Traditional Chinese Medicine
Health Preservation Traditional
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Family Introduction
- Born in 1955, my father inherited practical techniques and experiences in traditional Chinese medicine from my grandfather before undertaking systematic professional studies at Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A veteran general practitioner, my father combines Chinese and Western medical practices and is celebrated for his remarkable healing prowess and esteemed reputation. My grandfather and father collectively boast nearly a century of medical practice. Over these decades, they experienced different historical periods in China, surviving the turbulent Cultural Revolution and the economic surge from the country's reforms and opening-up policies. A perpetual scholar, my father continued his education after the reinstatement of China's college entrance exam in 1977, refining his skills at Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. His training—a mix of traditional apprenticeship and formalized theoretical learning—represents a unique cultivation method distinctly different from contemporary educational pathways in Chinese medicine. He carries a special mark of his era, adopting a research-oriented and analytical approach.
The journey to master medicine is lengthy. Among my grandfather's many children, only my father took up the mantle. Yet, among his four children, including my brothers and me, none have chosen to pursue careers in Chinese medicine. This phenomenon is quite typical in China; despite the emphasis on apprenticeship in Chinese medical studies, many descendants of medicinal families find themselves at a crossroads, often choosing paths divergent from those of their ancestors. What challenges then confront the transmission and evolution of traditional Chinese medicine? As an eyewitness, I am dedicated to exploring these pressing issues through interviews and online engagement, providing public insight into the challenges faced by the third generation of Chinese medicine practitioners. This project includes publicly available interviews and ancient medical texts from our family archives. My aspiration is that this initiative will be a lasting and impactful contribution, enlightening and inspiring those interested in the evolution and tradition of Chinese medicine.
Reflections on the Family History of the TCM Heirs