In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine, as a treasure of Chinese culture, has faced unprecedented challenges. Since May this year, the price of Chinese herbal medicines has risen sharply, which does not mean that Chinese medicine is booming, but is a symptom of problems in the Chinese medicine system. What is the future development trend of Chinese medicine?
The reason for the skyrocketing price of Chinese herbal medicines
From the perspective of growers, the rise in the price of Chinese herbal medicines is not a good thing. If Chinese herbal medicines become a financial instrument, the planting area may be expanded, but overcapacity may lead to a decline in the price of medicinal materials, and the entire industrial chain may collapse. The main driver is the capital's enthusiasm for Chinese herbal medicines, which has led to continued market turmoil.
The field of traditional Chinese medicine has suffered from the erosion of international capital
Foreign investment has long infiltrated the field of traditional Chinese medicine and has been a threat for decades. For example, some traditional Chinese medicine companies have been purchased at low prices, and overseas traditional Chinese medicine has gradually increased.
In the international market, Japan and South Korea already have the majority of the market share, while China has less than 5%. This imbalance is worrying, indicating that the discourse power and market share of traditional Chinese medicine are gradually shrinking.
The current situation of internal and external difficulties in traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine is facing severe internal and external pressures, not only domestic "anti-Chinese medicine alliances" advocating its demise, but also foreign capital trying to control the dominance of traditional Chinese medicine culture. Internal and external attacks have made the future of Chinese medicine even more uncertain.
Although the efficacy in some aspects is not as effective as Western medicine, we cannot ignore the core value of Chinese medicine - to cure diseases and save lives. In contrast, Western medicine focuses more on pharmaceutical profits, while traditional Chinese medicine focuses more on treatment effects. At present, traditional Chinese medicine is in an absolute advantage in the supply market of raw materials for Chinese herbal medicines, showing the obvious advantages of traditional Chinese medicine.
Thinking about the future development path
Traditional Chinese medicine must actively respond to domestic and international challenges and explore strategies for future development. First of all, the culture of traditional Chinese medicine should be vigorously promoted to improve the influence of traditional Chinese medicine in the world; secondly, the scientific research of traditional Chinese medicine needs to be strengthened to enhance the added value of traditional Chinese medicine products and promote competitiveness; at the same time, the rational purchase of traditional Chinese medicinal materials should be promoted, the speculation link should be reduced, and the price of traditional Chinese medicine should be stabilized.
The future of TCM is in our hands
As a treasure of Chinese culture, traditional Chinese medicine is under unprecedented pressure.
Only through international promotion, scientific and technological innovation, scientific management, etc., can TCM gain a firm foothold in the highly competitive international environment.
Therefore, the future of Chinese medicine depends on the efforts and responsibilities of each of us. We need to work together to cherish and pass on this precious cultural heritage of the mainland.