A total of 3 medical doctors and 7 health officers from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Solomon Islands, have recently attended the seminar on TCM Application in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control for “Belt and Road” Countries on 11th to 24th June in Beijing, China.
The seminar was funded by the Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China, and hosted by Beijing HolleyCotec Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd in collaboration with Belt and Road Initiative. Which aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, the Pacific, and Europe. Health cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of this initiative, with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) playing a central role in fostering cross-cultural medical exchange. Under this initiative, five countries participated in this seminar: Iraq, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, El Salvador, and the Solomon Islands, with the highest number of participants.
The purpose of the seminar is to; observe and learn the latest developments and practical applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Explore the possibility of more exchanges and cooperation between China and participating countries in the field of clinical practices, and promote development.
National Referral Hospital, Medical Imaging Department, Chief Radiographer, Ms. Loretta Maeohu said the trip was an enriching experience offered in-depth insights into the harmonious integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medical practices.
“We have the opportunity to observe and explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine are integrated into the Chinese Health system, not only enhancing patient outcomes but also promoting longevity, showcasing the profound wisdom and holistic approach that both ideologies bring to healthcare. While other participating countries have developed systems for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Solomon Islands has yet to harness its full potential and offer TCM services on a broader scale”.
“Consequently, this training initiative aims to raise awareness among healthcare workers about the principles and practices of traditional Chinese medicine, fostering a deeper understanding of its benefits and applications in the local healthcare context. Throughout our two-week seminar, we delved deeply into a wide array of topics”, said Maeohu.
She added, although they explored numerous aspects, the intricate theories and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aimed at enhancing patient health outcomes can be encapsulated in the following key points;
1. Philosophical Foundations of Prevention in TCM – The principle of treating diseases before they arise is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Health is viewed as a dynamic balance of Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the five elements. Disease is seen as a disruption of this balance, often detectable before symptoms emerge. TCM encourages early intervention and lifestyle changes to maintain health and prevent illness.
2. Holistic and Personalized Prevention Strategies – TCM practitioners assess a person’s well-being, emotional state, lifestyle, and environment to detect imbalances. Diagnostic tools such as pulse reading and tongue inspection guide personalized prevention plans. This individualized approach addresses root causes rather than symptoms, making it especially effective for long-term health maintenance.
3. Core Preventive Modalities in TCM; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes preventive care as a cornerstone of maintaining health and well-being. Rather than waiting for illness to arise, TCM focuses on preserving balance and harmony within the body to prevent disease. Here are the core preventive modalities in TCM: A. Herbal Medicine – Herbs like Astragalus, Ginseng, and Rehmannia are used to strengthen immunity, regulate metabolism, and nourish organ systems. Herbal formulas are customized to the individual and used to prevent migraines, musculoskeletal disorders, and stress-related conditions.
4. TCM in the management of specific chronic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays a significant role in the management of chronic diseases by offering a holistic, individualized approach that emphasizes balance, prevention, and long-term wellness. Here’s how TCM is applied to specific chronic conditions:
5. Integration with Western Medicine. In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is fully integrated within the national healthcare system. Hospitals commonly offer a comprehensive range of both TCM and Western medical treatments, thereby facilitating a holistic approach to healthcare prevention and management. This integrative model is gaining traction in other nations, particularly those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, where TCM is increasingly being incorporated into public health programs and medical education initiatives, reflecting a growing global recognition of its value.
Meanwhile, she stated TCM provides a comprehensive and holistic framework for the prevention of chronic diseases, serving as a complementary approach to modern biomedical practices. Its fundamental principles emphasize early intervention, the importance of maintaining lifestyle balance, and tailoring care to meet individual needs.
“This is particularly significant in addressing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, which have become critical public health challenges in our country today”, said Maeohu.
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