AS THE Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan is well-regarded for his enthusiasm and support of the local Chinese wellness scene.
Tomorrow, he will open a series of talks at the National Library focusing on yang sheng - traditional Chinese methods to cultivate one's health, well-being and longevity.
The most famous of such methods is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and, locally, the TCM community has bloomed.
Today, there are more than 2,200 practitioners, an increase from 1,900 four years ago, and business is booming.
Mr Khaw said: "I assume most TCM practitioners have a busy practice."
Singapore hosted the 4th International Congress of Traditional Medicine in 2007, which was opened by Mr Khaw.
The Singapore General Hospital also opened a TCM centre on its premises last year.
Said Mr Khaw: "TCM is a philosophy honed over the centuries and (it) contains much wisdom.
"If TCM physicians are able to provide a high standard of care at affordable prices, I'm sure they will continue to attract patients and thrive."
What role does "yang sheng" have in the world?
Most modern-day illnesses are caused by poor lifestyle habits, like eating too much, insufficient exercise, smoking and consuming junk food.
Therefore, staying healthy demands a healthy lifestyle. This is the smart way to stay in good health.
The alternative is to get doctors to fix the problem when one falls ill, which is costly and may not guarantee a full recovery.
Yang sheng is no different from regular car maintenance. If we do not top up the engine oil and water, or check tyre pressure, the car will break down. Towing it to the mechanic is costly and inconvenient. That is not very smart.
With both Chinese and Western medicine available in Singapore, how should Singaporeans take advantage of them to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
It is really up to Singaporeans to decide.Most still go for Western medicine when they are sick.
But about 15 per cent of Singaporeans will consult Chinese physicians.
I see TCM playing a complementary role to Western medicine, especially in promoting wellness in Singapore.
How would learning Chinese help people understand health and TCM better?
Knowing Chinese has the advantage of letting one access TCM teachings directly.
The alternative - indirect access through translated materials - is possible, but, sometimes, part of the essence of the philosophy is lost in translation.
Do you believe in TCM?
I grew up with TCM and find its philosophy of "keeping balance to stay well" and "treating a sick person, rather than treating the sickness of a person" to be profound and most wise.
kohht@sph.com.sg
WELLNESS TALKS
THE Speak Mandarin Campaign is launching the "Yang Sheng: The Chinese Way to Wellness" series of talks at the National Library tomorrow.
Said Ms Jennifer Yin, head secretariat of the Promote Mandarin Council: "While most of us have grown up either drinking healthy herbal soups or using TCM, we may have only a rudimentary knowledge about them.
"The yang sheng series acts as a catalyst to get Singaporeans interested in learning more about such traditional Chinese health methods and thus, in turn, learn to speak Mandarin."
Here is a list of talks tomorrow (speakers in brackets):
2.30pm: Science and Philosophy in Health - the Chinese Perspective (Dr Hong Hai)
3.30pm: Mind Over Body - The Chinese Way of Yang Sheng (Professor Lu Zhaolin)
4.30pm: Retracing the Quest for the Preservation of Life: Joseph Needham and Chinese "Physiological Alchemy" (Prof Christopher Cullen)
5pm: Confucius and the Secret to Good Health (Dr Koh Hock Kiat)
7pm: Metal, Water, Fire, Wood and Earth: The Five Elements Way to Health (Grand Master Raymond Lo)
All talks are in English except Prof Lu's, which will be in Mandarin. To register for these talks, call 6342-4217 or e-mail info@mandarin.org.sg
