What is the difference between Eastern medicine and Western medicine?
Feb 23, 2022 · Western medicine refers to a system where medical professionals utilize medical treatments to treat symptoms of diseases. Eastern medicine refers to nonconventional treatments that focus on the...
What is Western medicine?
Feb 21, 2017 · So many differences distinguish Chinese and Western medicine, from underlying philosophy to methods of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health care that dates back thousands of years, while Western medicine is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Find out how practitioners make a patient diagnosis in Chinese ...
What is traditional medicine?
Aug 07, 2017 · In essence, the difference between Dr. East and Dr. West is that Dr. East takes a holistic approach to medicine, while Dr. West takes a reductionist approach. Reductionist Medicine: The driving principle behind western science is Occam’s Razor, which is the notion that among competing theories, the one with the simplest explanation should be selected.
Why do patients switch from traditional medicine to Western medicine?
Hmong participants’ expectations for effective treatment in traditional or Western health care encounters combined with physical evidence of an illness influenced their decisions and often led them to shift from one type of care to the other. Understanding cultural differences in perceptions of the causes of illnesses and the link between ...
What is the difference between Chinese and Western medicine?
So many differences distinguish Chinese and Western medicine, from underlying philosophy to methods of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health care that dates back thousands of years, while Western medicine is a comparatively recent phenomenon.
What is TCM in medicine?
To promote wellness and treat illnesses, TCM encompasses a variety of practices, including massage, acupuncture, Tai Chi and movement therapies, and herbal medicine. One of the most important concepts in the practice is "qi," which is the body's life force energy.
What is the purpose of needles in Chinese medicine?
Practitioners of Chinese medicine use needles or pressure to manipulate points on the body along these channels and restore a balanced flow or qi energy. TCM also embraces the concepts of yin and yang, which are opposite — yet dependent — conditions within the human body.
What are the elements of TCM?
Qi is also made up of five aspects in the philosophy of TCM — wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These essential substances have specific attributes that inform TCM's understanding of the human body.
How has Western medicine improved?
Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made significant gains in healthcare including a 60% reduction in the death rate from heart disease, a 75% reduction in the death rate from HIV/AIDS and a 16% reduction in the death rate from cancers. Whilst Western medicine is rooted in the fight against infectious disease;
What is Western medicine?
Western or traditional medicine typically encompasses a system in which medical and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, therapists and pharmacists manage and treat disease using conventional evidence-based practices such as drugs, surgery, lifestyle changes or treatment protocols. Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made ...
What are alternative approaches to health?
The terms ‘alternative’, ‘holistic’ and ‘complementary’ are commonly used interchangeably as a way of referring to any health intervention that lies outside of conventional medical approaches. Such therapies and approaches can be categorized into five domains: 1 Manipulative and body-based treatments which focus on the relationship between the structures and systems of the body and manipulations to induce health and wellbeing. Treatments include reflexology, chiropractic and massage therapies. 2 Alternative medical systems, which are systems of health theory and practice which have developed separately from conventional medicine. They include naturopathy, Chinese medicine and homeopathy. 3 Biologically based practices that use naturally occurring materials to affect health and include diet and botanical therapies. 4 Mind-body interventions based on the theory that physical health is influenced by emotional and mental factors. Examples include hypnosis, meditation and mindfulness. 5 Energy therapies which stem from the core belief that fields of energy called biofields exist in and around the body, and as such can be manipulated by energy practitioners or by using external energy sources such as electromagnetic fields. Examples of therapies include acupuncture, Reiki and magnet therapy.
What are some examples of holistic medicine?
Examples of therapies include acupuncture, Reiki and magnet therapy. In actuality, the three terms describe a different approach. Holistic medicine refers to a philosophy that believes treatments should encompass all three elements of the human: an integration of the mind, body and spirit.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary medicine is treatments that are given in conjunction with conventional or mainstream medicines in the treatment of ill health. Examples include chiropractic treatments, dietary interventions and acupuncture.
What are some examples of complementary and alternative medicine?
Examples include chiropractic treatments, dietary interventions and acupuncture. It is perhaps more accurate to refer to the treatments which fall into these five domains as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
What is alternative holistic approach?
The terms ‘alternative’, ‘holistic’ and ‘complementary’ are commonly used interchangeably as a way of referring to any health intervention that lies outside of conventional medical approaches. Such therapies and approaches can be categorized into five domains:
What is traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine is also referred to in many different ways—allopathic, traditional, conventional, mainstream, and Western medicine, to name a few. The term traditional, although used quite commonly, seems somewhat inaccurate, given that many alternative medical disciplines have been around for thousands of years, ...
Is integrative medicine evidence based?
Today, many medical schools in the US teach the principles and practice of integrative medicine. There are clinics and practices that embrace its philosophy. Also, integrative medicine research studies have been published in peer reviewed journals, so treatments of both types can be evidence-based.
What is the purpose of the American Medical Association?
This governing body controls state medical boards and determines whether doctors can receive or maintain hospital privileges, and whether they can keep their medical license.
Can doctors give medications to mask symptoms?
A common criticism of traditional medicine is that medical doctors treat symptoms, such as pain or fever, without searching for the root cause and that they tend to give medications to try to mask these symptoms. This is not entirely true. Although it is true that doctors often give medications or use approaches to control symptoms, they also search for causes of symptoms, such as infection or inflammation, in order to be able to treat them allopathically.
Why is integrative medicine important?
In order to help bridge the gap and bring the two disciplines together, integrative medicine was created. Integrative medicine refocuses medicine on health and healing. It insists on patients being treated as whole persons—minds and spirits, as well as physical bodies— who participate actively in their own healthcare.
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine refocuses medicine on health and healing. It insists on patients being treated as whole persons—minds and spirits, as well as physical bodies— who participate actively in their own healthcare. Today, many medical schools in the US teach the principles and practice of integrative medicine.
What is empowerment in health?
Empowerment of the individual to participate in and take responsibility for his or her own health. Recognition and emphasis on lifestyle issues, such as proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and emotional and spiritual balance. Treatment of the individual as a whole person, as opposed to a series of parts.
Where did Western medicine originate?
Western (or ‘conventional’) medicine evolved in ancient Greece, while various eastern practices evolved throughout China and India. While both strive for the same outcome — optimal health and wellbeing — they evolved from different philosophies, which continue to influence practice today.
What are the principles of western medicine?
Today western medicine remains largely founded on the principles established by the ancient Greeks. And as western medicine has evolved over the past 3,000 years, the key foundations of medical practice remain the same. Some of these include: 1 Inquiry and examination of the physical body and its symptoms 2 A scientific, evidence-based diagnosis of health, using clinically-proven treatments 3 Health as a human right that should promoted and protected.
What is Eastern medicine?
Health as a human right that should promoted and protected. Eastern medicine Eastern medicine refers to a range of medical practices that originated throughout Asia.
What is the philosophy of Eastern medicine?
The philosophy which underpins most eastern medicine is the practice of treating the whole person, and not just the symptom . While Australia is predominantly influenced by western medicine, many people use elements of eastern medicine as part of their approach to better health. Two of the most common forms of eastern medicine found in Australia are:
Abstract
An objective comparison of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine is necessary to further evaluate the validity of Oriental medical techniques such as acupuncture. The development of medicine in Western nations follows the way of hypothetical deduction and the Eastern approach uses the inductive method.
Full text
Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version. Get a printable copy (PDF file) of the complete article (1.2M), or click on a page image below to browse page by page. Links to PubMed are also available for Selected References.
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
What is Western medicine?
Western medicine, otherwise known as orthodox medicine, is the traditional practice of healthcare that most of us are familiar with. This is the system in which doctors and other healthcare professionals see patients and treat their symptoms with the use of prescription medications, surgical operation, various forms of therapy and radiation.
What is the best medicine for migraines?
Utilizing a peppermint essential oil may cure a migraine for one person, while another person needs prescription medication to clear up their symptoms. Kava tea, a form of holistic medicine, is an extract drawn from the Piper methysticum plant found in the South Pacific.
Does ibuprofen help with headaches?
For instance, some ibuprofen could quickly clear up a headache while cold medicine clears up cold symptoms and so on. However, this leads to one of western medicine’s disadvantages. Modern medication can sometimes only treat the symptoms without addressing the root cause of the issue.
Does Kava help with insomnia?
The beverage works as a natural relaxant that induces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. According to WebMD, “Kava’s calming effect may relieve anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension or spasm [and] may also relieve pain.”.
Is Xanax a calming drug?
It produces a calming change to brain wave activity that is similar to that of calming medications (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, etc) or that of THC. In other words, it provides a natural, healthy and legal ‘high’ to the drinker.
Does kava tea help with anxiety?
Aside from the flavor, kava tea has a lot more to offer. The beverage works as a natural relaxant that induces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. According to WebMD, “Kava’s calming effect may relieve anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension or spasm [and] may also relieve pain.”.
What is Western medicine?
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Western medicine can be defined as: “A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.”. The history of Western medicine stretches back thousands ...
What is the difference between Western medicine and Eastern medicine?
Eastern medicine, however, provides more preventative care that works to make sure body systems such as the immune and digestive systems are functioning at their best.
What is the philosophy of Eastern medicine?
Oriental nutrition and dietary therapy. Tuina or oriental bodywork. Tai chi and qi gong (mind-body-spirit practice) The basic philosophy of Eastern medicine practitioners is to treat the whole person—encouraging a healthy body to prevent illness and speed recovery.
Is Eastern medicine a part of the academic research community?
Eastern medicine treatments continue to make major strides in the academic research community, which includes major medical journals. And more Western hospitals and health facilities are likely to incorporate them in their healthcare services. This requires Oriental medicine practitioners to work in collaboration with other medical specialists.
What is the whole health center at National University?
National University’s on-campus Whole Health Center clinic provides Oriental medicine students the experience to work alongside other health care students and practitioners from chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and massage therapy .
Is acupuncture a Western medicine?
In combination with Western medicine, you will be able to help patients have a healthier and more balanced life. One key benefit of acupuncture, herbal treatments, and other alternative medicine practices is that they are non-invasive and cause few side effects.
Is acupuncture invasive?
One key benefit of acupuncture, herbal treatments, and other alternative medicine practices is that they are non-invasive and cause few side effects. Before turning to prescription drugs or invasive surgery, Oriental medicine treatments are becoming more commonly used as a first-line approach.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
What Is Western Medicine?
- Western or traditional medicine typically encompasses a system in which medical and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, therapists and pharmacists manage and treat disease using conventional evidence-based practices such as drugs, surgery, lifestyle changes or treatment protocols. Over the past 60 years, Western medicine has made significant gains in he…
The Popularity of Cam
- The use of CAM is prevalent among patient populations. A recent meta-analysis of people with cancer showed that approximately half use some form of CAM during their illness. A large-scale survey of people with asthma showed similar proportions trying CAM to manage symptoms, despite perceiving such therapies as only moderately useful. People with HIV/AIDS infection app…
What Draws People to Cam Over Western Medicine?
- One interesting theme is that patients who use CAM therapies most often are those with either life-threatening or terminal illnesses (such as cancers or AIDS) or those with chronic but minor illnesses (such as back pain or acne). For those at the most severe end of the disease spectrum, conventional medical interventions may be effective in alterin...
References
- Ernst E. (2001). Rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine: reasons and consequences for vaccination. Vaccine, 20 Suppl 1, S90–S89. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00290-0
- Nursing Times. 2021. Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use? | Nursing Times. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/nurse-educators/complem…
- Ernst E. (2001). Rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine: reasons and consequences for vaccination. Vaccine, 20 Suppl 1, S90–S89. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00290-0
- Nursing Times. 2021. Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use? | Nursing Times. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/nurse-educators/complementary-therapies-...
- Tabish S. A. (2008). Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?. International journal of health sciences, 2(1), V–IX.
- Wiseman N. (2004). Designations of Medicines. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 1(3), 327–329. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neh053
Further Reading
The Differences
- Alternative medicine is often called alternative medicine, complementary medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), or non-mainstream medicine. The National Institute of Health (NIH) uses the terms complementary and integrative health and complementary health approaches. Traditional medicine is often called allopathic, traditional, co…
The Appeal
- Alternative therapies may differ, but they all seem to share these features: 1. Empowering people to take active roles for their own health 2. Focusing on healthy habits, such as diet, activity, getting enough rest, and emotional and spiritual balance 3. Focusing on the whole person instead of a person as a series of parts 4. Lowering disease and s...
American Medical Association's Role
- In 1847, the American Medical Association (AMA) was created to try to regulate medical care. They control state medical boards and decide whether doctors can get or keep hospital privileges, and whether they can keep their medical license. A medical license can be taken for straying from what is known as the "standard of care." The AMA supports evidence-based medicine. Many co…
Common Criticisms
- A common criticism of traditional medicine is that medical doctors treat symptoms instead of looking for the root cause of a health problem. Another is that they give medicines to mask problems. This is not entirely true. Some doctors do give medicines and use approaches to control symptoms, but they also search for the cause of symptoms. One common criticism of al…
Bridging The Gap
- Integrative medicine was created to help bridge the gap and bring the two disciplines together. It refocuses medicine on health and healing. It insists on patients being treated as whole persons. They are minds, spirits, and bodies who play an active role in their own care. Today, many medical schools in the US teach integrative medicine. There are clinics and practices that accept it as we…