What is the unique characteristic of Vietnamese traditional medicine?

The two outstanding figures of Vietnamese traditional medicine are Tuệ Tĩnh (fourteenth century?) and Lãn Ông Lê Hữu Trác (eighteenth century). Although trained in the ways of Chinese medicine, they saw in indigenous medicine an important resources. Far from being a mere copy of Chinese medicine, Vietnamese traditional medicine has its own structure and practices. It derives from two basic sources: Southern (indigenous) Medicine, and Northern (Sino-Vietnamese) Medicine. Like all traditional medicines, it does not separate man from nature and see human existence as an indissoluble union between body and soul, combining physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual factors.

During the twentieth century, traditional medicine has continued to develop and play an important role in Vietnamese life. Vietnamese schools of modern medicine have taught traditional medicine since the end of French colonialism in Việt Nam, which banned the teaching of traditional medical practice. During the American bombing, Vietnamese traditional medicine contributed to medical treatment of burn, fractures, and other war injuries. Việt Nam will continue to develop specifically Vietnamese medicine by combining traditional and modern medicine.