What are the differences between T.C.M. and Western Medicine?

In short, Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been viewed as two distinct and divergent medicines. Their approaches to physiology and healing appear quite different in perspective.

The western doctor observes the facts before him and uses the current physiological theories to explain them. It separates the various systems and organs of the body and delves deeper and deeper into the particles that comprise matter.

Chinese medicine views the body and further, the whole person, as a unified organic whole. Spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects are all seen as interrelated and interdependent. This perhaps explains why some people see Chinese Medicine as a "holistic therapy".

In spite of their radically different philosophical assumptions, it is wiser to look upon Chinese and Western medical systems as mutually beneficial rather than exclusive. Each approach has ideas and therapeutic methods that can be explained both scientifically and philosophically, each can benefit the individual and together they can broaden the philosophical and idelogical bases of medicine.