[The practice of Chinese Medicine in the health work of the New Fourth Army].

Abstract

The core issue of the New Fourth Army in their health work was the shortage of doctors and medicine and the enemy blockade during the full-scale War of Resistance against Japan (1937-1945). The New Fourth Army implemented the policies of 'integrated Chinese medicine with Western medicine' and 'scientificisation of traditional Chinese medicine', and developed systematic Chinese medicine practice based in the enemy-occupied rear areas controlled by China. The New Fourth Army started traditional Chinese medicine training classes and promoted the mentor- apprentice training model, making up for the shortage of medical staff. They also established pharmaceutical factories in Hua-Zhong area and developed pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs using locally available materials, combining Chinese and Western medicines to solve the problem of medicine supply. Clinically, they also employed herbal remedies and acupuncture to prevent and treat diseases and infectious conditions like influenza, malaria, and dysentery, effectively reduced morbidity and mortality rates among both military soldiers and civilians. It was found that the New Fourth Army constructed the wartime emergency medical system with 'self-reliance and combined the military with civilians', and fostered the spirit of Red Medicine with 'saving lives and helping the wounded', providing crucial medical support for the victory of the War. Such practice left invaluable experience and profound insights for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of public health emergency systems.