| ObjectiveThe Warm Diseases Study of traditional Chinese medicine plays a very important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. It has also made an important contribution in the history of traditional Chinese medicine. The Warm Diseases Study is not only able to handle the infectious diseases with warm nature, it can also be used in some of the internal or miscellaneous diseases which are with warm nature, such as autoimmune diseases. Warm Diseases have typical territorial characteristics. The unique environment of Hong Kong has developed certain Warm Diseases in this district. This paper examines the context through researching the characteristics of Warm Diseases in Hong Kong, the development of Warm Diseases Study in Hong Kong as well as the theories and experiences of famous scholars and practitioners in the field of Warm Diseases. It is hoped that this study can add more information to the understanding in this area, and enable the Warm Diseases Study to give more contribution to the treatment of diseases in Hong Kong.MethodsThis paper was undertaken primarily by literature research. Specific methods were shown in the following three aspects:(1)Characteristics of Warm Diseases in Hong KongReferring to the related documentation, a detailed analysis of the characteristics of the Warm Diseases in Hong Kong under its unique environment was made. It is expected to build up a comprehensive overview of Warm Diseases in Hong Kong that will form a base for further research in this area. (2) Development of Warm Diseases Study in Hong KongThe development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong was divided into three stages:The first stage was from1841when Hong Kong was first colonized to1941before the outbreak of the Pacific War, the second stage was from1942under the Japanese’s occupation to1997before the reunification of Hong Kong to the Peoples Republic of China, and the third stage was from1997after the reunification of Hong Kong to present. This paper detailed the major developments of Hong Kong traditional Chinese medicine at each stage, with particular emphasis on the role of Warm Diseases Study. It is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the development of Warm Diseases Study in Hong Kong.(3) Study on Warm Diseases masters of Hong Kong16representative Warm Diseases masters were selected for detailed study. In terms of research methods, besides book publications and online search data, source materials from some Chinese medicine organizations and the academic communities in Hong Kong had been collected, including their publications, academic lectures, case records, oral histories, and so on. These masters included Pan Mingxiong (1807-1886), Wang Qin Zhou (unknown, end of19century to first half of20century), Xu Wu Chu (unknown, end of19century to first half of20century), Lao Zi Kai (unknown, end of19century to first half of20century), Chan Ren Mei (1870-1945), Yang Heling (1875-1954), Liu Chixuan (1897-1979), Wang Chen San (1882-1965), Lu Jueyu (1898-1981), Li Duanchen (1875-1940), Pan Shixian (1912-1956), Peng Gan (1910-1979), Mei Ling Chang (1940s-), Xie Bingzhong (1940s-), Zhang Wenxuan (1951-) and Dong Zilin (1950s-). This research included the life history of these masters, their academic theories of Warm Diseases Study, major academic works and analysis of medical records. Through the thorough study of these masters, it is hoped that we can better understand their effects at different stages and learn how to more fully utilize the science of Warm Disease theories in the treatments of diseases in Hong Kong.(4) To review the use of Warm Diseases Study in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in Mainland China, and to explore the feasibility of the application in Hong Kong. (5) To review the history of facing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Mainland China and Hong Kong in2003and explore the use of Warm Diseases Study in the treatment of major infectious diseases in Hong Kong.ResultsThe research results were described in the followings:(1) The characteristics of Warm Diseases in Hong KongWarm Diseases have typical regional characteristics. The practitioners of Warm Diseases Study in Lingnan and Hong Kong well noted these characteristics and built up a great wealth of clinical experiences as well as systematic analysis of the unique Warm Diseases of Lingnan and Hong Kong. This can guide the therapy in febrile diseases in Hong Kong and continually improve the effectiveness of medical treatment.(2) Recent Development of Warm Diseases Study in Hong KongThis paper examined the recent development of Hong Kong traditional Chinese medicine, with particular emphasis on Warm Diseases. The contribution of the Warm Diseases Study to Chinese medical is inevitable.(3) Study on Warm Disease Study masters of Hong KongThis study has examined16representative masters of Warm Diseases Study. Each one of them had his characteristics. The earliest Pan Mingxiong (1807-1886) who practiced in Guangzhou, was the follower of late Qing famous master, Ye Tianshi. Although he did not practice in Hong Kong, his works of academic theory and the books of epidemic febrile diseases guided the doctors in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Wang Qin Zhou, Xu Wu Chu and Lao Zi Kai (unknown, end of19century to first half of20century) continued to play their role as a Chinese medicine practitioners under the black plague in Hong Kong in1894for serveral years, earning the respect from the citizens in Hong Kong and also demonstrating the effective of Warm Disease theories in treating black plague. Chan Ren Mei (1870-1945) and Liu Chixuan (1897-1979) were famous Warm Diseases scholars, and were committed to educating the traditional Chinese medicine practitioners of next generation. They co-edited a textbook on Warm Diseases, Chen was responsible for the first part of the book on the general theory of Warm Diseases while Liu was responsible for the second part focusing on the individual aspects of Warm Diseases. This book was recognized as one of the best textbook in traditional Chinese medicine in the1920s and influenced a lot of students and practitioners at that time. During the fall of Guangzhou in the Second World War, they helped to move the Guangzhou College of traditional Chinese medicine to Hong Kong to continue the education of Chinese medicine. Yang Heling (1875-1954) and Wang Chen San (1882-1965) were famous experts in Warm Diseases in early years. Yang was particularly famous on Pediatrics and Wang had outstanding performance in curing infectious diseases. Lu Jueyu (1898-1981), Li Duanchen (1875-1940) and Pan Shixian (1912-1956) had held the position of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in Tung Wah Hospital in Hong Kong during different stages. Peng Gan (1910-1979) was a famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with strength in Warm Diseases Study. He was also a scholar of Confucianism. He taught Confucianism and practice Chinese medicine at the same time for40years in Hong Kong. Mei ling Chang (1940s-) is a seasoned educators of Warm Diseases, much involved in combating infectious diseases work of the SAR Government. Xie Bingzhong (1940s-) is a native Chinese medicine practitioner of Hong Kong, teaching Warm Diseases Study in local traditional Chinese medicine college. He is also very enthusiastic in promoting the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Zhang Wen Xuan (1951-) came from Beijing to Hong Kong in2007. He had taught Warm Diseases Study and conducted academic research at the Faculty of Chinese medicine in the Hong Kong Baptist University. Dong Zilin (1950s-) came to Hong Kong in1980s. He has the characteristic of using local wide herbal medicine and combined treatment in clinical therapy with good results. He is a Chinese medicine practitioners in the clinic of the Hong Kong Baptist University. From the study of these masters of Warm Diseases Study, we can better understand their contribution under different stages of the history of Chinese medicine. We can also learn from them in how to more fully utilize the Warm Diseases Study in the treatment of diseases in Hong Kong.(4) The application of Warm Diseases Study in autoimmune diseasesThis paper reviewed the recent development in Mainland China in using Warm Diseases Study theories to treat the autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It also attempted to explore the feasibility of the same application in Hong Kong.(5) The application Warm Diseases Study in major infectious diseasesThis paper reviewed the history of facing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Mainland China and Hong Kong in2003. It also explored the application of Warm Diseases Study in major infectious diseases in Hong Kong.ConclusionsThis paper examined the characteristics of Warm Diseases in Hong Kong. The specific features of Warm Diseases are subject to changes due to the various factors such as social, economic, cultural, technological factors. Some changes, such as air pollution, diet habits, the food itself (due to the modifications in planting methods and food genetic technology) may affect the characteristics of Warm Diseases in Hong Kong. The Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong should be well aware of these changes in their clinical treatments. All these changes and their relationship to Warm Diseases in Hong Kong are thought-provoking topics worthwhile for further researches.This paper researched on the masters of Warm Diseases Study for various stages of the development of traditional Chinese medicine in recent Hong Kong history. It was understood that there were times of high and tough in the history of Chinese medicine development. However, all these masters demonstrated the spirit of dedication to the academic enhancements of Warm Diseases Study and commitment to the best interest of patients. We do not only learn their enlightening theories and experiences in the Warm Diseases Study, but also follow their model of high medical ethics.This paper has made an attempt to explore the recent development in the application of Warm Diseases Study in the treatment for autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Although it may not have reached a clear conclusion, it is able to provide some thoughts to the direction for further study in these areas.Looking ahead, there is much potential for the development of the Warm Diseases Study in Hong Kong. Based on the well found theories as well as the abundant clinical experiences of Warm Diseases Study, the continued development and application of Warm Diseases Study in Hong Kong will surely benefit the patients. However, in the process of development, there will definitely be many problems to be solved. It is believed that with the spirit of cooperation, the Warm Diseases Study can be further developed, and bring more benefits to the patients. |
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