The Current Status and Acceptance of Traditional Medicine of East Asia in the UK

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives : Traditional medicine(TM) of East Asia has been taking its status as part of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) in the UK. However, the efficacy and safety issues make it hard to be accepted in the healthcare system. The aim of the research is to find out the current status of TM of East Asia in the UK and to discuss some issues around its acceptance as formal healthcare method. Methods : Articles, books and regulations related to the acceptance of TM of East Asia were analysed and the internet websites were visited such as Westlaw UK for legal materials, government websites for formal documents, and some UK-based associations. Keyword searches were followed and the essential parts from the articles and documents were generalised for the analysis and discussion. Results : Issues over TM of East Asia include identity as medicine, efficacy and safety, and the statutory regulation can be a measure for the acceptance. Osteopathy and chiropractic therapies came under statutory regulation among the CAM in the UK. Conclusions : TM of East Asia could be under the statutory regulation in the near future. Efficacy and safety issues are the challenging barrier. However, the approach from the viewpoint of TM of East Asia is necessary for development and good practice. The simplified registration procedure for traditional herbal medicinal product in EU can be the model. Education, evaluation, assessment and managing quality of practice are essential for the standard care and formal regulation.