An Exploration of Dissemination and Exchanges between Ancient Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese Medicine

Abstract China and Vietnam are geographically connected, and Vietnam has been deeply influenced by Chinese culture. The development of Vietnam’s ancient traditional medicine was profoundly shaped by China. This study aims to analyze the exchanges of traditional medicine between China and Vietnam from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Using a documentary analysis method, it conducts an extensive review of journals, ancient books and other materials related to Sino-Vietnamese traditional medical interactions. It reveals historical exchanges and interactions between ancient China and Vietnam in areas such as medicinal materials, medical practitioners, and medical books. These interactions enabled Vietnam to form a medical system that is inherently connected to Chinese medicine yet distinct in its own right. By doing so, this research enhances our understanding of the relationship between Chinese and Vietnamese medicine—one of shared origins with divergent developments—and provides a historical foundation for the inheritance and international exchange of traditional medicine today.