The phrase “TCM masters among the people” carries rich emotions and information. It reflects a profound contemplation of the history and current state of TCM, while also expressing hopes and calls for the future of traditional Chinese medicine.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that TCM is a treasure passed down over China’s five-thousand-year history. It is primarily transmitted through apprenticeship or familial secrecy, ensuring the inheritance of wisdom and experience from generation to generation.
During this process, many unique skills and ancient formulas spread across households and communities. In those times, with limited communication, this valuable medical knowledge could only circulate within specific regions, providing assistance to local communities.
Hence, when we say “TCM masters among the people,” it’s because those who truly grasp the essence of TCM are often found in our daily lives. With their knowledge and skills, they quietly bring health and hope to people.
However, in modern society, the focus of healthcare has shifted to predominantly technology-driven Western medicine, making TCM appear somewhat outdated. This has led to misunderstandings and biases against TCM, with some perceiving it as an obsolete medical system. Yet, this is not the case. TCM has survived under the suppression of Western medicine because of its significant therapeutic effects.
Regardless of societal changes, there are always individuals committed to preserving and passing down TCM. They believe in TCM, love TCM, and continue the legacy of its wisdom and spirit.
Another implication of “TCM masters among the people” is that many have not truly encountered proficient TCM practitioners. TCM relies on affinity; it requires us to feel and understand it with sincerity. For too long, we have not devoted our hearts to TCM, not genuinely seeking to understand and accept it. As a result, many have not encountered skilled TCM practitioners.
This underlying fact is disheartening. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its five-thousand-year history, is a precious heritage for each descendant of the Yellow Emperor. It is our responsibility to bring it to the forefront, allowing more people to benefit from its wisdom.
The phrase “TCM masters among the people” is a profound reflection on the current state of TCM and a call for its future. We should contemplate how to make this treasure of TCM bring health and hope to more people, how to help more people understand and embrace TCM, and enable it to play a more significant role in modern society.
This is our responsibility and mission. Only when each of us shoulders this responsibility can TCM truly thrive among the people, bringing benefits to many.