Vietnam Oriental Medicine - Journey to conquer human heart

21 thg 5, 2024

Published by OneWorld on May 23, 2024

With a market value reaching up to 80,000 billion VND and an average annual growth rate of 10%, Vietnamese oriental medicine is solidifying its position within the healthcare system.

From Traditional Roots to Modern Standing

Vietnamese oriental medicine, a precious treasure trove of medical knowledge cultivated through thousands of years of history, is gradually asserting its status and winning the hearts of numerous patients across Vietnam. Traditional medicine not only provides highly therapeutic effects but also upholds the harmony between humans and nature, promoting balance and overall health.

The Eastern Medicine Association in Quốc Oai District. Source: Dr. Kiều Đức Thắng

In Vietnam, oriental medicine is regarded as an important sector within the medical field, playing a role alongside modern medicine in protecting people's health. According to the statistics of the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association, there are currently over 17,000 public and private health facilities across the country that utilize oriental medicine, supported by more than 60,000 well-trained medical officers.

Mr. Đậu Xuân Cảnh, Chairman of the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Association, stated: “To meet the progressively higher healthcare needs of the people using oriental medicine, the system for oriental medicine examination and treatment has been widely developed nationwide, promoting the slogan: 'Doctor on-site, medicine at home" (Thầy tại chỗ, thuốc tại nhà).

The doctor is examining the patient at the Oriental Medicine Department of Hung Vuong General Clinic. Source: OneWorld

Due to its effectiveness, safety, and minimal side effects, oriental medicine has gained the trust of many people for treating chronic, bone, respiratory, and cardiovascular illnesses.

Dr. Thắng is examining the patient at home. Source: OneWorld

Herbalist Kiều Đức Thắng shared: “People today tend to return to natural remedies, using trees, flowers, leaves, and lectins that have fewer side effects and are benign, preventing the recurrence of conditions in patients."

In his medical facility, the number of patients remains stable and tends to increase, ranging from 25 to 30 people, which is twice as much as compared to the same period last year.

The Meticulous and Enduring Process

Unlike modern Western medicine, which relies on mass-produced medications, the preparation of traditional medicine requires scrupulousness, carefulness, and patience.

In Vietnam, the sources of pharmaceutical materials for oriental medicine production are increasingly scarce, with limited quantities primarily focused on small-scale retail. As a result, besides medicinal herbs that can be grown domestically, raw pharmaceutical materials are mainly imported to ensure quality and safety for patients.

Mr. Hiển, a well-known oriental medicine drug shopkeeper in Nam Định, stated: “About 90% of the raw materials in my shop are imported from China. Their larger land area and more diverse materials allow us to select the best quality medicine. Similar to purchasing, we have to choose the best commodities.”

The barrels are preserving raw materials imported from China in Mr. Hiển's house. Source: OneWorld

Mr. Hiển's herb garden. Source: OneWorld

Alongside the selection process of medicinal herbs, to make an effective traditional medicine prescription, herbs must undergo a variety of meticulous processes. These include gathering the herbs, pre-processing, apothecary work, and combining the herbs in specific proportions according to each pathology.

The worker is cutting herbs in Mr. Hiển's house. Source: OneWorld

Mr. Hiển is mixing and preparing various dried items. Source: OneWorld

The preservation process also requires meticulous care due to Vietnam's tropical monsoon climate, which features extreme weather that can easily cause moisture and mold. After preliminary processing, drugs must be enclosed in boxes or plastic bags to avoid direct exposure to the external environment, ensuring the preservation of their original medicinal properties when delivered to patients.

Dr. Thắng is preserving herbs in plastic bags and boxes to avoid moisture and mold. Source: OneWorld

Conquering the Patient's Heart with Quality and Prestige

Nowadays, oriental medicine is gradually asserting its position and winning the hearts of many Vietnamese through its core values and reputable medical quality, alongside the dedication and unremitting efforts of generations of herbalists. This journey to win patients' trust not only instills confidence in them but also helps preserve and promote the cultural identity of our traditional medicine.

Dr. Thắng also offers advice to the younger generation, who will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors to preserve and develop oriental medicine: “I hope all of you, particularly the youngsters, will continue to seek knowledge, explore, and work hard to further promote the essence of our ancestors' heritage, serving the people and contributing to society."