Reflections on Traditional Chinese Medicine's Modernization

The concept of cultural tradition emphasizes the intrinsic cultural genes of tradition, while traditional culture focuses more on the socio-cultural conditions of the present, highlighting the temporal and contextual presence of culture. From the perspective of cultural tradition, research on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tends to pursue the "traditional" dimension, aiming for an essentialist restoration that reflects TCM's inherent nature and legacy. Nevertheless, the modern advancement of TCM must also consider how tradition is shaped by contemporary social conditions. This historical and contemporary standpoint reveals the duality of tradition—its absoluteness and relativity, rationality and culturality. Furthermore, it not only reshapes culture concept but draws more attention to practical concern for TCM's development.