The country's first ever set of standard terminologies for
traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in both Chinese and English was
published on Friday in a bid to further promote the practice around
the world.
Compiled by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies
(WFCMS), the publication contains 6,500 terms covering 21
categories including basic theories, disease, acupuncture, medical
treatments and formulas.
This is a pioneering undertaking and a milestone for the
promotion of TCM use globally, said Wang Kui, a division leader
with the WFCMS and head of a team of about 200 TCM specialists from
68 countries and regions around the world that agreed the terms.
They will be recommended as the international standard for 174
WFCMS member societies in 55 countries and regions when it comes to
education, practice, research and information exchange regarding
TCM, Wang said.
At a time when TCM is becoming increasingly popular around the
world, this publication will meet the growing needs of
practitioners for a common language, he said.
Over the next two years, a further 1,500 to 3,500 terms will be
added in a total of five to 10 languages, Wang said.
It is important that standards are set for the safe and
effective use of TCM so that it can benefit people around the
world, Li Daning, deputy director-general of the State
Administration of TCM told China Daily.
(China Daily December 30, 2007)