There is a growing trend within Chinese medicine to increasingly move towards a western model of working. Classical theories are being thrown out, Acupuncture is being seen through the lens of western medicine and anything deemed ‘unscientific’ is being stripped from this ancient tradition. This is not necessarily a western-only turn of events though; it is increasingly taking place in China as well with most of the more classical approaches to Chinese medicine now existing primarily in South East Asia.

There is nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with this if this is the kind of therapy you would like to study. Modern science has given the human race great advancements in health and many of the modernised versions of Chinese medicine work just fine for many health conditions. But there are many people out there who do not wish to see Chinese medicine through this modern ‘lens’. For many, the ancient theories hold a lot of attraction and as a working model they were an integral part of Asian medicine for centuries. Rather than dividing human beings from their environment, as is the modern way, the ancient theories see mankind as a united part of the trinity of Heaven, Humanity and Earth. The flow of information (Qi) between the two great poles is of huge importance to the practice and diseases are seen as a reflection of a persons Ming (destiny/lifepath) and Xing (nature) as well as simply the result of germs and pathogenic influences.

As Chinese medicine becomes more modernised it is also moving away from key skills which are integral to the practice.  This is a great shame as a time honoured tradition is slowly fading away.