Demographics;training and practice patterns of
practitioners of folk medicine in Taiwan: A survey of the
Taipei metropolitan area
蔡佩珊
Tsai PS;Lee PH;Wang MY 摘要
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographics, training, and practice patterns of
folk medicine practitioners, their opinions toward statutory regulation of folk medicine, and the formal education
and credentialing for folk medicine providers in the metropolitan Taipei area. Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used.
Subjects: Included in the survey were 200 folk medicine practitioners in Taipei city and 200 folk medicine practitioners
in Taipei county.
Instrument: The survey questionnaire consisted of 3 domains including demographics and training; practice
patterns; and opinions toward statutory regulation of folk medicine and formal education and credentialing
for Tuina, Ba Guan, Gua Sha, and reflexology providers.
Results: The response rates ranged from 86.3% to 99.5%. A typical folk medicine provider in the Taipei metropolitan
area was a middle-aged man with a high school degree who worked about 50 hours a week. The majority
of the providers in the Taipei metropolitan area received their training through apprenticeship. Years of
training and experience varied widely among these practitioners. About 80% had received more than one year
of training prior to starting their practice. Adult men and women were their major clientele. The major treatment
modalities they offered were Tuina, Gua Sha, Ba Guan, reflexology, and meridian massage. The majority
of the respondents agreed that practitioners should receive formal education and training and agreed that certifying
the qualifications of folk medicine practitioners is necessary.
Conclusion: Findings from the present survey provide an understanding of the training and practice patterns
of Taiwanese folk medicine practitioners, highlight folk medicine practitioners’ needs for formal education and
