Nationalism and the Legitimacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Macau: Colonial Legacy and Contemporary Imaginaries

Lou, Loretta I. T.

Abstract

This chapter explores how colonial legacy and the transition of sovereignty influenced the legitimacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Macau. Contrary to previous research suggesting that the legitimacy of TCM hinges on the creation of miracles, I posit that in Macau the credibility of TCM predominantly stems from empathetic healing and cultural nationalism, which repositions TCM as a source of national treasure and pride. Similar to the promotion of Confucianism, the internationalisation of TCM represents China’s latest effort to use its traditional culture as a conduit of soft power. Through championing the dissemination of TCM across former Portuguese colonies, Macau not only contributes to China’s intent to broaden its global influence, but it also accentuates the city’s enduring role as a nexus between ‘Chinese’ and ‘Western’ medicinal practices, a legacy dating back to the 16th century.

Citation

Lou, L. I. T. (2025). Nationalism and the Legitimacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Macau: Colonial Legacy and Contemporary Imaginaries. In I. Gaitanidis, L. F. B. Junqueira, A. Morrow, & S.-Y. Han (Eds.), Therapy, Spirituality, and East Asian Imaginaries (277-298). Amsterdam University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.25136991.21

• Online Publication Date: Mar 6, 2025
• Publication Date: Mar 6, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 24, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 277-298
• Book Title: Therapy, Spirituality, and East Asian Imaginaries
• Chapter Number: 11
• ISBN: 9789048559022
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.25136991.21
• Keywords: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Nationalism, Lusophone connections, Macau, Portugal, China
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3739606
• Publisher URL: https://www.aup.nl/en/book/9789048559015/therapy-spirituality-and-east-asian-imaginaries
• Other Repo URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.25136991