ORIENTAL MEDICINE OF VIETNAM DURING THE FRENCH COLONIAL PERIOD (FROM EARLY 20TH CENTURY UNTIL 1945)

Abstract

During the French colonial period (1858 - 1945), the Western medicine system was under protection, while traditional forms of Vietnamese medicine were constantly restricted and sought to be eliminated by the colonial government. However, traditional Vietnamese medicine, also known as oriental medicine, was still trusted by the people and played a pivotal role in Vietnamese health care. By analyzing the historical data and the medical history's approach, the paper is to understand the situation of oriental medicine activities under the French colonial period. Particularly, the activities of oriental medicine under the impact of the French colonial government health laws and regulations.