WHO InternatIOnal Standard termInOlOgIeS On tradItIOnal medIcIne

WHO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TERMINOLOGIES ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION 5difference exists in wording. When a traditional term in Han character has a corresponding Western medical termexpressing the same concept, use of that Western medical term is not only reasonable but also necessary. Otherwise,creation of a new English term from the original term in Han character would cause confusion. On the other hand,improper use of Western medical terms is misleading and therefore is excluded from this document.Standard terminology versus literal translationIn this document, most terms in English correspond well to the primary translation of the Chinese original, but thereare exceptions.1. Because of historical backgrounds, many terms have alternative names. Even in the State Standard promulgatedby the Chinese Government some alternative names are still retained, for there are many classical worksusing different terminology in Chinese, which are still of practical significance. When translating these terms,particularly from a literal approach, each alternative name should have its rendering, and as a result, onesingle concept may have several expressions in English. In fact, this diversity in English equivalents is of notechnical significance.2. Because of the Chinese custom of word formation, some characters are added or deleted simply for linguisticor rhetoric purpose. Since the addition or deletion is of no technical significance, it is unnecessary to reflectthe change of wording in the international standard terminology.3. Because of the evolution of TRM, the original concepts of some traditional medical terms have been changedor only one of the multiple concepts has been adopted at present. In this case, the English expression of thecontemporary concept should be regarded as the standard.In short, the international standard terminology is closely related to the appropriate translation, but it is not a simpleconversion of the translation.Contents of standard terminologyThe technical terms included in this document are classified into eight categories:1. General2. Basic theories3. Diagnostics4. Disease5. Therapeutics6. Acupuncture & Moxibustion7. Medicinal Treatment8. ClassicsStructure of standard terminologyThe main body of standard terminology consists of the following four elements, including a temporary (accommodation)code for convenient indexing.