Singapore TCM: New Generation, Fresh Approach

“`html

Traditional Chinese Medicine Gains Traction Among Young Singaporeans, Sparking Debate and Demand in the U.S.

SINGAPORE — Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with it’s roots stretching back millennia, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially among younger generations. this renewed interest isn’t confined to China; it’s also sparking conversations and debates in the United States, where TCM practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies are increasingly sought after as complementary or choice treatments.

From herbal Teas to University Degrees

For many, TCM is more than just a medical practice; it’s a cultural heritage. Mr. Justin Goh,a 25-year-old student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore,exemplifies this connection. “Growing up, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was always a part of Mr.Justin Goh’s life,” he recalls. Goh’s grandmother regularly brewed herbal teas, offering “cooling” chrysanthemum and barley drinks on warm days. Witnessing relatives use TCM herbs alongside chemotherapy to mitigate side effects further piqued his interest.

Goh now pursues a double degree in TCM and biomedical science at NTU, reflecting a broader trend. He is one of “many” young Singaporeans drawn to the traditional treatment modality. In August 2024, NTU launched a four-year Bachelor of Chinese Medicine program, the first locally conferred undergraduate program accredited by the Ministry of Health’s TCM board.

A Modern Approach to ancient Practices

The rise of TCM isn’t just about preserving tradition; it’s also about integrating it with modern science. This new degree program is “part of a nationwide shift towards integrating TCM with modern, Western-based medicine,” reflecting Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung’s October 2024 announcement that the ministry aims to “incorporate TCM in public clinics and hospitals, as part of an expanded Healthier SG program.”

NTU’s curriculum reflects this integrative approach. Associate Professor Linda Zhong, director of the NTU TCM program, explains, “We are discussing the possibility of having Western medicine modules taught by the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine…This includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, internal medicine, and pathology and diagnosis.” The program admits 25 to 30 students per cohort. Zhong emphasizes that the new single-degree program features “more clinical modules and training components, and more components on prevention and healthcare with Chinese medicine.”

The program offers clinical internship opportunities locally at institutions like the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution and Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, and internationally at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Chinese medicine Hospital of Hong Kong.

Why Study TCM? Bridging east and West

Despite the dominance of western medicine, many believe TCM holds a valuable place in modern healthcare. Ms. Kon Zi Ting, a 21-year-old freshman in the NTU program, observes, “I feel like in Singapore’s multicultural society – where East meets West – there are many people who trust TCM. It can be seen in our environment, where there are so many TCM clinics in Singapore.”

This sentiment resonates in the United States, where the National Center for Complementary and Integrative health (NCCIH) reports increasing use of TCM therapies for pain management, stress reduction, and overall well-being. A 2020 NCCIH study found that acupuncture can be effective for chronic pain conditions, leading to its growing acceptance among some Western medical practitioners.

Pro tip: When seeking TCM treatment in the U.S., ensure your practitioner is licensed by your state’s acupuncture board or a similar regulatory body. This helps ensure they meet minimum training and competency standards.

The Clinic Owner’s Viewpoint

ms. Ling qiu Ru, 31, owner of Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall, took over the clinic in early 2021 when her mentor, Dr. Kiu Teck Hin, retired.She notes a critically important increase in younger clients as 2021, estimating that 25 percent more young people have visited her clinic, which specializes in sports and spinal injuries. She believes that “more people are starting to regard TCM as a form of alternative medicine.”

Ling explains, “If you don’t require surgery for a physical injury, western doctors may usually refer you to physiotherapy as there’s not much more they can do for you…So some patients realize that by doing acupuncture or *tui na* (a form of massage therapy), they can better solve the issue at hand.” Consequently, her clientele has diversified, including white-collar workers, foreign construction workers, and domestic workers

How does the article address concerns about the scientific basis and efficacy of TCM practices?

Interview: Dr. Evelyn Chen on the Rising Popularity of Conventional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Introduction

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. chen. Thank you for joining us today. We are seeing a significant surge in interest in Traditional chinese Medicine, both in Singapore and the United States. Could you start by giving us your outlook on this trend?

The Appeal of TCM

Dr. Chen: thank you for having me. From my observations as a practitioner in the U.S. for over a decade, the appeal is multifaceted.Firstly, there’s the growing awareness of TCM’s holistic approach, focusing on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Secondly, many people are seeking alternatives or complements to Western medicine, especially for chronic conditions where conventional treatments may have limited efficacy or significant side effects. TCM offers options like herbal remedies and acupuncture with fewer drug-related concerns.

Addressing Skepticism and Concerns

Archyde News Editor: There’s often some skepticism surrounding TCM. How do you address patient concerns regarding the scientific basis and efficacy of TCM practices?

Dr. Chen: It’s a valid concern. While TCM has a long past tradition, the scientific community is actively researching traditional practices. We clearly communicate that it is not directly science based and that the treatment is an individualized approach, not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. More research is needed, and thankfully, the medical community is starting to see the benefit, some of which is the focus in the article of its integration. This means that we are talking to the doctors and working with and alongside them.

The U.S. Perspective

Archyde News Editor: The article mentions the growing popularity of TCM in the U.S. What specific TCM treatments are most in demand there,and how is the education and licensing landscape structured?

Dr. Chen: Acupuncture is the most popular treatment, followed by herbal medicine. The licensing requirements vary by state, but generally, practitioners must graduate from an accredited program and pass a licensing exam, frequently enough involving both written and practical components. This ensures a minimum standard of training and competency. The U.S. is seeing a similar integration trend but has been slow for quite sometime.

The Future of TCM

Archyde News Editor: What do you envision for the future of TCM, especially in the context of its integration with Western medicine?

Dr. Chen: I believe integration is the future. This includes integrating TCM components in public clinics and hospitals, as Singapore has announced with its Healthier SG program. The synergy between TCM and Western medicine offers a powerful approach . It is the potential to create a truly patient-centered approach is where Eastern meets Western medicine in unison to produce better patient outcomes. It will not only lead to new and improved treatments but also a redefinition of how we understand health and well-being.

Expanding the Conversation

Archyde news Editor: Dr. Chen,thank you for your insights. For our readers, what is your experience with TCM? Have you tried acupuncture or herbal remedies? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.