traditional Chinese medicine
There are attempts to weld the medical practices of the East and the West. It can be very beneficial in some cases but there are major differences that can result in snags in the treatment process. The main difference between Chinese and Western medicine is that Chinese medicine promotes overall wellness of an individual, as opposed to the approach of Western medicine in treating the symptoms of an illness. In traditional Chinese medicine treatment is not based only on the symptoms but considers differentiation of syndromes. Because of this, patients with identical diseases may be treated in different ways; in the same way that different diseases may result in the same syndrome and are therefore treated in similar ways.
Traditional Chinese medicine practices include such treatments as herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, massage and others. The Chinese put so much importance in the use of herbs in their medication. Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of different pains; it is also helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems and more. Qigong is a Chinese practice which uses slow graceful movements and breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi (air) and enhance the practitioner’s overall health. The good thing is that we are seeing more and more western practitioners embracing some aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.