Events › West Against East: Chinese Medicine

The history of Western medical establishment’s suspicions and resistance against traditional Chinese medicine in California is an obscure part of Chinese American history. In this Zoom program, presenter Calvin Fong will discuss the challenges faced by Chinese herbalists, including his father, Fong Wan, a Chinese immigrant who simply wanted to provide an alternative for non-invasive healing to both Asians and Occidentals alike. He and other Chinese doctors faced the following formidable challenges:

· On-going, anti-Chinese sentiments;

· Persistent Western medical efforts to eliminate alternative medical practices;

· California State efforts to abolished Chinese herbal doctors from practicing; and

· Relentless accusations by the State and Federal government of false advertisements by Chinese doctors.

Despite these hurdles, Fong Wan became a well-known and successful herbalist in Oakland. Learn how Fong Wan was a key player in defeating the “Anti Herb” bill before the state Legislature in 1925, gradually paving acceptance of alternative medicine by Western health care professionals and the public.

As part of this Zoom presentation, attendees will visit an herbalist’s reception room, where you will see early pioneer Chinese doctors in America, herb stores of old, acupuncture and more. Also, you will be treated to a narrated tour of Dr. Fong Wan’s unique herb office in Oakland, CA that was unlike any other.

Disclaimer: The presentation and Q&A session do not provide medical advice and are for educational and informational purposes only.

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