Bridging Traditions and Modernity: Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Pingle Guo’s Bone Setting in Global Healthcare

This study investigates the cross-cultural dissemination of traditional medical practices in the globalized world, focusing on the Pingle Guo’s Bone Setting Method (PGBS), a distinctive practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Originating from Luoyang, China, PGBS has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, gaining recognition in various international healthcare systems. Using a multi-method approach, including in-depth interviews, document analysis, and comparative case studies, this research examines the mechanisms of PGBS’s internationalization. Key aspects explored include cultural adaptation, the role of cultural brokers, institutional collaboration, and the negotiation of medical paradigms. The study reveals that PGBS’s success lies in balancing cultural authenticity with necessary adaptations to fit diverse healthcare systems, such as in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Furthermore, it highlights challenges in the global dissemination of traditional practices, particularly regarding standardization, regulatory approval, and institutional recognition. The findings contribute to cross-cultural healthcare management by offering insights into how traditional knowledge can be integrated into global health systems. This research also provides valuable implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and scholars interested in the future of traditional medicine in a globalized world.