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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

Research on the origin of the theory of“heart as monarch”in Huang Di Nei Jing(Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic)

Scholars have previously attributed the theoretical origin of“the heart is the monarch/ruler”to the monarchical view of politics.However,according to the latest unearthed documents and relevant documents handed down from ancient times,it can be found that the theory of“the heart is the monarch”might derive from the importance of attachment to the“Zhong”ideology in traditional culture,which promoted the concept that the heart as the center of body,should be the ruler and was later evolved as the“monarch”.Similar cognitive views were all mentioned in Confucianism,Taoism,eclectics scholars and other pre-Qin literature,but only in the system of traditional Chinese medicine,they played a significant role in building the heart-centered theory of Zang-Fu.Traditional Chinese medicine is a discipline developed mainly by clinical practice with the fundamental purpose of curing diseases and saving people.Although the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)roots in the pre-Qin Dynasty,the development is unique to the other philosophies.With rich cultural connotations and philosophical thoughts,TCM is certainly the key to the treasures of Chinese civilization and deserves more attention and exploration.

中医药文化融入中医药院校课程思政模式的探索--以《老年护理学》课程为例

[目的]以中医药院校《老年护理学》课程为例,积极探索将中医药文化融入课程思政教育的教学改革新模式。[方法]通过文献研究法等方法,聚焦护理专业育人本质,构建《老年护理学》中医药文化课程思政方案和评价体系。[结果]通过老年护理四个维度“认识、实践、感悟、创新”,构建出中医药课程思政方案教学模式,根据不同维度形成全方位的课程思政评价体系,促进课程思政的有效实施。[结论]将中医药文化融入课程思政,解决医学专业教育与思政育人“两张皮”现象,为中医药文化继承发扬及现代化中医药高素质人才培养,作出了有益探索和贡献。

Integrated flotation therapy for emotional regulation during the viral recovery period: Applying “form and spirit co-nourishing” in Chinese medicine

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of flotation therapy combined with psychological resilience training in improving emotional regulation and sleep quality in patients recovering from viral infections and to assess the application of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory of“form and spirit co-nourishing”in modern healthcare interventions.Methods:A total of 20 patients recovering from viral infections with anxiety and sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to the experimental group(n=10)and the control group(n=10).The experimental group received a combination of resilience training,targeting five key areas:physiological regulation,cognitive restructuring,emotional management,self-efficacy,and social support,alongside flotation therapy,with 45-min weekly sessions.The control group received conventional medical treatment.Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale,while sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,both before and after the intervention.Results:Compared with intervention before,the resilience level of the experimental group significantly increased after the intervention(P<0.001),while no notable changes were detected in the control group(P>0.05);the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower anxiety level and sleep disorder level and higher resilience level compared to the control group after the intervention(all P<0.001).Conclusion:The combined use of flotation therapy and resilience training,grounded in the TCM principle of“form and spirit co-nourishing,”significantly improves emotional regulation and sleep quality in patients recovering from viral infections.This integrative approach supports both physical and psychological healing,aligning with the TCM holistic treatment model,and offers a promising avenue for modern mental health interventions.

湖湘古代中医药文献的类型与特点述略

湖湘中医药文献既是湖湘先人认识疾病的重要途径,又是湖湘地区中医药知识的重要宝库。从早期的口头传承到简帛、竹木简牍,再到纸质文献,湖湘中医药文献呈现了丰富多样的类型和独特的发展轨迹。周秦两汉时期,湖湘中医药文献开始萌芽,主要以简帛文献为主;魏晋隋唐时期,文献载体逐渐向竹木简牍转变,且养生文献得到发展;宋金元时期,方书集合文献占据主导地位,中医药知识体系更趋完善;明清时期,见证了湖湘中医药文献的鼎盛,特别是处理时疫的文献得到广泛流传。通过厘清湖湘古代中医药文献的类型与特点,展示和挖掘湖湘中医药知识和理论的构建历程,从而促进湖湘中医药及其文献的研究利用。