Reflections on Overseas Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Techniques from an Intercultural Perspective: Insights from the Practice of the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine in London

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202605231

Author(s)

Xueqing Wang1, Di Wu2, Changzhu Zhang3, Yanchun Ma4,*, Guoying Liang5,*

Affiliation(s)

1School of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China 2Department of Public Foreign Languages, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China 3Department of Radiology, Qiqihar Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Qiqihar, China 4 Academic Research Department, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China 5Department of Gastroenterology 1, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

The study finds that differences in language expression, cultural background, and the changing positioning of medical roles all influence doctor–patient communication and treatment acceptance. Combining localized practices, the article explores improvement pathways such as language training, cultural understanding, simplification of terminology, and localization of treatment approaches. It also points out that the doctor–patient relationship is shifting from a one-way dominant model toward one of negotiation and collaboration. Meanwhile, the Confucius Institute’s integration of Chinese language teaching with the dissemination of Traditional Chinese Medicine culture provides cultural support for the long-term integration of TCM into European society. Meanwhile, the Confucius Institute’s integration of Chinese language teaching with the dissemination of TCM culture provides cultural support for the long-term integration of TCM into European society. In the future, with the development of digital technologies, TCM services in intercultural contexts are expected to become more diverse and convenient.

Keywords

Intercultural Communication; Overseas TCM; Consultation; Localization; Doctor–Patient Communication

References

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