The Decline of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Efficacy: Challenges and Paradigm Shifts in Clinical Practice
The Decline of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Efficacy: Challenges and Paradigm Shifts in Clinical Practice Ka Kui Wong Abstract The efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has seen a marked decline, raising concerns among practitioners, educators, and patients alike. This paper explores how the widespread adoption of a standardized approach to herbal prescriptions and diagnoses has undermined the core principles of TCM. By examining historical, educational, and clinical factors, the paper argues for a return to TCM's foundational practices of individualized and holistic patient care. The paper also identifies the critical misinterpretations and misapplications of classical prescriptions and diagnostic methods and proposes pathways for restoring TCM’s clinical efficacy and relevance. 1. Introduction Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history rooted in holistic and individualized approaches to healthcare. However, modern trends in TCM practice ha...