Traditional versus Western Medicine; Consider both?
Before we dive in defining the difference between the two practices, let me explain the difference in views of these practices.
Western medicine (left)
Concerned with diagnosing and treating the symptoms alone. Treating parts of the body separately. Like a machine. Each part has its function, and when a particular part fails, it needs replacement.
Traditional medicine (right)
Views body as a whole, as a microcosm of the universe, such as emperor is the heart of the kingdom.
- something about the newness of drugs how old is the practice versus traditional medicine
Often these practices are viewed as contrary, however, by bringing traditional and western medicine together, they form a comprehensive integrative approach to health addressing both specific medical conditions as well as human being as a whole.
WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO USE ANCIENT HEALING ART?
Let me tell you a true story that was told to me by Lixin Huang, the president of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The story is about a patient that was receiving treatment at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Zheng Cao a Chinese Oprah singer that was famous in San Francisco, at the peak of her career she was diagnosed with late stage cancer. Tumors spread to her lungs, liver, brain and spine. Doctors told her that she has only 3 to 6 months left to live. Zheng did not lose faith and was determined to fight cancer with all means. She first decided to go for western medicine practices.
When Zheng began kino therapy and radiation treatment she suffered from severe side effects. Vomiting, diarrhea and severe pain. She could not eat nor walk. Western medicine cannot control the side effects of drugs or reduce patients sufferings. Therefore, Zheng turned to Chinese traditional medicine, with herbs and acupuncture. Her symptoms started to dissolve. Her vomiting stopped, the diarrhea stopped and pain reduced. She began eating and exercising. The recovery started!
Good Morning America and number of media in the US reported Zheng’s story. She became an inspiration to many patients like herself. On 21 February 2013 Zheng passed away. Four years after the diagnosis where a doctor told her that she has three months to live.
This is just one example why patients are choosing the traditional medicine that has more than 2000 years of practice. It saves patients lives, reduces their sufferings, improves their quality of life. Very often it is the last option for patients who could not find help anywhere else.
THE LESSON
Instead of seeing two practices as competitors, we should think about merging two together to benefit each other. Whereas in modern(western) medicine, diseases or damaged body parts can be repaired or even replaced, however, the majority of people will still have pain after these procedures, and instead of eating painkillers you can refer to traditional medicine that focuses on elimination of physical and mental stress. It may be a slow process, however; as a result, you will be a more healthy, balanced person in the long-run. Modern medicine may have the technological and scientific elements that save people lives; however, traditional medicine has more than 2000 years of practice and helps to sustain your heath in a natural and balanced way.
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