This path-breaking book reinterprets Chinese medicine using the approach of the philosophy of science in a manner that strikes common ground with biomedical science. It strips Chinese medical theory of the mystique and metaphysical pretentions that too often plague the discipline, presenting this theory as being derived from empirical observations and clinical findings. Concepts like qi and phlegm and vital organs like the shen (kidney) are interpreted, not as physical entities with defined measurable properties, but as constructs to facilitate the application of models for diagnosis and therapy. The author evaluates the five-element model and the diagnostic-therapeutic paradigm of Chinese medical syndromes, and suggests how these heuristic models can be subjected to clinical trials. Principles governing the use of herbal, acupuncture, tuina and qigong therapies are elucidated and critically examined. Written for medical professionals, philosophers of medicine and discerning readers interested in alternative therapies, the book also has practical chapters on the placebo effect and Chinese medical treatment of chronic illnesses, and a useful compilation of common Chinese herbs and formulations.
Sample Chapter(s)
Foreword (38 KB)
Chapter 1: Chinese Medical Theory and its Rational Reconstruction (104 KB)
Contents:
- Chinese Medical Theory and Its Rational Reconstruction
- Chinese and Western Medical Thought: History and Issues
- Translating Chinese Medical Terms
- TCM Theory: Basic Entities
- Organ and Meridian Systems
- TCM Models in Explanation and Prediction
- Evidence for TCM Theory
- Placebo Effects and Cultural Factors
- Conclusion: TCM Theory Reinterpreted
- TCM Treatment of Chronic Illness
- Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Readership: Medical professionals, both Western medical doctors and TCM practitioners; libraries of TCM professionals, associations and teaching institutes; scholars interested in the theoretical basis for Chinese medicine, and the informed general reader seeking to understand the rationale and applicability of Chinese medical therapies to enhance their health.
"Despite its efficacy in treating ailments (for some of which Western medicine offers no cure), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) continues to be regarded with skepticism in the West. To a large extent, this is due to the fact that TCM practitioners have been unable to explain TCM theories using Western scientific categories. A TCM physician who was also trained in the philosophy of science at Cambridge and the London School of Economics, Hong Hai offers a fresh and at times iconoclastic interpretation of Chinese medicine. This is without doubt the most important contribution to the field in the modern era. At last, Chinese medicine makes sense. Surprisingly accessible, this work is a must read for doctors East and West."
Michael Tai, PhD (Cambridge)
Research Associate
Cambridge University
“This is a book which should not be missed by anyone with an interest in Chinese medicine.”
Donald Gillies, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Science and Mathematics
University College London
“… lucid, brilliant explanation of the terminology and principles of TCM and its approach to the management of syndromes … This is a book that everyone with even the slightest interest in complementary medicine should read. It does not matter whether one agrees with TCM and accepts the practice. This is a book for understanding.”
Teoh Eng Soon, MBBS, MD, FRCOG, FACS
Gynecologist, former lecturer at NUS Medical School
“The core of the book deals with the epistemological issues concerning the scientific status, in particular the testability, of medical conjectures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I found it most interesting and challenging, very intelligently written and bringing to bear a great deal of common sense and good philosophy. There is much that is highly original in it.”
Peter J Clark, PhD
Professor of Philosophy
University of St Andrews, UK
“This book presents a scientific, historical, philosophical and at times, unconventional interpretation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM terms are clearly explained in English, with the corresponding Chinese characters and phonetics in parentheses. It is a refreshing read and highly recommended to anyone who is interested and curious about Chinese Medicine, as well as those who wish to explore and understand TCM better, in order to improve and maintain one's health.”
Assoc. Prof Koh Hwee Ling
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore
“The book builds up a case for the clinical testing of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to bring it up to par with modern medicine. The author explains that what TCM seeks to contribute to medical science is … to provide an additional means of preventing and alleviating serious illnesses like cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and many of the diseases that come with aging. Terminologies and concepts that get lost in translation … find a common ground with scientific clarity, doing away with the ambiguous nature of TCM.”
Jolene Klassen
Millionnaireasia
