The country's first ever set of standard terminologies for traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in both Chinese and English was published on Friday in a bid to further promote the practice around the world.

Compiled by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), the publication contains 6,500 terms covering 21 categories including basic theories, disease, acupuncture, medical treatments and formulas.

This is a pioneering undertaking and a milestone for the promotion of TCM use globally, said Wang Kui, a division leader with the WFCMS and head of a team of about 200 TCM specialists from 68 countries and regions around the world that agreed the terms. They will be recommended as the international standard for 174 WFCMS member societies in 55 countries and regions when it comes to education, practice, research and information exchange regarding TCM, Wang said.

At a time when TCM is becoming increasingly popular around the world, this publication will meet the growing needs of practitioners for a common language, he said.

Over the next two years, a further 1,500 to 3,500 terms will be added in a total of five to 10 languages, Wang said.

It is important that standards are set for the safe and effective use of TCM so that it can benefit people around the world, Li Daning, deputy director-general of the State Administration of TCM told China Daily.

(China Daily December 30, 2007)