‘Traditional Culture,’ by Carmen Kong [flickr.com/bitterlysweet]. License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
The cultural influence is quite evident in Hong Kong. One may assume that Chinese medicine has enjoyed continuous acceptance there, since it is technically part of China. However, it is a “Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China,” and was under British rule for 156 years until 1997. The 20th century geopolitical climate of Hong Kong was likely responsible for its still preferential treatment of Western medicine.
Though, since the transfer back to Chinese governance, there has been greater momentum towards the use of Chinese medicine. It is becoming an emergent shift, as the ageing population increasingly presents with chronic diseases that Western medicine has had difficulty in managing.
The crest of this shifting tide is evident in Hong Kong Baptist University’s endeavor to open the city’s first Chinese medicine hospital.
Carl is a former engineer who applies rational thought to the often subjective nature of traditional healing. He practices acupuncture in San Diego, CA.