Traditional Chinese Medicine

Exhibits

1. The Talking Portrait – Entrance Statement

   You are most humbly invited to visit our exhibition by the talking image of Hua Tuo (141 - 208 CE), one of TCM's greatest physicians of ancient China's Eastern Han Dynasty. Hua Tuo lost his mother to illness when he was a boy. He was thus determined to become a healer to help people wherever he could. He was one of the earliest recorded surgeons. He also discovered the use of anaesthetic for surgery. He believed in regular exercise for well-being. Artistic rendition of the talking portrait as a Chinese painting on a scroll.

2. The "Meridians" Men – Acupuncture Section

   Acupuncture is very old treatment technique (more than 2,000 years old) associated with inserting needles into special acupoints of the body to regulate or manipulate the "flow of qi". (What is this qi which is often translated as "vital energy"?) A hand-carved wooden statue with the names of the acupoints handwritten onto its surface, invites you to a photo-op. You may also try to locate and learn about various major acupoints by probing a man-size figure (mannequin) with a special "electronic needle". Picture of the wooden Acupuncture Man.

3. Herbal Displays & Quiz – Materia Medica Section

   More than 30 dried herbs and 30 plants are showcased. These are embedded in clear acrylic for protection and isolation. Can't identify that herb? Check it out on the herbal encyclopaedia using our interactive touchscreen. (More and different herbs will be periodically added or replaced.) Try our herbal lookalike quiz – Is that a root or a fungus or a worm!? Picture of a root that looks like the cordycep worm.

4. TCM & Nutrition – Well-being

   Why are birds' nests so important? Why are herbal soups and teas good for you? Implements and samples are brewing for your aromatic pleasure. Picture of the different types and grades of birds' nests.

5. TCM Diagnosis – Practice

   What is the difference between seeing a TCM physician and a medical doctor? Why does the physician ask that? Why does he/she stare at you? Why is my pulse read for more than just the rate? Why look at my tongue when I don't have a sore throat? Learn about the observational skills required of a TCM physician and his clinical procedures developed since ancient times.

6. Modern Infrastructure – Contemporary Issues

   The convergence of modern science and TCM is unavoidable and therefore, inevitable. Learn about some of the modern infrastructures being erected so that TCM can satisfy modern needs. From Singapore's legal framework to guidelines from WHO. Logo of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners' Board (Ministry of Health) which registers and regulates Singapore TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.

7. Modern Interest & Anecdotes – Contemporary Issues

   There are stories of "alternative medicine" providing "miracle" cures when modern medicine fails. Or did it fail? Do you have an anecdote to share?