Final answer:
Traditional Chinese medicine is closely tied to its culture, focusing on body balance using a diverse range of natural substances, and operates based on traditional ecological knowledge. This ethnomedical system often functions alongside biomedicine, offering a complementary healthcare approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traditional Chinese medicine is deeply intertwined with Chinese culture and history. Unlike biomedicine popular in Western world, that primarily focuses on biology and biochemistry and follows a clinical approach, Chinese traditional medicine is an ethnomedical system based on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and ethnopharmacology.
This system balances the body and treats ailments with a diverse range of natural substances such as dinosaur bones, cicada shells, and ginseng. Healers in this system work similarly to pharmacists, crafting treatments in multiple forms like balms, pills, and tonics. The fundamental principles of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine originate from cultural beliefs and practices. Also, it's noteworthy to mention that this system often functions complementarily with biomedicine, creating a more holistic treatment approach.
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