TITLE:
Gynecology and Gynecological Nursing Theories and Practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Review on the Ancient Literatures
AUTHORS:
Xiangeng Zhang, Hui Zhang, Xiaoli Liang, Qin Liu, Miqu Wang
KEYWORDS:
TCM Gynecology, TCM Gynecological Nursing, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
JOURNAL NAME:
Chinese Medicine,
Vol.2 No.3,
September
30,
2011
ABSTRACT: Objective: the study is aimed to introduce the developing history of gynecology and gynecological nursing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Study Design: the development of gynecology and gynecological nursing consists of six periods in Chinese history. They are: 1) budding stage represented by the inscriptions of Nü (female) on oracle bones; 2) physiological development stages of women; 3) specialized chapters of gynecology in TCM; 4) features of gynecological nursing; 5) monograph of gynecology and gynecological nursing; 6) integration of ancient gynecological nursing perceptions. Results: TCM has a profound understanding of gynecology and gynecological nursing. For period one, the inscriptions of Nü (female) on oracle bones is the symbol of the budding stage. For period two, physiogenesis stages of women are recorded in The Yellow Emperor of Classics of Inner Medicine. For period three, the specialized chapters of gynecology appeared, represented by Golden Chamber, Woman. For period four, the features of gynecological nursing were elaborated in Essential Prescriptions Worth A Thousand Gold including menstruation, depression, yin-dampness, and menopause. For period five, monographs of gynecology and gynecological nursing represented by Good Comprehensive Woman Formulae appeared. For period six, Integrative studies of gynecological nursing perceptions were carried out with the representation by Integrated Ancient and Modern Books. Conclusion: TCM gynecology and gynecological nursing harbors a long history of treating and nursing gynecological disorders. With therapeutic and nursing modalities, they are effective systems of un-derstanding and managing woman health as proven by medical literatures, clinical benefits and basic research studies.