CURRENT STATUS AND CHALLENGES OF TCM EDUCATION IN BELGIUM

The development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education in Belgium has been a journey marked by significant milestones and persistent challenges. Initially introduced through cultural exchanges in the 1960s, TCM education evolved from sporadic private training to the establishment of formal institutions. Belgium has seen growing public acceptance of TCM, spurred by increasing demand for natural therapies and the limitations of 20 Peilin Sun conventional medicine in addressing chronic and psychosomatic diseases. However, TCM education in Belgium faces critical obstacles, including insufficient teaching resources, a lack of full-time higher education, limited clinical internships, and the absence of comprehensive herbal medicine and classical literature courses. Financial constraints and legal frameworks further complicate the situation. This paper examines the historical evolution, current status, and key challenges of TCM education in Belgium, providing insights into its integration within the national healthcare system and potential pathways for improvement. Enhanced international collaboration and systematic reforms are crucial to ensuring the sustainable development of TCM education in Belgium and its contribution to global healthcare.