Traditional Chinese Medicine: Heritage and Adaptation

Paul U. Unschuld provides an overview of Chinese medicine's origins, history, and cultural context, highlighting its close connection with politics and healing attitudes. He explores the development of therapeutic approaches, pharmacology, and the global exchange of medical knowledge, and discusses the twentieth-century decline and reception of traditional medicine in the West.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

From its ancient origins to the present day, Chinese medicine has been a subject of great interest and study. Paul U. Unschuld, a leading authority on the subject, delves into the intricate relationship between medicine and culture, politics, and society throughout Chinese history. In his comprehensive work, Unschuld brings together a wealth of texts, techniques, and worldviews to explore the evolving attitudes towards healing and the significance of traditional Chinese medicine in both China and the Western world.

Unschuld begins by tracing the emergence of a Chinese medical tradition that was built upon a new understanding of the human being. He explores the belief in the influence of cosmology, numerology, and the supernatural on the health of the living, which formed the foundation of Chinese medical practices. He also describes the diverse range of therapeutic approaches found in Chinese culture, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage.

The history of pharmacology and techniques such as acupuncture is another key aspect of Unschuld's work. He explains how these methods were developed over centuries and how they continue to be used today to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Unschuld also highlights the global exchange of medical knowledge that took place throughout Chinese history, with Chinese physicians traveling to other parts of the world to learn new techniques and share their knowledge with others.

In the twentieth century, traditional Chinese medicine faced a decline as military defeats led reformers and revolutionaries to import medical knowledge from the West. This led to the construction of a new China, which sought to incorporate elements of its medical traditions into a scientific framework. Unschuld recounts how traditional Chinese medicine was received in the West since the 1970s, where it was often considered an alternative to Western medicine. At the same time, China sought to incorporate elements of its medical traditions into a scientific framework.

Unschuld's work provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between medicine, culture, and society in China. He demonstrates how traditional Chinese medicine is deeply intertwined with Chinese civilization and offers a unique perspective on the history and development of medical thought and practice. This concise and compelling introduction to medical thought and history suggests that Chinese medicine is not only a valuable tool for healing but also a window into the rich cultural heritage of China.

In conclusion, Paul U. Unschuld's work on the origins and history of Chinese medicine is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. His comprehensive exploration of the relationship between medicine and culture, politics, and society throughout Chinese history provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the subject. By bringing together a wealth of texts, techniques, and worldviews, Unschuld offers a valuable guide to the evolving attitudes towards healing and the significance of traditional Chinese medicine in both China and the Western world.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231175012