Wu Yiling, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, speaks at the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) 2023 International Symposium on Acupuncture-Moxibustion in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov. 18, 2023. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is gaining popularity worldwide with joint efforts required to promote TCM globally, experts and scholars said in an international symposium in the Thai capital Bangkok. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is gaining popularity worldwide with joint efforts required to promote TCM globally, experts and scholars said in an international symposium in the Thai capital Bangkok.

Over 100 scholars from 20 countries and regions participated in the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) 2023 International Symposium on Acupuncture-Moxibustion scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

At the symposium, the experts and scholars shared their latest research findings and discussed strategies to promote TCM for the benefit of people in need around the world.

TCM, especially Chinese acupuncture, has become widely accepted and practiced around the world in recent years and more people have recognized its value and benefits. However, the development of TCM globally still faces challenges, and joint efforts are needed to advance its internationalization and modernization, said Wu Yiling, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

With its holistic and multifaceted approach to healing, TCM is different from Western medicine. But be it TCM or Western medicine, the benefits of the patients take priority, said Wu.

Wu, the founder of Yiling Pharmaceutical, a company based in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, added that TCM should follow international standards for entering into foreign markets, and it requires practical evidence in addition to the dialectical treatment and the doctors' personal experience to eliminate the misunderstanding of TCM.

"TCM is the treasure of ancient Chinese science, which is rooted in traditional Chinese culture and philosophy. As TCM becomes more popular in many countries, there are more people interested in TCM treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage," said Liu Baoyan, president of the WFAS.

Communication and international cooperation are essential in the field of TCM, he said, adding that he hopes this conference could build a platform for academic exchanges, promote the integration and development of TCM, as well as make greater contributions to human health in the future.

TCM has been introduced in Thailand for more than 1,000 years. The Thai government announced the legalization of TCM in 2000, making it the first country outside China to fully legalize TCM, said Lin Danqian, president of TCM Doctor Association Thailand.

He noted that China's Belt and Road Initiative has significantly boosted exchanges on TCM, which has enjoyed growing popularity among those participating countries in recent years. He hoped the two countries could further strengthen cooperation in the field of TCM and bring benefits to much more people in the world.