Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
Although it seems like a new health treatment in America, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for centuries. It is based on a classic published in the third century, B.C., entitled Nei Jing, or The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Many diseases and ailments that cannot be cured by Western medicine (WM) can be treated by TCM successfully. This is not to say that TCM can cure all diseases that Western medicine cannot. It is, however, an excellent alternative to a wide range of illnesses experienced by most individuals. Dr. Henry C. Lu, in his book Chinese Natural Cures, asserts the case that TCM is better for certain health problems: “WM is more useful for first aid and surgery, while TCM is more useful in treating skin, internal diseases, and chronic cases in particular” (10). Not only can it be used exclusively or complementary, it can also be used as preventive medicine. WM relies on chemical drugs that are very strong and tend to produce serious side effects to the patient, where TCM relies on Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and qigong (pronounced chee-gong). The goal of TCM is to return the body to homeostasis. That is, its optimal balanced functioning ability. When the body is at homeostasis, there is no room for disease. It is only when the body is out of balance (something is deficient, in excess or stagnating) that pain, illness, or disease can occur. Chinese herbal therapy is able to restore these imbalances once a proper TCM doctor prescribes the right treatment. The herbs prescribed can be taken as teas, tinctures, powders, liniments, extracts, plasters, capsules, pills, etc. The herbs used are known to be hygienic and safe. According to the website of the Longevity Center of Classical Chinese Medicine, “Using the international GMP standard, or good manufacturing practices, these herbs are known for their strict hygienic policies and quality control.” Meeting GMP standards
Although it seems like a new health treatment in America, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for centuries. It is based on a classic published in the third century, B.C., entitled Nei Jing, or The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Many diseases and ailments that cannot be cured by Western medicine (WM) can be treated by TCM successfully. This is not to say that TCM can cure all diseases that Western medicine cannot. It is, however, an excellent alternative to a wide range of illnesses experienced by most individuals. Dr. Henry C. Lu, in his book Chinese Natural Cures, asserts the case that TCM is better for certain health problems: “WM is more useful for first aid and surgery, while TCM is more useful in treating skin, internal diseases, and chronic cases in particular” (10). Not only can it be used exclusively or complementary, it can also be used as preventive medicine. WM relies on chemical drugs that are very strong and tend to produce serious side effects to the patient, where TCM relies on Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and qigong (pronounced chee-gong). The goal of TCM is to return the body to homeostasis. That is, its optimal balanced functioning ability. When the body is at homeostasis, there is no room for disease. It is only when the body is out of balance (something is deficient, in excess or stagnating) that pain, illness, or disease can occur. Chinese herbal therapy is able to restore these imbalances once a proper TCM doctor prescribes the right treatment. The herbs prescribed can be taken as teas, tinctures, powders, liniments, extracts, plasters, capsules, pills, etc. The herbs used are known to be hygienic and safe. According to the website of the Longevity Center of Classical Chinese Medicine, “Using the international GMP standard, or good manufacturing practices, these herbs are known for their strict hygienic policies and quality control.” Meeting GMP standards