[originaltext]W: However, the major component of Chinese medical therapy is her

W: However, the major component of Chinese medical therapy is herbal medicine. There are several thousand different medicinal substances used by Chinese herbalists, most of which are derived from plants. Minerals and animal parts are also used, however most of these are restricted by the Australian health authorities.
I: How about Chinese patients? I mean in China, do patients normally get traditional Chinese medicine or Western treatment?
W: In modern China, traditional Chinese medicine is both taught as well as practiced alongside orthodox Western medicine. All of the major hospitals have Western and traditional Chinese departments, and patients are often referred from one department to the other. Thus, Chinese patients are able to receive the best that each system has to offer. If the case is serious, the patient may receive combined Chinese herbal and Western drug therapy. This has proven to be an extremely successful approach, with remarkable results being achieved in such cases as cancer care, recovery from stroke, skin disease, heart disease, post operative care, etc.
I: Traditional Chinese medicine does wonders.
W: Actually the best effect of traditional Chinese medicine is that it complements the weaknesses of orthodox medical treatments. One good example of this is the Chinese use of tonic medicines to strengthen and supplement parts of the body that have become weak or are not functioning at full capacity. In this way, traditional Chinese medicine successfully treats many chronic and degenerative conditions, boosting the immune system and restoring normal function.
I: Prof. Wang, you have been staying in Australia for almost a year, how do you think of the development of traditional Chinese medicine here?
W: I see a big progress. In the last three decades there has been a steady growth of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia. Several major universities now offer degree courses in this area. Chinese herbal medicines have been subject to clinical trials for some treatment conditions. In recent years an increasing number of doctors regularly refer patients to qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and many people have found help and relief with traditional Chinese medicine after the failure of conventional methods. So there is great potential for future development.
I: That’s true. Recognition by government has resulted in higher standards for practitioners and consistent quality and purity of the Chinese herbal medicines that are imported into Australia. Now, it is possible for patients to make an informed choice and have the benefit of well trained traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and high quality medicines. Well, Prof. Wang, thank you very much for telling us so much valuable information about traditional Chinese medicine.
W: My pleasure.
6. Where are most of medicinal substances derived from?
7. What is Prof. Wang’s attitude towards combining traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine?
8. According to Prof. Wang, what is the best effect of traditional Chinese medicine?
9. Which statement is NOT true about the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia?
10. How to guarantee the consistent quality and purity of the Chinese herbal medicines?