Fusing Eastern and Western Practices Into Everyday Medicine

It’s a rising notion that merging Western and Eastern Medicine techniques is the optimal way to health and staying well. The Western approach tends to change the environment, and sees the mind and body as two separate entities, while the Eastern way understands that the mind and body come from the same energy force. Combining Eastern and Western medicine, however, tends to be the ideal for a growing number of individuals these days as many are applying holistic (Eastern) practices in conjunction with physician recommendations regarding their personal health. Can Eastern and Western medicine work together? Let's find out. 

Western Medicine

Western medicine, developed through hypothetical deduction, tends to subscribe to one size fits all theory for all patients with similar ailments and often times puts a mere bandage on a booboo for temporary relief of symptoms, treating individuals as organs rather than a whole person. It reveres "the newest as the best" over ancient remedies. The roots of Western medicine can be traced back to ancient and Greek and Egyptian physicians but began to take shape in the 19th century. The approach to curing illness was based on the discovery that certain actions could be forced and manipulated in the human body by using substances found in plants and isolating various chemicals then administering controlled doses to the human body thereby addressing one distressing symptom at a time. Nevertheless, multitudes have experienced modern miracles from the practices of Western medicine, and are very grateful for its existence and advances in technology.

Eastern Medicine

The science of Eastern medicine began over 5,000 years ago when herbologists began to experiment with plant and animal substances attempting to bring the human body to a "perfect state." It was discovered that these substances enhanced "health, beauty, clarity of thought and the energies of the body." Eastern medicine focuses on preventive health measures and natural healing, and intends to heal the whole person for his/her lifespan focusing on the individual’s holistic needs in an attempt to eliminate disease of the body, mind and spirit through such methods as herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, massage (Tui na), exercise (gigong) and dietary theory. In essence, the person is treated as a whole energy with overall balance as the ultimate goal through knowledge and experience.

There is an indication of possible acceptance of Eastern (Oriental) medical techniques as Nevada and Hawaii have regulated acupuncture as an independent practice that does not require a medical referral or supervision. Oregon has ruled that acupuncture may be practiced under the supervision of a licensed physician, and California has approved acupuncture with a doctor’s referral, still a variety of opinions still linger about acupuncture within the medical profession.  Herbal medicine, homeopathy and massage are growing in popularity while exercise and dietary theories remain current topics of both medicinal practices. 

Combining Eastern and Western Medicine

Both Western and Eastern methodologies encourage patients to eat well, to exercise on a regular basis, to get enough sleep and to think positively, so eat more healthy foods than bad ones, get your heart pumping at least three times a week, sleep nightly, meditate and do some introspection once in a while, take herbs and supplements when appropriate and enjoy the diversity life has to offer. Do the best you can with what you have. If you have an affliction, make an informed decision about which avenue would best serve your health needs one way or another or a little of both. Listen to your body, mind and spirit then apply some common sense. Either way, consult a medical professional before beginning any regiment. Be healthy. Be happy!