To the western medical world, practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are seen as unconventional, and questions often arise over its effectiveness and safety. Not only are TCM concepts such as qi and meridians foreign to the scientific world, herbal medications, too, come under scrutiny for not having passed proper controlled processes. 

Using scientific methods to prove why and how TCM works is key to overcoming skepticism. In a bid to understand the chemical components of TCM herbs, Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has partnered with ChemoPower to start an SGD3.9mil laboratory that will develop a molecular database of commonly-used TCM herbs. 

At the hospital level, the National Cancer Centre Singapore is embarking on a trial to determine if TCM benefits patients who suffer from cancer-related fatigue. Results from the trial will facilitate future studies to better understand the possible biological mechanisms contributing to the effects of TCM. 

After all, the aim of medicine, whether modern or traditional, is to bring healing to patients. With a better understanding of the science behind TCM, there will be a stronger scientific basis for integrating its use into mainstream healthcare if it indeed improves patient care.