Good day! Your question closely resembles those I ask my Medicine students at the university where I work, so I will answer it in parts.

Traditional Oriental Medicine shares theoretical foundations with Chinese metaphysical arts. It falls under the umbrella of healing arts and uses the same principles as Feng Shui, martial arts, Qigong, etc., but adapted to medicine.

These principles stem from a mathematical understanding of how the world functions, codified in the I Ching. How does it work? We understand the world through mathematical laws, and we apply this to human physiological functioning.

There are scientific explanations and evidence supporting the efficacy of Traditional Oriental Medicine, which you can find in medical databases like PUBMED, SCIELO, and others. It is widely used to manage pain, but you can treat almost anything with the five tools of Traditional Oriental Medicine, not just acupuncture.

Traditional Oriental Medicine has not deteriorated; it remains as effective as it was on day one. However, there are different schools with varying levels of depth in their teaching. Some are more popular than others, and not all have the same level of mastery in their treatments. There are undergraduate programs (medical degrees in Traditional Oriental Medicine), Master's, and Doctoral degrees, as well as Masters who work outside official university teaching circuits, following a Master-Disciple approach, which is also highly effective.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Buen día! su pregunta se parece mucho a las preguntas que les hago a mis estudiantes de Medicina en la universidad donde trabajo, así que le responderé por partes.

La Medicina Tradicional Oriental tiene bases teóricas comunes a las artes metafísicas chinas, se engloba dentro de las artes de sanación y usa las mismas leyes que el Feng Shui, las artes marciales, el Qigong etc, pero adaptadas a la medicina.

Estas leyes salen de un principio matemático de comprensión del funcionamiento del mundo codificado en el I Ching. ¿Como funciona? Entendemos el funcionamiento del mundo a través de leyes matemáticas y eso lo traspolamos al funcionamiento fisiológico humano.

Existen explicaciones y evidencias científicas del funcionamiento de la medicina tradicional oriental, las puedes encontrar en los buscadores médicos como PUBMED, SCIELO, y otros. Se utiliza mucho para manejar dolor, pero puedes tratar casi cualquier cosa con las cinco herramientas de la Medicina Tradicional Oriental, no solo la acupuntura.

La Medicina Tradicional Oriental no ha degenerado, sigue siendo tan eficiente como el primer día. Sin embargo, existen escuelas diferentes grados de profundidad en su enseñanza, algunas son más populares que otras y no todas tienen el mismo nivel de Maestría en sus tratamientos. Existen estudios universitarios de grado (carreras médicas en Medicina tradicional Oriental) Maestrías y Doctorados, además de Maestros que trabajan fuera de los circuitos oficiales de enseñanza universitaria, que enseñan bajo la modalidad Maestro Discípulo y también son de altísima efectividad.

Cualquier duda quedo atento.

It is important to recognize that medicine and science are distinct systems, each with its own framework. While they are interrelated, they are not synonymous.

Chinese medicine, like other well-established systems of medical knowledge and clinical practice, is grounded in a unique theoretical basis. It has used a systematic - and therefore scientific - approach to its clinical development for centuries. This foundation, along with its clinical applications, differs from and, in many respects, is incompatible with biomedicine.

Despite these differences, there is a great deal of modern scientific research on Chinese medicine. However, much of this research follows biomedical protocols, which may not always be appropriate for evaluating Chinese medicine. Some of this research is, nevertheless, valuable. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant efforts were made to explore how Chinese medicine might address this novel illness.

Regarding the concept of evidence, it is important to note that Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is a biomedical movement that began in the 1990s. Its primary aim was to enhance the research foundation of biomedical treatments. EBM has since become an ideological cornerstone of both the biomedical field internationally and the medical insurance industry. The benefits of emphasizing research-based evidence over the clinical experience of physicians have certain distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Conducting evidence-based research, whether in laboratories or clinical settings, requires substantial funding. Therefore, the financial resources available to research traditional Asian medicine — such as Chinese medicine — are relatively limited. Nonetheless, numerous studies have been conducted. However, disciplines like Chinese medicine have centuries of clinical practice, documented traditional research, and clinical commentaries written by practicing physicians. Hopefully in the future properly designed modern research on traditional Asian medicine will serve to not only confirm its efficacy but also contribute meaningfully to advancing its clinical practice.

In terms of how traditional Asian medicine is perceived in Asia, the global hegemony of biomedicine inevitably affects local attitudes toward these systems. This presents a challenge to both the appreciation and the clinical practice of traditional systems like Chinese medicine. Asian communities should positively engage with their cultural heritage through informed understanding, rather than through mere nostalgia or chauvinism. Traditional Asian medicine systems must be preserved, but they must also make progress. It is only through informed support that the kind of training required in traditional Asian medicine and the quality of clinical practice can be maintained at a high level.

During my travels in India and China, I have encountered Asian colleagues questioning why I adhere to such a "traditional" approach in my clinical practice, especially as many in Asia appear to acquiesce to biomedical hegemony. My response is simple: I maintain a traditional approach because a well-founded method of diagnosis and treatment is effective.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been both praised and criticized when it comes to its scientific basis. Here's a breakdown of its status and impact on modern medicine:

### Scientific Basis of TCM

1. **Historical Context**: TCM is based on ancient philosophies, including concepts like Qi (energy), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements. These ideas are often seen as metaphysical and not easily quantifiable by modern scientific standards.

2. **Research and Evidence**: Some aspects of TCM, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, have been subject to scientific research. Certain studies suggest that acupuncture can be effective for pain management and certain conditions, although results can vary.

3. **Challenges**: The lack of standardized practices, variations in treatment protocols, and difficulties in replicating results make it hard to firmly establish a scientific basis for many TCM practices. Critics argue that the foundational theories of TCM do not align with modern biomedical science.

4. **Integrative Approaches**: Some researchers advocate for integrative medicine, where TCM practices are combined with conventional treatments, especially in areas like pain management and chronic illness.

### Impact of TCM on Modern Medicine

1. **Holistic Approach**: TCM emphasizes a holistic view of health, focusing on the balance between body, mind, and environment. This perspective has influenced modern approaches to patient care, encouraging a more comprehensive view of health.

2. **Complementary Therapies**: Practices such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are increasingly used as complementary therapies. They can enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and provide patients with more options.

3. **Cultural Acceptance**: TCM has contributed to a broader acceptance of alternative and complementary medicine within many healthcare systems, leading to more diverse treatment options for patients.

4. **Research and Collaboration**: There is a growing body of research examining the efficacy of TCM practices. Collaborative efforts between TCM practitioners and conventional medical researchers aim to bridge gaps and validate effective practices.

### Conclusion

While TCM contains elements that may not align with modern scientific paradigms, its impact on patient care and the integration of holistic approaches into modern medicine is notable. Ongoing research and dialogue between TCM and conventional medicine continue to evolve, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of health and healing.