The influence of China’s Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) extends beyond humanitarian assistance to encompass a rising preference among Chinese physicians and consumers for commercially manufactured products, such as herbal pills and capsules. This shift towards ease of consumption and the positioning of TCM as part of naturopathy appeals to modern sensibilities, emphasizing chemical-free treatments. In Southeast Asia, where climatic conditions like heat and humidity are prevalent, TCM products, such as cooling herbal drinks, are essential for managing bodily energies. The popularity of TCM among the younger generation, especially products linked to beauty and wellness like gingko, lingzhi mushroom, ginseng, and various cosmetic products, highlights its broad appeal. To further this global expansion, China must seek legitimization from international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO). With over 60 million ethnically Chinese individuals in Southeast Asia, there is a substantial base for TCM's acceptance and integration (Liu, 2013).
The number of students in China studying TCM is substantial, with a predicted 13,000 students coming to China every year. The Chinese government has also established colleges in 30 nations and 17 international TCM healthcare centers (Li, 2021). Already, 103 states have been approved to practice acupuncture and moxibustion with 18 nations including acupuncture and moxibustion treatments in their insurance provisions (Xu, 2019). In this expansion, the government played a key role, as the State Food Drug Administration (SFDA) has continually lessened the restrictions on TCM herb and drug sales, which the government is now working to increase once more, with more international attention towards the products.
Moreover, the diversity in TCM's dosage forms has dramatically expanded from the traditional array of pills, powders, ointments, and pellets to over 40 different forms, including modern pharmaceutical varieties such as dropping pills, tablets, pods, and capsules. This diversification not only marks a significant leap in the technological prowess of Chinese medicinal drug production but also symbolizes the inception of a modern TCM industry, intricately woven with medicinal material production, industrial manufacturing, and commercial dynamics. The increasing preference for TCM, especially among China's aging population, further catalyzes its growth. A survey conducted by Horizon Research Co., covering 300,000 individuals across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and cities, revealed that over 31% of the respondents preferred TCM as their primary healthcare choice, compared to only 6.8% favoring Western medicine. TCM's deep roots in Chinese civilization, spanning 5,000 years, have not only fostered a sense of national pride but also imbued it with a cultural supremacy over Western medicine in the eyes of its supporters. Societal advancements and shifts in the disease spectrum have prompted a paradigm shift in medical models, focusing more on comprehensive disease management encompassing prevention, treatment, and health protection. This shift aligns perfectly with the inclination towards natural medicine, given the adverse effects often associated with chemical drugs. TCM, with its naturalistic approach, fits seamlessly into this evolving healthcare narrative (Xu, 2019). The international community's gradual acceptance and recognition of TCM and natural herbal medicine, driven by factors like high biopharmaceutical R&D costs, has led to growing market demand. Over 90 countries and regions have now introduced laws and regulations for the registration of Chinese herbal medicine. Particularly in the European Union, TCM herbal drugs are witnessing increasing usage. Efforts by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph Eur) and the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) in developing TCM herbal drug quality monographs further attest to this acceptance. The Ph Eur has established a working program consisting of 75 monographs, with almost 50 new TCM herbal drug monographs already implemented, ensuring quality and eliminating the risk of counterfeit products. China's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened up more opportunities for international cooperation and exchange in the field of TCM, allowing for the wider dissemination of Chinese medicinal culture and the promotion of TCM's efficacy. The reduction in tariffs has also enabled Chinese enterprises to adopt advanced foreign technologies, accelerating TCM's internationalization. The implementation of the BRI creates an unprecedented opportunity for TCM's entry into the international community. This strategy, leveraging historical "Silk Road" symbolism, fosters economic cooperation and cultural exchange, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western medical systems and enhancing TCM's international profile. The strategy's focus on collaboration and exchange, including policy enhancement, quality standard improvement, and regulatory establishment, is pivotal for TCM's global acceptance and advancement (Cui, 2010).
Thus, the commercialization and modernization of TCM, backed by significant statistics and strategic initiatives, symbolize its transition from a traditional medical practice to a globally integrated, modern healthcare solution. This journey reflects not only the adaptation and innovation within TCM but also the burgeoning recognition and acceptance of this ancient practice in the global healthcare arena.
Comments