King’s CICM Introductory PPT, Handbook and Video
About
King’s Centre for Integrative Chinese Medicine (King’s CICM) is a research-focused initiative of the King’s Health Partners (KHP) aiming to catalyse innovation through an Integrative Chinese Medicine (ICM) approach.
ICM seeks to deliver patient-centred, safe and effective healthcare by merging the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), conventional medicine, science and technology. It is not a mere combination of two medical systems but an epic interdisciplinary effort to shape the future of medicine, addressing contemporary health challenges through collaboration, research and innovation.
The Need for ICM: Conventional medicine faces challenges in addressing chronic diseases, functional disorders and preventive care. TCM, with its holistic approach, function-oriented diagnosis, emphasis on endogenous defence, metabolic homeostasis, and personalised prevention and treatment (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological), offers valuable insights to address these gaps. Integrating these two medical systems enhances our understanding of health and disease, paving the way for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Achieving ICM
- Breaking down barriers and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Harmonising the philosophies of TCM and conventional medicine.
- Combining expertise and resources from both fields with cutting-edge science and technology.
As Albert Einstein noted, solving complex problems requires new ways of thinking. ICM embodies this principle, advancing medical practice and exploring innovative solutions for human health through cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
KHP is a coalition between a world-leading research-led university (King’s College London) and its world-famous research-intensive teaching hospitals (Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, King’s College Hospitaland Maudsley Hospital). With over 40,000 staff and 30,000 students, KHP is one of the largest healthcare research, education and training centres in Europe
King’s College London (King’s) is one of the world’s top universities, distinguished in health science and training healthcare professionals. According to the 2025 QS World University Subject Rankings, King’s rankings are as follows
- Nursing No. 1
- Dentistry No. 4
- Life Sciences and Medicine No. 11
Our Vision
King’s scientists have a glorious track record in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) research, and they are at the forefront of innovation by integrating Western and Chinese wisdom in the medical field.
- They have played a leading role in studying nephrotoxic and carcinogenic effects of aristolochic acid-containing plant species. Their work has contributed to the ban on these species and made herbal medicine safer.
- They are leaders in TCM-inspired research of kidney disease and antifibrotic therapies, promoting good practices in TCIM research, and facilitating interregional, intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations in TCM and other ethnic medicines.
Building on this track record, King’s is preparing the groundwork for King’s CICM to catalyse innovation in medical education, research, healthcare and regulation. Aligned with WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, NHS Priorities, and King’s Strategy and Vision, King’s CICM will build upon well-established international standards, good practice guidelines and collaboration networks, which will also support the integration of other ethnic wisdom, such as Ayurveda, Unani and yoga from India, into tomorrow’s medicine and healthcare.