Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
When it comes to your health, having a holistic perspective and looking into multiple treatment plans is wise. This is especially true when considering TCM and Western medicine. Many people use both instead of attaching themselves to one point of view only. So, let’s talk about the difference between these two medical systems.
Theories
TCM is based on the principles of Yin and Yang - two opposite, yet complementary energies. Simply put, one cannot exist without the other, like how light cannot exist without dark. A disease occurs when there is an imbalance of Yin and Yang or an obstruction to the flow of Qi - the essential life force that travels through all living beings. TCM has a long history, but the basic theory has never changed.
Western medicine uses a combination of pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology knowledge to study human disease. Doctors stick to evidence-based facts and various organs of the body are all looked at more separately than as a whole. Western medicine is relatively new, compared to TCM, and the theory updates frequently. 1
Diagnosis & Treatment
TCM makes a diagnosis by analyzing a patient’s tongue, pulse, and whole-body situation. Doctors will look into your reactions, hair, posture, daily habits, etc. Rather than diagnosing a specific disease, they diagnose based on imbalances of Yin and Yang. Treatment is holistic and aimed at boosting the body’s overall healing power.
Western medicine makes a diagnosis by taking the history, a physical examination, and by using scientific instruments to check on the human body. For example, blood tests, X-rays, urine or stool samples. Treatment is targeted directly to the certain organ or body system.
The advantages of TCM
TCM can cure chronic problems when Western medicine can’t find the root cause. By focusing on improving overall body function and immune system, future diseases can be prevented.
The disadvantages of TCM
Treatments can sometimes take longer since the focus is on stimulating the body’s healing power, rather than targeting the specific disease.
The advantage of Western medicine
If the cause of the disease is clear, it can quickly cure the body. Additionally, many evidence-based studies back Western medicine treatment plans.
The disadvantage of Western medicine
The treatments can sometimes cause long-term side effects (chemotherapy, antibiotics, etc.). If the cause of the disease is unknown, the body will struggle to heal.
1 Clinic, H. A. C. (n.d.). Differences between TCM and Western Medicine | China Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic | Port Coquitlam & Burnaby, BC. China Acupuncture. Retrieved January 23, 2021, from http://www.china-acupuncture.net/compare.html