When we speak of medicine, in Vietnam, it happens that we specify “medicine of the South” (that of the country itself, located in the south of the Asian continent), “medicine of the North” (that of China, in the north of Vietnam). ) or “medicine of the West” (that of the West).

In fact, the Vietnamese traditional medicine is very similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Obviously, it took on local colors, as is the case in other countries of the Far East and even in various regions of China. The main Vietnamese particularities concern the choice of medicinal plants, the popular craze for l’acupression and some cultural connotations.

China is located in the temperate zone while Vietnam is in the tropical zone. Therefore, the two countries do not have access to the same plants. Although the Chinese pharmacopoeia is elaborate and precise, the Vietnamese had, by force of circumstances, to find native substitutes for plants which they could not cultivate on the spot and whose import was too expensive for the majority of people. .

As in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the means of treatment of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, besides pharmacopoeia, include acupuncture, dietetics (similar to Chinese dietetics), exercises (tai chi and Qi Gong) and Tui Na massage.

However, the Vietnamese seem to give pride of place to acupressure, which is called Bâm-Châm. Its two most common forms are the “Bâm-Châm of the foot” and the “Seated Bâm-Châm”. The first combines acupressure and reflexology in order to provide relaxation and relaxation, but also to relieve certain pains. As for the second, it takes care of the upper body in order to provide relaxation and promote the circulation of Qi (Vital Energy). It is commonly practiced in the street and even on cafe terraces.

Certain peculiarities of Vietnamese culture, inevitably, are manifested in its health practices. It is said, for example, that the teaching of traditional medicine in Vietnam is based more intensely on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

We also insist on what are called “moral virtues”: the apprentice doctor is invited to study both the arts and the sciences. He must develop the virtue of humanity so necessary for the practitioner-patient relationship. For the caregiver, being an “artist” turns out to be important because it allows him to elevate his intuition, a capital asset for making a diagnosis. Music, painting, sculpture, poetry, floral art, culinary art and the art of tea therefore enrich medical training. In return, the patient will be invited to similar practices to stimulate his rehabilitation.

Obviously, this type of concern indicates the importance that we attach in this society to the different aspects of well-being (physical, mental, relational, moral and spiritual). They play a role as much in the appearance of diseases as in the maintenance of health.

An exhaustive search of the scientific literature published so far reveals that Traditional Vietnamese Medicine has been the subject of very few studies. The majority of publications mainly describe the many traditional medicinal plants used in the Vietnamese pharmacopoeia. Due to the limited number of scientific publications, it is therefore difficult to assess what could be the specific effectiveness of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine in preventing or treating particular ailments.

In France, there are a few traditional healers trained in traditional Vietnamese medicine. This practice does not appear to be implemented in Quebec.

In France, two schools offer some training in TCM in the spirit of Vietnamese medicine. Internships are planned in a hospital in Vietnam. (See Sites of interest.)

Sino-Franco-Vietnamese Institute of Traditional Oriental Medicines

The training is offered in the form of courses that take place on weekends or weekdays over three years. It is completed by a practical internship in Vietnam.

School of Traditional Oriental Medicine (EMTO)

The first cycle consists of ten weekend sessions spread over two years. Refresher courses and a practical internship in Vietnam are also offered.

Craig David. Familiar medicine: Everyday health knowledge and practice in today’s Vietnam, University of Hawaii Press, United States, 2002.

A sociological work which presents the current situation of medicine in Vietnam and the often difficult encounter between tradition and modernity.

Sino-Franco-Vietnamese Institute of Traditional Oriental Medicines

The description of the courses offered and a brief presentation of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine.

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/ifvmto/

School of Traditional Oriental Medicine (EMTO)

Information on courses and on different oriental medicines, in particular Traditional Vietnamese Medicine.

www.emto.org