Abstract
This qualitative study examines the interaction and tensions between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from the perspective of Chinese immigrant practitioners residing in British Columbia. The study also examines (a) how immigration affects TCM practice in BC, (b) the role of legislation in standardizing TCM practice, (c) official barriers crected by government and the medical establishment, and (d) the role of local communities in negotiating TCM services in BC. The findings identify barriers in TCM practice, integration, and research, and suggest that professionalization could create a common ground for interaction and integration between the two systems.
Résumé
Cette étude qualitative porte sur l’Interaction et les tensions entre la médecine de l’Ouest et la médecine chinoise traditionnelle (MCT) du point de vue d’immigrants chinois qui sont médecins praticiens en Colombie britannique. L’étude se penche également sur (a) l’influence de l’immigration sur la pratique de la MCT en Colombie britannique; (b) le rôle de la législation dans la standardisation de la pratique de la MCT; (c) les obstacles officiels mis en place par le gouvernement et le corps médical; et (d) le rôle des communautés locales dans la négociation des services de MCT en Colombie britannique. Les conclusions indiquent qu’il existe des obstacles sur plusieurs plans: la pratique de la MCT, l’intégration et la recherche. De plus, elles donnent à penser que la professionnalisation pourrait créer un terrain d’entente permettant l’interaction et l’intégration des deux systèmes.
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Chiu, L. Practising traditional Chinese medicine in a Canadian context: The roles of immigration, legislation, and integration. Int. Migration & Integration 7, 95–115 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-006-1004-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-006-1004-2