Practising traditional Chinese medicine in a Canadian context: The roles of immigration, legislation, and integration

This qualitative study examines the interaction and tensions between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from the perspective of Chinese immigrant practitioners residing in British Columbia. The study also examines (a) how immigration affects TCM practice in BC, (b) the role of legislation in standardizing TCM practice, (c) official barriers crected by government and the medical establishment, and (d) the role of local communities in negotiating TCM services in BC. The findings identify barriers in TCM practice, integration, and research, and suggest that professionalization could create a common ground for interaction and integration between the two systems.