TCM vs Western Medicine: What do I need to know?

Generally speaking, Western Medicine certainly has its benefits and is good for treating acute illness while Chinese Medicine is good for treating chronic illness or general health.

But there are three things that Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer you that – for the most part – Western Medicine doesn’t.

TCM treats the mind , body and spirit as a single entity. This holistic approach is derived from fundamental beliefs in the Chinese culture, which emphasise the inseparable nature of humanity with the universe, as well as the need for balance and harmony.
TCM employs a system of diagnosis, therapy and medication to restore that balance by boosting the body’s immune system in an attempt to fight off pathogens.
A TCM treatment usually includes either one of or a combination of medicinal herbs , nutritional therapies , physical treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage or Tuina, and therapeutic exercises such as tai chi and related breathing techniques.

And how effective is it really?

You’ll be pleased to know the World Health Organisation acknowledges scientific evidence of TCM’s effectiveness for:

Pain (including Head and face, locomotor system, gout, biliary and renal colic,traumatic or postoperative pain, including dentistry, childbirth and surgery)
Infections
Neurological disorders
Respiratory disorders
Digestive disorders
Blood disorders
Urogenital disorders
Gynaecological and obstetric disorders,
Cardiovascular disorders
Skin diseases including Dermatitis, Acne and Psoriasis
Cancer