Methodological aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Abstract

The efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is less well-established than many believe and needs to be more firmly established through clinical trials. Such studies should adhere to the currently accepted standards. When planning and conducting clinical trials, one encounters numerous logistical and methodological problems. The most important logistical obstacle is a lack of funds while the most important methodological issue is to transparently minimise bias. Despite these formidable problems, clinical trials of TCM are usually feasible and certainly necessary for testing the efficacy of TCM.