Research on the Development Strategy of Panxi Sunshine Health and Wellness Homestays and Hotels Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Preservation

This study is the first phase of research results from the student innovation project“Yunqiao Sunshine Health and Wellness Homestay”group at Chengdu Normal University.By analyzing the current state of the Sunshine Health and Wellness Tourism Area economy in the Panxi region of Sichuan,local policies,and the current state of Sunshine Health and Wellness homestays and hotels,this paper proposes the possibility of developing Sunshine Health and Wellness homestays and hotels through traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)health preservation methods.It also proposes development strategies for such hotels through a market survey SWOT analysis.

Role of traditional Chinese medicine in the initiative practice for health

To achieve awareness of the initiative practice for health concept in the Chinese population,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)doctors should popularize TCM culture and knowledge among young people,people with a low level of education,in low-income populations,and in rural populations.

Hospital-based health technology assessment:The next frontier for traditional Chinese medicine hospitals

Hospital-based health technology assessment(HB-HTA)is highly valuable in the application of hospital medical technology,cost control,improvement of medical quality,and protection of medical safety,and its use is increasing daily globally.However,in China,HB-HTA is still in its infancy,and it is yet to be adopted in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Therefore,this article introduces the application and development of HB-HTA,as well as discusses the current situation of TCM and related future development strategies to provide ideas and references for the development of HB-HTA in TCM.We conclude and recommend that all major stakeholders,including the state,health departments,and hospital leaders,support and promote the exploration and development of HB-HTA in TCM hospitals and integrative medicine hospitals.We also suggest the utilization of existing talents and introduction of other necessary talents to promote better and faster organizational development,as well as suggest the formation of a national and internationally recognized HB-HTA guidance manual and toolkit for TCM hospitals based on both the national HTA guidelines and the evaluation of TCM hospitals pilot projects.Moreover,we recommend that HB-HTA pilot study should be executed with Chinese patent medicine as the starting point to form the implementation process and framework in the TCM arena.

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.

Traditional Chinese medicine for promoting mental health of patients with COVID-19:a scoping review

Objective:This study aimed to systematically review and depict the current studies of traditional Chinese medicine for the mental health of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Methods:A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database,and SinoMed,with the retrieval time being from the establishment of the database to April 18,2022.The basic information of the included studies,objective,design,types of patients,interventions,outcomes,etc.,was reviewed and summarized narratively.Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool,the methodological index for nonrandomized studies or the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Results:We identified 30 traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)studies from six databases.Among them,finished randomized controlled trials(n=16)accounted for most of the studies,followed by single-arm studies(n=9).In terms of study theme,20 studies defined the mental health of patients with COVID-19 as the research theme.Psychological assessment was included in the inclusion criteria(performed before participation)of nine studies,whereas the other studies only mentioned the mental outcomes.TCM interventions included TCM exercises(Yijinjing,Baduanjin,Liuzijue,Taichi),acupoint stimulation(auricular and body points),moxibustion,decoction,or granules based on TCM syndrome differentiation,decoction,or granules with fixed formulae(Baidu Jieduan granules,Xuanfei Baidu decoction,and Qingfei Paidu decoction),Chinese patent medicine(Jinhua Qinggan granules),TCM psychological therapy(TCM ideological therapy,TCM five-tone therapy,and TCM psychological sand table),and TCM nursing(dialectical care,dialectical diet,and psychological counseling).Anxiety and depression were the main outcomes evaluated in regard to mental health in patients with COVID-19.The limitations of methodological quality were predominantly from follow-up,blinding,and registration.Positive results were reported by 27 studies(90%,n=30).Conclusion:We summarized the existing literature about the impact of TCM on mental health in patients with COVID-19.The number of studies evaluating the impact of TCM on mental health is encouraging,but overall methodological quality was low.Several TCM interventions warrant further evaluation,particularly among populations outside of China,for the purpose of establishing supporting evidence.More importantly,research with stronger methodological quality needs to be developed.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional health care sports on the development of modem community sports

After thousands of years of history, traditional Chinese medicine and traditional health care sports survive the fittest in the screening of the natural law, breeding, enduring Cheung, and reflects the inherent vitality. Investigation thoroughly on the effect of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional health care sports for the development of modem community sports is to examine and understand its meaning and value from a higher level, to better inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional culture of China and thus to explore meeting point of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional health sports and modem sports. It also ensures the community to establish a healthy concept, improve the cultural quality, strengthen the moral cultivation, rouse the national spirit, increase life interest and form the modem community culture. In short, by the national education of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional protection movement, there is a unique advantage other cultures are incomparable.

Health technology assessment in traditional Chinese medicine in China: current status, opportunities, and challenges

Objectives:The widespread usage of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and the government's emphasis on TCM in China have created a positive macro-environment and great opportunities to develop and strengthen health technology assessment(HTA)in TCM.Over the past ten years,a series of policies have been issued by the government to promote the application of HTA and the development of TCM in China.This study reviews the concepts and characteristics of TCM,summarizes the current status of HTA in TCM,and analyzes the opportunities and challenges faced by HTA development in TCM with respect to deepening of healthcare reforms.Methods:Literature review and website searches were used to acquire information regarding the basic theories of TCM and the current status,opportunities,and challenges for HTA in TCM.Results:The number of articles on HTA in TCM rose substantially,especially those published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI).With the optimistic policy environment and huge market demand for TCM,the development of HTA in TCM is expected to flourish in China.However,HTA in TCM also faces numerous challenges such as the absence of a clinical efficacy evaluation system for TCM and insufficient basic research evidence and qualified personnel.Conclusions:TCM has unique characteristic that distinguishes it from Western medicine.Currently,it is important to take all measures to address the existing main challenges and thereby take advantage of the present opportunities to develop and improve HTA in TCM.

Concepts of body constitution, health and sub-health from traditional Chinese medicine perspective

This paper described and discussed the important literature and ideas about the concepts, types and measurement of body constitution, in terms of healthy,sub-healthy and disease status. In view of traditional Chinese medicine, ‘‘healthy" state is a status of relative balance of Yin and Yang to keep our bodily homeostasis. If there are significant physical and/or psychological stressors, such as loss of a beloved one and failure in study or work, the body can no longer keep its own bodily condition balanced and subsequently enter a state of ‘‘sub-health"(sub-optimal health).‘‘unhealthy" body constitution such as ‘‘Dampnessheat", ‘‘Cold-dampness" and ‘‘Heat- or Cold- dryness"with a subnormal body temperature and humidity and clinical manifestations such as insomnia, malaise and overweight will be presented. Immediate, appropriate strategies such as modification of life-style and seeking medical treatment can prevent evolution of an illness.Otherwise, the body will enter a disease status with a‘‘pathological" body constitution of ‘‘Yin or Yang deficiency'', ‘‘Blood-stasis" and/or ‘‘Phlegm-dampness". To be complimentary with health promotion and disease prevention in Western medicine, understanding about an individual's body constitution, together with itsdeterminants(e.g., healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors), can contribute to a more proactive, holistic and individualized healthcare.

How Are Minor Mental Health Problems Perceived by Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The purpose of this study was to reach a better understanding of how minor mental health problems (MMP) are perceived in China by professionals practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and by well-educated people living in three urban locations. The results derive from interviews with three TCM doctors, three TCM students and eight other students. Psychological problems are separated into two different categories: “serious” and “not serious”. MMP are labelled not as disorders or illnesses but looked upon as ordinary problems in daily living or as “heart problems”. MMP seem to have less serious consequences according to the Chinese than from a modern Western perspective. “Problems of life” rather than sickness was the category that best summarized perceptions of MMP. TCM professionals’ advice to change lifestyle and most Chinese regulate by themselves less serious mental problems. Both lay people and TCM professionals associate serious problems with pathological mental function in a disease perspective. Some reasons for and consequences of these comprehensions are discussed.

On the maintenance and intervention of health in Hainan Island from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

The prevention and treatment of diseases in traditional Chinese medicine pay attention to the"due to people due to time and place".With its unique natural resources,climate and ecological environment,as well as its unique lifestyle,Hainan Island residents'health should have strong local characteristics.Through reviewing the literature,this paper finds that:the residents of Hainan Island have more Yin deficiency,qi deficiency and damp-heat deficiency;The pathogeny and disease syndrome of residents in Hainan Island are also different from other regions.Therefore,the maintenance and intervention of residents'health in Hainan Island has unique characteristics.

Research on the Dissemination and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dietotherapy Culture

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)culture has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity across the world in recent years,as China’s international stature has improved,and its cultural soft power has grown.At the same time,people are becoming more aware of all kinds of respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases,along with other health-concerning factors.Therefore,people are gradually casting their eyes on TCM dietotherapy culture,which has been studied by the Chinese people for thousands of years and has made indelible contributions to the prevention and treatment of diseases and the Chinese nation’s longevity.However,its principle of action,prevention and control efficacy,as well as standards have been questioned;thus,its development prospects are of concern to the people.On this basis,this study explores the development status,transmission channels,and development prospects of TCM dietotherapy culture.

Hypertension knowledge in urban elderly patients:compari-son between adherents to traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Objective To compare knowledge about hypertension between elderly Chinese urban patients with preferences for either traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Western medicine (WM). Methods Elderly (≥ 65 years old) patients with hypertension who prefer TCM treatment (n=112) or WM (n=126) were questioned about hypertension. Their answers were compared. Results Only 32.6% of participants correctly identified hypertension as a main risk factor of coronary heart disease and stroke, 22.3% of patients answered that the main purpose of hypertension control was preventing cardiovascular disease. Other major reasons for these patients to seek medical treatment for their hypertension included: persuasion by physicians or their family members (21.6%), alleviating symptoms such as headache and dizziness (16.8%), lowering blood pressure without knowing specific reason (12.4%). The predictors for poor knowledge of hypertension were similar irrespective of preference for WM or TCM treatment, and included those with lower levels of education and older age. Television and newspaper (46.8%) were the most frequent sources of hypertension information for both groups. Among those who preferred TCM treatment, "TCM has fewer side effects than WM" and"TCM cures disease while WM only alleviates symptoms" were common beliefs held. Conclusion This study shows that knowledge of hypertension is similar among Chinese urban patients with preferences for either WM or TCM treatment and that misunderstandings about hypertension are common among the elderly patients. In order to control hypertension effectively, public health education is necessary. This should target those with a lower level of education and older age.

Promoting the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the New Century

Reviewing the past, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the 20th century experienced vicissitude. Since the founding the People's Republic of China, especially for the past twenty years, traditional Chinese medicine undertaking, full of vigor and vitality, has made an unprecedented development in China. The legal status and scientific status of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology have already been established. The medical system of traditional Chinese medicine, which is composed of traditional Chinese medicine hospitals, ethnic minority medicine hospitals, integration of traditional and western medicine hospitals and comprehensive hospitals, is playing an important role in preventing, treating diseases and enhancing people's health level. The system of production and circulation for traditional Chinese medicine has basically guaranteed the people's demand for Chinese medicine, with the principles of producing medicinal materials as basis, taking Chinese medicine industry as pillar and Chinese medicine as link. Remarkable achievements have been scored in the research of TCM development as well as research of TCM basic theory and clinical treatment. A number of scientific and technological results have been transformed into productive forces. TCM education has formed a rational pattern based on inheriting traditional way of transmission from master to disciple as well as taking the university and college education as the main part. Minority medical science has been further explored and sorted out; the level of medical treatment, teaching and scientific research for ethnic minority medicines has been improved. As the contingent of integrated traditional and western medicine is growing steadily, medical treatment system, scientific research system and teaching system for integrated traditional and western medicine takes shape progressively. International exchange and cooperation on traditional Chinese medicine has been greatly promoted. Various forms of cooperative relations on the TCM medical treatment, teaching and scientific research have been established between China and many other countries and regions in the world. With the increasing influence of TCM in the world, the accomplishment of traditional Chinese medicine in the 20th century has attracted world attention.

Promoting whole person health:Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare

Poland has a unique history of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dating back to the 17th century when Polish missionary Michael(Michal)Boym was a pioneer in the field.In the 20th century,his successor,Professor Zbigniew Garnuszewski,reintroduced acupuncture to medical practice in Poland.However,other methods of TCM and its holistic approach to patient care have not found their place in modern medicine in Poland.At present,the legal status of TCM in Poland remains unregulated,with TCM included in the broad spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)practices.Few reports are available on the use of TCM methods among the Polish population.Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with evidence-based CAM interventions and considers all aspects of a patient's health,including physical,emotional,mental,social,and environmental factors.An integrative healthcare model that incorporates TCM modalities and lifestyle recommendations as well as a whole person approach may provide a more sustainable solution for the constantly underfinanced Polish healthcare system,which faces challenges of multimorbidity in an aging society and limited access to care.The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic,war in Ukraine,and ongoing climate crisis have underscored the need to strengthen the resilience of the Polish healthcare system and search for new solutions.A model of care that blends the best of biomedicine and TCM healing approaches may be a better option for both patients and the healthcare system in Poland.

Improving the health and treatment success rates of in vitro fertilization patients with traditional Chinese medicine:Need for more robust evidence and innovative approaches

Maximising access to and the success of fertility treatments should be a priority for global reproductive health,as should overall patient well-being.The demand for in vitro fertilization(IVF)and other assisted fertility treatments has increased over the past decade and is likely to further increase in years to come.Nevertheless,there is still considerable unmet demand for infertility support worldwide.Moreover,the high emotional,physical and financial burden experienced by individuals undergoing IVF cycles can be a risk for their mental and physical health,which in turn can influence treatment continuation and the likelihood of IVF success.Studies from various parts of the world show that most individuals undergoing IVF also use adjunct alternative medicines and procedures,the most common being traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).The complementary and synergistic role of TCM for individuals undergoing IVF is an area that merits further attention and research,both for its potential positive effects on IVF success rates and for its broader physical and mental health benefits.However,much of the existing evidence is not sufficiently robust or consistent for findings to be adopted with confidence.This commentary argues that much work must be done to understand the efficacy and clinical best practices for these integrated approaches.This can be achieved in part by developing more robust and clinically relevant randomized controlled trial protocols,collecting and triangulating evidence through a variety of study designs and methods,and strengthening the collection and pooling of clinic-level data.

Integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in a Chinese community health center

Objective:Although the literature is abundant on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the West,there is limited information on how TCM is integrated with Western medicine(WM).We describe how one Chinese Community Health Service(CHS)system located in Beijing integrates WM and TCM.Methods:Our information is based on the authors’observations,interviews with center TCM practitioners,and discussions with center administrators.Results:We summarize our observations according to the following themes:selection of type of practitioner;frequent diagnoses of patients seen by TCM clinicians;types of TCM ser-vices provided;economic factors;challenges;and future directions.Patient age,nature of the problem,and cost may determine whether or not Chinese patients initially consult TCM or WM practitioners.Because of referral pathways between the WM and TCM practitioners,up to one-third of the patients receive integrated care.TCM physicians see more patients per day than do their WM counterparts;TCM physicians also earn higher salaries.Although there are clearly close collaborative relationships between the TCM and WM practitioners,a few TCM providers report that lack of respect between the two fields may be a barrier towards further integration.Conclusion:Given governmental policies and the cost differentials between WM and TCM,the future for the integration of the two medical traditions within the CHS system appears to be favorable;however,issues of mutual respect and workforce issues may challenge success-ful integration.Our impressions are limited by the fact that we observed practices in only one community in one district of Beijing.

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.

Physical and mental health conditions of young college students with different Traditional Chinese Medicine constitutions in Zhejiang Province of China

OBJECTIVE: To investigate Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) constitutions of youths in colleges,and their physical and mental health conditions of different TCM constitutions, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the TCM way to improve young people's physical and mental health.METHODS: The Standard TCM Constitutions' Classification and Determination Questionnaire was used to measure the body health condition, and the Symptom Checklist 90 Questionnaire and the Questionnaire of the National Student Physical Health Standards were used to determine mental and physical health conditions respectively in 1421 young participants validly answering the questionnaires in Zhejiang Province.RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 19.96years(SD = 0.95 years) with the majority of females(55.10%). One fourth of the 1421 participants were the Ping-he constitution and others were the tendency constitutions. Participants with Ping-he module(which has characteristics of moderate posture,rosy, energetic and is a healthy condition in TCM)were healthier than those with tendency constitutions in physical and mental health, with 65.81 ±7.83(men) and 77.99 ± 7.24(women) scores in the physical test and around 1.25 scores in the mental health test. College students with combined biased constitutions were more likely suffer force, sensitive, depression and anxiety.CONCLUSION: Most of college students have a tendency or biased constitution which could be more likely to suffer suboptimal health status and diseases. Youths in college themselves and health providers should pay more attention to their potential health issues and make proper healthcare plan according to their own TCM constitution.

Women’s preconception health patterns in traditional Chinese medicine as a predictor of fertility outcomes

Objective: To examine the association between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), preconception health patterns and fertility outcomes.Methods: A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted in China. A total of 3012 newly married women who were willing to conceive within 2 years were enrolled in the study and took National Free Prepregnancy Checkups(NFPC). A reliably structured self-rating scale was used to measure the TCM preconception health patterns of the enrolled women. A 3-year follow-up was conducted to obtain the fertility outcomes, including pregnancy rate, time to pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage and newborn status. Statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, logistic regression models, general linear models and the Cox proportional hazard model.Results: The fertility outcomes showed no statistic correlations to the terms of NFPC in this population.Approximately a half of the women(46.66%) had unhealthy patterns. Women with qi & blood-deficiency(odds ratio [OR] = 35.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.55–801.15) or qi-stagnation(OR = 4.55, 95% CI =0.90–23.06) pattern took a longer time to get pregnant, and those with qi-stagnation(OR = 2.05, 95% CI =1.1–3.82) or yang-deficiency(OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.12–3.25) pattern had a higher risk of spontaneous miscarriage.Conclusion: Three unhealthy TCM patterns during the preconception period might be risk factors for low fecundity or poor pregnancy outcomes. The TCM preconception pattern identification may provide a convenient and effective way to screen for potential pregnancy risks beyond the NFPC. Further, appropriate interventions based on the TCM preconception health patterns are needed to improve quality in women’s fecundability and birth outcomes.

A New Page for Women's Reproductive Health in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

The integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine (ICWM) of obstetrics and gynecology (OBS/GYN) emerged eventually with more than 40 years’ hard struggle, and one of the most promising articles is the integration of the masterpieces of menstrual disorder and infertility in TCM and the virtual explosion of new knowledge and methods in