Interview: Serbian expert calls for boosting TCM reach in Europe

BELGRADE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Momir Dunjic, chairman of the Serbian Association for Integrative Medicine, has called for expanding the reach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Europe, highlighting its potential in clinical practice during an interview with Xinhua.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 6th Annual International Advanced Training Program in TCM, which opened here on Saturday, Dunjic said cases from his long medical career have shown the value of combining TCM with Western medical approaches.

He recalled a case in which a young woman from Greece regained arm mobility after years of paralysis following acupuncture treatment. He also cited positive findings from early work on male infertility.

"These experiences reinforced my belief that integrative approaches can offer important options for patients," he said.

A gynecologist and professor of integrative medicine, Dunjic first encountered acupuncture as a medical student in Belgrade and later completed clinical studies in China.

He noted the global impact of artemisinin -- discovered by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou and derived from traditional herbal medicine -- saying it has strengthened international understanding of TCM's scientific value.

Dunjic said the training program in Belgrade equips participating doctors with the knowledge and evidence needed to apply TCM appropriately in their home countries, adding that such exchanges help deepen people-to-people ties.

"Medicine has always served as a bridge between nations," he said. "I am pleased that Belgrade has become a regional hub for this kind of cooperation, fostering professional dialogue and friendship."

He expressed confidence that the program will further boost interest in integrative medicine across the region.

Co-organized by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; the Serbian Association for Integrative Medicine; and the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, the 6th Annual International Advanced Training Program in TCM has brought together nearly 200 doctors, professors and researchers from Serbia, Slovakia, Poland and other countries.

Under the theme "Intelligent Integration: Integrative Medicine Leading a Healthy Future," participants are engaging in exchanges through expert lectures, practical workshops and other activities. Enditem