Chinese medicine is on the rise as a form of alternative treatment. And although modern Western medicine cannot properly explain how it works, Chinese medical techniques such as acupuncture have been recognized as effective ways to cure certain illnesses.
But Chinese medicine is more than just a branch of alternative medicine. It is a complete, extensive system of medicine with a history that goes backan estimated 5,000 to 7,000 years.
Here are five essential points of difference to know between Chinese and Western medicine.
1. Human Body: Just a “Body” Or Something More?
Taiji and Five Elements. (Taiji via Shutterstock)
Chinese Medicine: The philosophy of Chinese medicine can be understood in the context of classical Taoism. Chinese physicians view the human body as an intricately connected universe, albeit a microscopic one, comprising the “five elements”—metal, wood, water, fire, earth—and governed by dichotomous yin-yang forces.
Western Medicine: Modern Western medicine understands the body as distinct parts that can be examined on their own. This approach stems from a 19th century understanding of microbes, and the “germ theory” formulatedby French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822–1895) and German “bacteriologist” (an anachronism) Robert Koch (1843-1910).
2. Battle Against Microbes Vs. Balancing Act
Under the microscope. (Microbes via Shutterstock)
Chinese Medicine: Chinese medicine is based on ensuring a balance between the yin and yang elements in the body, and regulating the body’s vital energy, or “qi” (pronounced “chee”). Illnesses pop up when there’s a yin-yang imbalance in the body, or if the body’s internal pathways, or meridians, are blocked somewhere, thus impeding the flow of qi.
Western Medicine: Western medicine considers microbes most important. Finding microbes, isolating microbes, and preventing their spread is key in winning the fight against illnesses.
3. Natural Medication Vs. Synthesized Medication
There are plenty of different herbs, minerals, sea and land animal extracts in Chinese medicine. (Herbs via Shutterstock)
Chinese Medicine: The legendary first Chinese physician Shennong identified 365 healing herbs 5,000 years ago and Chinese physicians have been adding to the list ever since. Minerals, insects, sea-animals and parts from larger animals are also used. These ingredients are mixed into liquid or pill form, and target general areas of the body to restore the yin-yang equilibrium.
Western Medicine: Western medicine also originally derives from various plants and herbs. However, today most medicines aren’t used in their natural state. Rather they are synthesized chemically in a manufacturing process. They are also largely designed to target specific symptoms and body parts, and it’s common that one medication is needed to counteract the side-effects of another, and another for those side-effects, and so on.
4. Two Different Approaches to Better Health
A woman practices the Falun Gong meditation exercise. (Jeff Nenarella/Epoch Times)
Chinese Medicine: Apart from herbs, Chinese medicine also has a number of treatment methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion (the burning of mugwort, an aromatic plant, to facilitate healing), tuina (a type of massage used to treat musculoskeletal ailments), and qigong (qi-regulating exercises that often include meditation). Be it needles, cupping techniques, and gentle exercises, these different methods all seek the same essential goal: to restore the yin-yang balance and regulate qi to treat and prevent illnesses.
Western Medicine: Other than medication and surgery, Western medicine has no other treatment methods. To try to keep your body in its best shape to prevent illness, Western medicine recommends keeping fit through exercise, eating a balanced diet, and taking daily essential vitamins. It treats symptoms, but does not have holistic underlying principles governing the body’s overall health.
5. Ancient Supermen Vs. Super Machines?
Zhang Zhongjing and Hua Tuo, two great Chinese doctors during the Han Dynasty said to have supernormal abilities. (KanZongGuo.com)
Western Medicine: To peer inside the human body without cutting it open, Western doctors use bulky X-ray machines and MRIs.
Chinese Medicine: Ancient Chinese physicians went one better. Like the comic book Superman, a number of the famous ones had supernormal X-ray vision.
They were able to see whether patients had brain tumors or malignant symptoms that had yet to manifest externally. They could even detect if someone was truly dead.
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