Chapter 236

The clash between tradition and innovation has become the most compelling highlight of this competition. Within the traditional Chinese medical system, Miao medicine has long been misunderstood. This cultural prejudice can be traced back to ancient conflicts in medical philosophy—the distinct Miao practice of "using toxins to treat disease" stood in stark opposition to the traditional Chinese medical system, which was deeply steeped in Confucian values. In the realm of martial arts literature, this cognitive bias has been artistically magnified: the image of a Miao practitioner is often cast as a villain using treacherous methods or a feared master of poisons. In contemporary society, as cultural inclusivity grows, the public’s perception of Miao medicine is gradually returning to a more rational perspective. Statistics show that of the more than 3,200 animal and plant pharmacopeias recorded in the Miao medical system, approximately 65% contain active ingredients verified by modern medicine. Regrettably, however, the practical difficulties facing the inheritance of Miao medicine are far more severe than those facing traditional Chinese medicine.