Shark fins or dried seahorses might not be the first thing you think about  when you’re feeling sick.  For some people, they are. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) relies on animal parts to heal their patients. TCM originated in China and remains one of the oldest medical systems in the world. People turn to animal-based TCM to combat illnesses ranging from arthritis to asthma. Though there is not much research to show that these remedies work, demand is high. Currently, thirty-six wild animal species are targeted by poachers to be used for TCM. 

What is the philosophy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Those who practice TCM believe in the Yin/Yang Theory – the interactions and balance between Yin and Yang. Yang makes up the working systems of the body, while the bodily components (like blood) of essential activities are known as Yin. These interactions result in Qi – better known in the Western world as Chi. Qi is the “energy or life force within you and all around you,” which is kept in harmony by practicing TCM. When your Qi is unbalanced it means that your body is more susceptible to illnesses.

How does TCM impact animal poaching? 

Some TCM recipes rely on rare animal parts such as tiger bones to more common parts like dog testicles or snake vomit. There are rarely any legal or ethical ways of getting these animal parts. The use of TCM has also become increasingly present in places like South Africa which further strains wild animal populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports  that 70% of the population in Africa  now uses TCM as its primary means of healthcare. Although not all TCM remedies rely on animal parts, the uptick in TCM still  affects the population of endangered species like African white and black rhinos. Farmed animals are rarely a suitable substitute. In part, TCM prizes animals that are wild, because they are believed to be more pure or potent. The rarity of certain animals also attributes to the belief that they are more powerful remedies. One animal caught up in this trade is the Pangolin. It is prized for its scales, which practitioners say have anti-inflammatory properties.Forty-one TCM Doctors at 48 hospitals in China were interviewed regarding Pangolin use in TCM.  The interviews showed that only five out of forty-one TCM doctors knew Pangolins are a protected species. And only two knew that Pangolins could not be traded unless the scales came from a government or private inventory with specific quotas.  Unsurprisingly, doctors’ patients know even less about where the ingredients in TCM remediates come from. 

Does animal-based TCM actually work? 

Several studies have been done that explore the effectiveness of animal-based TCM. Chronic pains are treated using Tiger Bone (TB), which contains mainly calcium and collagen. TB showed some promise in treating patients with chronic pains, but that meant more Tigers would be killed for this treatment. This resulted in the creation of a man-made TB to replace the authentic TB. The man-made TB proved to be just as effective as authentic TB in treating pains.  Seahorses are considered a cure for asthma and arthritis by TCM practitioners. Researchers speculate that they actually have a special cell that can reduce inflammation and help patients with arthritis. Though, not much has been done to further explore this. Yet these studies seem to provide some insight as to why animal-based TCM is still used. Animal parts appear to offer some relief to human illnesses or the potential to. Scientists could provide replacements for these cures by studying what components they contain to make cruelty free remedies and lessen the need to poach animals.   

Why do people still practice TCM?

 TCM is a cultural practice that has been woven into Chinese society. Yet, increasingly, TCM has become a ritual that millions of people around the world engage in and appreciate. Practices like acupuncture and tai chi, or more simply, making sure that you are eating well, are all a part of TCM. Herbal TCM may be a part of your life too. Herbs have been meticulously studied by the Chinese people for their benefits.  Maybe it’s the ginseng tea you drink for an extra boost of energy or a cup of chamomile to calm you down before you go to bed. They are even used for more serious illnesses such as malaria, treated by the drug artemisinin, derived from  an herb called Qinghao. TCM strives to not only help people’s health issues but also works towards preventing any future problems. It emphasizes maintaining oneself and their relationship with the social and natural environment.  

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Unlike tai chi, animal-based TCM is deeply problematic. Poaching for the use of traditional medicines kills thousands of animals and boosts illegal trade in animal parts. Emphasizing the quota regulations so that animals are not overexploited and offering alternatives to stop using animal-parts could help regulate the trade. Educating those who engage in animal-based TCM about its impacts on the environment and effectiveness on human health can also encourage people to move away from this practice.