Western and Eastern medicine relate to two distinct medical approaches. Western medicine recommends particular medications to treat diseases. Eastern medicine, on the other hand, treats the individual as a whole rather than just their symptoms.
The practice of medicine has changed over time, and these two different methods are often referred to as Eastern and Western medicine.
Eastern medicine takes a comprehensive strategy to illness diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This encompasses a variety of variables that encompass the mind, body, and soul. Acupuncture and tai chi are examples of treatments offered by the school.
Western medicine employs a comprehensive strategy to therapy, based on symptoms and distinct internal systems.
This essay will look at the main distinctions between Western and Eastern medicine, whether they can be used together, and how they can help people.
Traditional Western treatmentMost contemporary healthcare networks around the globe are built on Trusted Source.
It pertains to how medical workers, such as physicians and nurses, use medical therapies such as medications, radiotherapy, and surgery to cure illnesses. As a result, Western medicine may be referred to as standard or traditional medicine by some.
Eastern medicine, on the other hand, alludes to medicine and therapies that are not part of conventional medical care. It is one of the world’s earliest medical methods, having originated in Asia.
Some individuals may refer to Eastern medicine as supplementary, alternative, or herbal medicine. Eastern medicine includes both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic methods, both of which are comprehensive medicine systems that have existed for much longer than standard Western medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine’s major divisions include:
- acupuncture
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Eastern nutrition and dietary therapy practices
- tuina, a form of therapeutic massageTrusted Source
- tai chi and qigong
Western medicine has important principles that serve as the base for therapy. These are some examples:
- bodily inspecting the body and the signs
- using empirical data to diagnose illnesses and situations
- using therapies that have been shown in scientific trials to be successful
Eastern medicine therapies, on the other hand, are more comprehensive, with the aim of reinstating Trusted Source equilibrium through unconventional treatments such as acupuncture. The main distinction between Eastern and Western medicine is that it seeks to heal the whole individual. As a result, some may refer to this approach as being more personalizedTrusted Source to a situation.
Practitioners of Eastern medicine identify illnesses by checking the complete body with an emphasis on abnormalities.Western medicine forms conclusions based on a person’s signs, whereas trusted sources in the individual.
Eastern medicine places a strong stress on preventionTrusted Source, whereas Western medicine, while incorporating nutrition and exercise, primarily relies on medicines.
While Western and Eastern medicine have slightly distinct principles, according to a 2019 articleTrusted Source, the two methods are comparable in that they both strive to rebalance the body’s energy equilibrium.
Furthermore, traditional therapies are beginning to integrate aspects of Eastern medicine.
Some Western medical methods, for example, address the whole individual rather than an illness sign. It also employs methods such as yoga as part of its mental health therapy.
How do they complement each other?
Many people think that Eastern medicine can supplement Western medical methods.
A thorough evaluation will be conducted in 2020.According to Trusted Source, acupuncture can successfully address general lower back discomfort. Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese therapy in which acupuncturists activate particular regions with tiny needles. Furthermore, the study discovered that mixing acupuncture with medical therapy was more successful than using only medical treatment.
Similarly, studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of tuina in the treatment of various diseases. Tuina is a massage-like physical treatment that seeks to encourage the movement of energy within the body in order to promote equilibrium.
A thorough evaluation will be conducted in 2020.According to Trusted Source, mixing tuina with standard medical therapy successfully relieved symptoms of irritable gut syndrome. The joint therapy plan was more successful than standard medical care alone.
The efficacy of tuina in the treatment of illnesses is still being studied.
There are currently studies and procedures in place to assess the efficacy of tuina in the therapy of:
- chronic low back painTrusted Source
- diabetes with obesityTrusted Source
- lumbar disc herniationTrusted Source
Research into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in cancer treatment has also revealed that certain TCMs can provide curative benefits when used in conjunction with alternative therapy and a contemporary cancer treatment strategy.
A look ahead to 2019.According to Trusted Source, certain Chinese medicinal medications have curative qualities and have fewer adverse effects than radiation and treatment.
Regardless of whether they are contemplating Western or Eastern medicine, people should always consult with their primary care practitioner first.
Certain illnesses, such as cancer, may necessitate more invasive treatment, such as chemotherapy, and Eastern methods alone may not be enough to cure the disease.
Furthermore, certain vitamins may combine with prescribed medications, resulting in undesirable adverse effects. As a result, anyone considering a therapy should always contact their doctor first to ensure that it is secure.
While there are advantages to using Eastern medicine in conjunction with Western medicine, patients should practice care when pursuing therapy.
Some Eastern medicine therapies, for example, use nutritional vitamins or plants that do not always have FDA approvalTrusted Source. (FDA).
Certain makers, however, continue to try these goods. According to the US Pharmacopeia and NSF International, consumers and physicians can prove the safety and adverse effects of plants.
Similarly, some of these items do not necessitate a prescription. With this in mind, people should consult with their doctor before attempting to use these therapies to guarantee their safety.
Furthermore, many Eastern medical practices are not regulated, and there is little proof of their efficacy from clinical studies. As a result, more study is needed to establish the efficacy of Eastern medicine as a stand-alone therapy.
Western medicine is a medical method in which medical practitioners use medical therapies to address illness signs. Eastern medicine refers to nontraditional therapies that concentrate on the individual rather than the symptoms. Traditional Chinese techniques such as acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, and tuina are also included in the latter practice.
When combined with Western medicine, Eastern medicine may be helpful in managing ailments. Acupuncture, for example, can be used in conjunction with standard medical therapy to address back discomfort. Similarly, when combined with Western medication, tuina can be effective in managing irritable gastrointestinal syndrome.
