Chinese medicine has a rich history that has only been made more complex
by its integration with "Western" biomedicine. Legitimization of Chinese
medicine in biomedicine-dominated health systems, such as that in Hong
Kong, has posed significant issues. This anthology of articles explores
relevant social issues related to various Chinese medicine treatments,
including acupuncture and medicinal oils, as well as insight into
practitioner licensing and public perception. Each chapter tackles a
topic related to the complicated process of legitimizing knowledge and
power within a specific social and historical context. Written by
professors and researchers with extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine,
government regulation, and sociology, this collection provides an
overview of the challenges and current social context of Chinese
medicine that affect students and practitioners of Chinese medicine,
health and para-health biomedical professionals, and patients alike.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Professionalization and Integration in
Hong Kong is the first book in the Mediated Health Series, which focuses
on the effects of media, lifestyle, doctor-patient communication, and
the economy on health and aims to help inform medical decisions and
enhance the wellbeing of individuals.