Development in and challenge for traditional Chinese medicine in Australia

Background: Demand for and use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been growing steadily in Australia. This article outlines the growth of TCM in usage, research capacity, and availability of tertiary training. However, there are continuing challenges, institutional recognition of TCM is lagging behind consumer demand, and there is little TCM practiced in the Australian public health system. This article suggests some possible reasons. The tools of evidence-based medicine (EBM) have the potential to provide a bridge between, and a common language for, TCM and Western biomedicine (WB) researchers and practitioners. Conclusions: While there is no sign of a slowing in consumer demand for TCM services, EBM has the potential to increase the legitimacy and institutional recognition of TCM, thereby encouraging the integration of TCM into the Australian health care system.