History of Chinese Nursing
History of Nursing in China
SUNY Delhi
NURS-300: Professional Issues of nursing
June 11, 2011
Abstract
The history of nursing in China did not start until the 19th century. Modern nursing was introduced into China as part of the westernization in to Chinese culture. In this paper I will discuss the Chinese philosophy on religion and various treatments. I will discuss the Leninger transcultural model and how it relates to Chinese culture. The Chinese culture continues to influence American culture and I will discuss how it will continue to do so in the future. Nursing History in China Chinese health treatment was traditionally provided by medical personnel and the profession of nursing did not really exist. Modern nursing evolved following the arrival of Western missionaries in the late 19th century. Throughout the 20th century, nursing development was significantly influenced by the political climate, particularly during the Cultural Revolution (Smith &Tang, 2004, p.21). An important aspect of nursing practice is based on the Chinese cultural understanding of health. For Chinese people, illness occurs when there is imbalance between the patient and their environment. As such, a large component of traditional Chinese medicine focuses on restoring this overall balance, rather than simply treating the symptoms. According to traditional Chinese medicine the two opposing principles in the universe are yin and yang. Yin is the female principle it: it represents cold, darkness, and other qualities. Yang is the male principle: it represents heat, light, and so forth. When yin and yang are in balance, the individual is healthy (Galanti, 2008). When there is disruption of balance, illness results. The goal of the treatment is to restore balance, which can be achieved through acupuncture, herbs, hot and cold treatment. I once had a Chinese patient that only spoke mandarin before his family left they told
SUNY Delhi
NURS-300: Professional Issues of nursing
June 11, 2011
Abstract
The history of nursing in China did not start until the 19th century. Modern nursing was introduced into China as part of the westernization in to Chinese culture. In this paper I will discuss the Chinese philosophy on religion and various treatments. I will discuss the Leninger transcultural model and how it relates to Chinese culture. The Chinese culture continues to influence American culture and I will discuss how it will continue to do so in the future. Nursing History in China Chinese health treatment was traditionally provided by medical personnel and the profession of nursing did not really exist. Modern nursing evolved following the arrival of Western missionaries in the late 19th century. Throughout the 20th century, nursing development was significantly influenced by the political climate, particularly during the Cultural Revolution (Smith &Tang, 2004, p.21). An important aspect of nursing practice is based on the Chinese cultural understanding of health. For Chinese people, illness occurs when there is imbalance between the patient and their environment. As such, a large component of traditional Chinese medicine focuses on restoring this overall balance, rather than simply treating the symptoms. According to traditional Chinese medicine the two opposing principles in the universe are yin and yang. Yin is the female principle it: it represents cold, darkness, and other qualities. Yang is the male principle: it represents heat, light, and so forth. When yin and yang are in balance, the individual is healthy (Galanti, 2008). When there is disruption of balance, illness results. The goal of the treatment is to restore balance, which can be achieved through acupuncture, herbs, hot and cold treatment. I once had a Chinese patient that only spoke mandarin before his family left they told
References: Fin, J; Lee, M. (1996). Transcultural nurses reflect on the discoveries in China using Leininger’s sunrise model. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 7: 21-27. Galanti, G. (2008).Traditional medicine: practices and perspectives. Caring For Patients From Different Cultures (pp.210-213). Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania. Smith, D; Tang, S; (2004). Nursing in China: historical development, current issues and future challenges. 大分看護科学研究 5(2), 16- 20.