Swiss Doctor Champions Traditional Chinese Medicine in Global Healthcare
Kiu Caracani dedicates over five decades to promoting TCM, bridging Eastern and Western medical practices.
In a consultation room filled with herbal remedies and meridian charts, Swiss doctor Kiu Caracani utilizes his extensive training in both Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province.
Caracani’s annual visits to this hospital underscore his long-standing commitment to exploring and sharing the traditional healing philosophies of TCM.
Kiu Caracani’s journey into the world of TCM began at a young age in the Italian countryside, where he first encountered a Chinese doctor who utilized acupuncture and herbal medicine.
At just five years old, he witnessed the transformations in patients treated through these ancient practices, leading him to aspire to follow a similar path.
For more than 50 years, Caracani has delved into the integrative approaches of TCM, emphasizing its capabilities, particularly in aspects where Western medicine may not provide immediate solutions.
He has established himself as a prominent figure in the field and is the founder and CEO of the International Group of Researchers and Development for Complementary Medicine (IRCM), which is based in Switzerland.
Caracani operates TCM clinics in Lausanne, Geneva, and Oxford and provides care for over 400 patients each month.
His clinical practice encompasses areas such as cancer support, neurological disorders, and mental health, where he merges Eastern methodologies with Western diagnostics.
He notes a compounding interest among patients to refer others, highlighting the efficacy of his treatment approaches.
In Switzerland, TCM has gained official recognition and is integrated into the national healthcare system following a referendum, facilitating widespread access.
Currently, Lausanne has approximately 35 TCM clinics managed by both Chinese practitioners and trained Europeans, serving a diverse patient demographic.
Caracani’s influence radiates beyond Switzerland, with outreach extending to countries including Peru, Georgia, and Russia, where he treats patients and engages in TCM advocacy through lectures and partnerships.
Frequent travels to China have become integral to his professional life, where he collaborates with Chinese doctors to create customized treatment plans for international patients, combining the benefits of Western and Chinese practices.
Plans are underway for Caracani to collaborate with universities and hospitals in Anhui, aiming to initiate training programs for TCM practitioners from Europe, set to commence in 2026. His role transcends clinical practice; as a cultural ambassador, his organization regularly organizes international TCM events, including a past conference in Lausanne for students from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine.
New initiatives include co-hosting an international acupuncture symposium in collaboration with Chinese universities and compiling an English-language encyclopedia of Chinese medicine with a consortium of researchers from multiple countries.
The global influence of TCM continues to expand, with China exporting TCM products valued at 5.28 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Additionally, China has entered into cooperation agreements regarding TCM with over 40 foreign governments and international organizations.
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, 30 high-quality TCM centers have been established abroad.
Caracani notes a significant interest among European and American doctors in TCM, yet acknowledges the challenges they face regarding access to structured educational and clinical training opportunities.
His aim is to facilitate deeper understanding of TCM through robust academic and practical resources available in China.
Caracani’s annual visits to this hospital underscore his long-standing commitment to exploring and sharing the traditional healing philosophies of TCM.
Kiu Caracani’s journey into the world of TCM began at a young age in the Italian countryside, where he first encountered a Chinese doctor who utilized acupuncture and herbal medicine.
At just five years old, he witnessed the transformations in patients treated through these ancient practices, leading him to aspire to follow a similar path.
For more than 50 years, Caracani has delved into the integrative approaches of TCM, emphasizing its capabilities, particularly in aspects where Western medicine may not provide immediate solutions.
He has established himself as a prominent figure in the field and is the founder and CEO of the International Group of Researchers and Development for Complementary Medicine (IRCM), which is based in Switzerland.
Caracani operates TCM clinics in Lausanne, Geneva, and Oxford and provides care for over 400 patients each month.
His clinical practice encompasses areas such as cancer support, neurological disorders, and mental health, where he merges Eastern methodologies with Western diagnostics.
He notes a compounding interest among patients to refer others, highlighting the efficacy of his treatment approaches.
In Switzerland, TCM has gained official recognition and is integrated into the national healthcare system following a referendum, facilitating widespread access.
Currently, Lausanne has approximately 35 TCM clinics managed by both Chinese practitioners and trained Europeans, serving a diverse patient demographic.
Caracani’s influence radiates beyond Switzerland, with outreach extending to countries including Peru, Georgia, and Russia, where he treats patients and engages in TCM advocacy through lectures and partnerships.
Frequent travels to China have become integral to his professional life, where he collaborates with Chinese doctors to create customized treatment plans for international patients, combining the benefits of Western and Chinese practices.
Plans are underway for Caracani to collaborate with universities and hospitals in Anhui, aiming to initiate training programs for TCM practitioners from Europe, set to commence in 2026. His role transcends clinical practice; as a cultural ambassador, his organization regularly organizes international TCM events, including a past conference in Lausanne for students from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine.
New initiatives include co-hosting an international acupuncture symposium in collaboration with Chinese universities and compiling an English-language encyclopedia of Chinese medicine with a consortium of researchers from multiple countries.
The global influence of TCM continues to expand, with China exporting TCM products valued at 5.28 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Additionally, China has entered into cooperation agreements regarding TCM with over 40 foreign governments and international organizations.
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, 30 high-quality TCM centers have been established abroad.
Caracani notes a significant interest among European and American doctors in TCM, yet acknowledges the challenges they face regarding access to structured educational and clinical training opportunities.
His aim is to facilitate deeper understanding of TCM through robust academic and practical resources available in China.
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