Traditional Chinese Medicine in Zhejiang and Epidemic Prevention During the Republic of China
10.16466/j.issn1005-5509.2025.01.016
- VernacularTitle:民国时期的浙江中医药与瘟疫防治
- Author:
Zhongyu DENG
1
;
Xuejin WANG
1
Author Information
1. 浙江中医药大学 杭州 310053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
the Republic of China;
Zhejiang Province;
epidemic;
traditional Chinese medicine;
epidemic prevention system;
The Case for the Abolition of TCM;
the Three Greats of Zhejiang TCM;
prescription
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
2025;49(1):91-96
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
[Objective]By examining the spatiotemporal distribution and control measures of epidemics in Zhejiang Province during the period of the Republic of China,to explore the practical role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in epidemic prevention and control.[Methods]Using literature analysis and quantitative methods,and examines historical documents such as newspapers,archives,and local gazetteers from the Republic of China to systematically compile and statistically analyze the epidemics that occurred in Zhejiang Province during that period.And also analyzes the TCM policies of the time and assesses the practical role of TCM in epidemic prevention and control.[Results]During period of the Republic of China,Zhejiang Province experienced frequent outbreaks of epidemics,with cholera and smallpox being the most severe,followed by malaria and dysentery.Other diseases,such as typhoid fever,diphtheria,scarlet fever and plague,caused severe harm to the lives and well-being of the population.The government adopted policies that favored western medicine and suppressed TCM,leading to the exclusion of TCM from the public health and epidemic prevention systems.Despite this,TCM remained indispensable in actual epidemic control efforts,particularly in smaller cities and rural areas,where TCM treatment was still the primary method.TCM plays a significant role in the prevention and control of epidemics.The therapeutic prescriptions of"the Three Greats of Zhejiang TCM"have been widely circulated among the public,making important contributions to the prevention and control of the epidemic.[Conclusion]The medical policy mistakes during period of the Republic of China,which led to continuous internal disputes and the underutilization of limited social medical resources,causing serious damage to the life and property safety of the people,serving as a lesson for us.In the future,there should be a continued emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of TCM,and encouragement for the coordinated development of TCM and western medicine,so as to better address sudden public health challenges.
