a rich and colorful Chinese scroll painting,which not only focus on acupuncture and general Chinese medicine,but also touch ancient Chinese history,culture,Taoism,and even more.

Discussion on the Fundamental Role of Traditional Culture in the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine--Using Ophthalmology As An Example

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)was developed from and is rooted in traditional Chinese culture.Nowadays,the Chinese state attaches great importance to the development of TCM and has implemented a series of policies and measures.This paper first demonstrates the rationality of the view that"traditional culture plays a fundamental role in the development of TCM",and analyzes the influence of traditional culture on the development of TCM from the perspective of philosophy and religion,in order to have a deeper understanding of the formation and development process of TCM.Finally,taking ophthalmology of TCM as an example,this paper discusses the importance of the continual inheritance of traditional culture and development of TCM.

Reflections on Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Teaching in the Context of International Chinese Education

With the development of the times,both international Chinese education and traditional Chinese medicine have ushered in not only great potential development opportunities,but also various challenges.Traditional Chinese medicine culture has gradually gained international recognition,and many foreign students are now choosing to study traditional Chinese medicine.Therefore,the development of international Chinese education needs to embody traditional Chinese medicine culture teaching,which can promote the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine.At the same time,encountering problems such as cultural differences ensue the need for improving the teaching system,which lacks teaching practice.On this basis,strategies such as exploring the teaching mode of traditional Chinese medicine culture,cultivating a team of high-quality international Chinese teachers,and creating experience courses with characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine culture have been put forward,so as to enhance the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine culture and promote the development of international Chinese education.

Experimental Study of the Anti-human Papilloma Virus Mechanisms by a Traditional Chinese Medicine “Keyouling”

To investigate the anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) effect of the external liniment of traditional Chinese medicine “Keyouling”, the efficacy of this drug acting upon the proliferation and growth of the normal epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce in different concentrations was observed. An experimental model of pathology of histocytes infected with HPV in vitro was established by using the human HPV infected prepuce epidermis cells as virus carrier to infect the sub-cultured epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce. The direct killing effect and the blocking effect of infections of epidermis cells in rabbits′ penis prepuce induced by HPV with different concentrations of “Keyouling” were determined by 3 kinds of culture methods: (1) the infected epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce were challenged by co-culture with HPV suspension and with culture medium containing drug; (2) the co-culture with epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce and HPV suspension was challenged with drug; (3) co-culture with culture medium containing drug and epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce was challenged with HPV suspension. It was found that “Keyouling” had little effect on the proliferation and growth of the normal epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce, but it had direct killing effect on HPV, and blocked effectively the infection of the epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce by HPV. It concludes that “Keyouling” has significant killing effect to HPV, but not normal histocytes in vitro , indicating that it is safe for clinical use. Its blocking effect on the HPV infection of rabbits′ penis prepuce epidermis cells suggested “Keyouling” may be clinically used to prevent the development of tumors or to inhibit the further progression or metastasis of tumors.

The Implantation and Transmission of Plague Culture by the Five Plague Gods in Shuilu Murals

The Five Plague Gods(五瘟神) in the Shuilu(水陆) murals from the Ming and Qing dynasties exemplify a distinctive manifestation of plague gods image developed under the pedigree of Taoist gods.As a significant system for expelling disasters in Shuilu,the depiction of the Five Plague Gods prominently merges human beings and livestock.This shape form to a large extent,draws on the image of Nuo(傩),a figure reflecting an imagination of the host of plague pathogens.In terms of the numbers of gods,it aligns with the conceptual framework of Wu Xing(五行 the five elements),a foundational principle in traditional Chinese medicine.The internal cultural connection highlights the means of plague prevention and control in China,as well as the external reflection of plague culture.Through multi-dimensional interpretations with the double proof method,this article dissects the formation,core elements,and cultural characteristics of the beliefs in the Five Plague Gods reflected in the Shuilu murals,and transcends mere visual semantics,offering a deeper understanding of these complex cultural symbols.

Transmission of Knowledge and Practice between Cultures:A Case Study of Chinese Medicine Integration in the United States

Medicine operates within the world views of the culture that it serves,and the widespread Chinese diaspora has carried medical practices with it.The resulting creolization takes shape at the borders of intersecting cultures in a distinct form of integration.This article explores the intersections of integration relative to the spread of Chinese medicine in the United States in practical,cognitive,and theoretical terms.This article could be a reference to practitioners,academics,and policymakers in the areas of integrative and Chinese medicine.

Maxine Hong Kingston＇s The woman warrior： Misrepresentation of Chinese traditional culture and its relationship with movies

Chinese-American literature that grew up at the end of 1960s and the beginning of 1970s not only increased in quantity but also broke through in theme and genre. From 1970s, Chinese-American literature has developed by leaps and bounds and a group of outstanding and innovative writers also appeared who earned the respect of literary critics and enjoyed a large number of American readers--for example, Maxine Hong Kingston （1940-） and Amy Tan （1952-） as novelists and David Henry Hwang （1957-） as a playwright. The woman warrior in particular is regarded as the work that marks the rise of Chinese-American literature in modem American literary history. This paper intends to argue the investigation of individual identity of Maxine Hong Kingston as a Chinese-American woman and the deliberate misinterpretation of Chinese traditions in The woman warrior. In addition, to create the collective identity of Chinese-Americans, the author actually takes the way of traditional Chinese movies that she has inherited and uses the highlights which are most appreciated by the Westerners to cater to their interests and fantasies.

“Chineseness”:A Discussion on Cases Related to Tulou in Contemporary Chinese Architecture

The article delves into the concept of“Chineseness”in contemporary Chinese architecture,a strategic tool for creating distinctive styles rooted in Chinese identity.It serves not only to distinguish projects from market-driven trends but also to establish a pivotal position in the global architectural landscape.“Chineseness”among 24 identified keywords represents a practical strategy embraced by many young architects with international exposure.The traditional Chinese dwelling,a symbol of familial and cultural essence,particularly in the context of home culture,is a primary inspiration for contemporary architects.The research adopts a case study approach,focusing on Tulou-related cases from the last fifteen years,encompassing various building types.The Tulou,a mountain-dwelling with rich cultural connotations,is introduced,reflecting ancient Chinese philosophies in its architectural principles.The case studies,including URBANUS’s“Tulou Collective Housing 2008”and Chengdu’s“Tulou Theater,”demonstrate how Tulou prototypes can be creatively adapted.These designs not only replicate forms but also capture the communal spirit inherent in traditional dwellings.“Stepped Courtyards”by OPEN Architecture reinterprets Tulou typology for a staff dormitory,emphasizing community awareness.In conclusion,the concept of“Chineseness”emerges as a prominent topic,showcasing the dynamic and adaptable nature of traditional Chinese culture and modern architectural expressions.The cases illustrate the evolving intersection between traditional Chinese culture and modern architecture,offering insights into the future trajectory of Chinese architectural culture.The interrelated keywords highlight the nuanced and evolving nature of“Chineseness”in architectural practices.

Translation, Adaptation and Validation of a Chinese Medicine Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese

The Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire [CCMQ] organizes 9 body constitutions according to Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM]. The translation was realized by a Medical Doctor [MD] specialized in TCM and the back translation by an english-speaking MD. Comprehensibility assessment was performed (N = 40, main scores ranged from 4.20 to 4.95). On the test-retest reliability Cronbach’s alpha was 0.920 in the first application and 0.943 in the second, the intraclass correlation scores ranged between good and excellent (0.6 - >0.80). The results show that the adaptation of the CCMQ is valid and ready to be used.

Cultural Practices for Propagation of Spatholobus suberectus via Cutting into Polybags

In this paper,the propagation of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn.was optimized based on the research results conducted in propagation for many years and the actual need for the planting materials.According to the requirements of Good Agricultural Practices for Chinese Medicinal Drugs,cultural practices for propagation of S.suberectus were summed up and standardized,including the environmental requirements,land preparation,bed preparation,cutting of scions,cuttings treatment,cutting,management of cuttings at the nursery,bagged cuttings ready for transplanting,packing and handling,transportation,and preparation of records for archives.

中华优秀传统文化与铸牢中华民族共同体意识:内在逻辑、统合实践与协同路径

中华优秀传统文化与铸牢中华民族共同体意识之间,存有紧密的互补性、统一性和同向性的内在逻辑关联。前者是后者的重要精神养料,后者是前者的发展方向指引,二者在有机统合中,共同组成了中华民族共同体建设在精神文化面向与认同意识面向的重要构件。结合天津市的案例,中华优秀传统文化与铸牢中华民族共同体意识有机统合的实践机制主要在于,围绕“主体对象-传承方式-产业转化-空间区域”四维度,通过锚定各族青少年群体、采用现代化技术手段、深挖民族文化性旅游、扎根民族互嵌式社区,充分发挥中华优秀传统文化的认同化育功能,使铸牢中华民族共同体意识工作得到了有效推进。在有机统合的实践机制基础上,为提升中华优秀传统文化与铸牢中华民族共同体意识的高度协同性,应当依循“认知—认可—认同”三层次路径,把握中华优秀传统文化传承的可及性与系统性,注重中华优秀传统文化发展的时代性与大众性,保持中华优秀传统文化内在的民族性与先进性,在传承发展中华优秀传统文化中铸牢中华民族共同体意识。

以三伏贴为例探究中医药科普现状及其提升路径

[目的]以三伏贴为例,调查居民中医药科普知识现状及其影响因素,为制定中医药科普宣教策略与方法提供科学建议。[方法]采用网络调查问卷及Logistic回归分析法,研究居民对三伏贴的认知、行为、意愿及影响因素,探讨中医药科普的有效策略及方法。[结果]居民对其治病类型的认知正确率分别为支气管炎或慢性阻塞性肺疾病(22.9%)、鼻炎(21.4%)、保健和增强免疫力(19.3%);对治疗方式的认知正确率分别为医保可报销(35.0%)和每疗程用药次数(20.3%);只有7.8%居民曾有治疗体验;获取知识途径单一,主要为口口相传(26.6%)和网络(22.6%)。治病类型认知正确率的最大促进因素为基础疾病患者,其比值比(odds ratio,OR)为2.44(P<0.05);治疗方式认知正确率的促进因素有女性(OR=1.70,P<0.01)和参保人员(OR=2.41,P<0.01)。居民知识需求率为71.7%,60岁及以上老年人为100%,国内外科普宣教认同率为78.2%和80.0%。[结论]居民三伏贴科普知识及应用水平较低,但治疗意愿、知识需求及科普宣教认同率较高。建议加大特定疗法的微观宣教,以女性、基础病患者、参保居民与老年人为突破口,扩大科普宣教的受众人群,开拓多元化科普宣教路径,进行科普宣教的精准施策,从而提高居民健康素养,助力健康中国。