(Photo/Xinhua)

It is much easier for Western people to accept techniques such as acupuncture, Guasha and massage, because process of the treatment could be seen and immediate effects be felt.

Knithof said acupuncture is the most popular form of TCM in his home country. "In the Netherlands, many patients recognize the effect of acupuncture and Tuina," he said. "But as for herbal medicine, many think it not medicine, but a kind of healthcare product."

Even though TCM has showed great effect on many diseases, many still question its effectiveness on major diseases as TCM practitioners rarely conduct operations. Chen believed that TCM has led to positive results in critical illnesses such as SARS, AIDS and cancers, particularly in treatment of children.

Six-year-old Liu Tao has been receiving daily rehabilitation under the instruction of TCM therapists for a year. Liu, who is difficult to stand unaided a year ago, is now able to walk slowly.

The Liangzhou Hospital in northwest Gansu Province has implemented TCM on children with cerebral palsy for three years. More than 100 children have benefited from the treatment, with the youngest patient being five months old. Seven children were almost cured.

Xu Shuhui, a therapist from the hospital, said the best advantage of TCM is that it causes little pain. "Children accept the treatment very well. We are quite satisfied with the results so far."

Another benefit of TCM is that the treatment is much cheaper.

Doctors of Western medicine rely on advanced equipment to conduct diagnosis, the cost of which is often high. TCM doctors carry out treatment anytime anywhere, and use a kaleidoscope of materials from nature, which greatly reduces the cost of treatment.

TCM now has become better recognized in many countries, including Australia and Brazil.

In Australia, five universities and 10 colleges, including Sydney University and Sydney University of Technology, have launched TCM programs, many of which have been certified by Australian education regulators.

Nevertheless, development of TCM still faces challenges.