Medicine is regularly grouped into Eastern and Western schools of thought. Eastern medicine has been around for nearly 5,000 years and began when ancient herbalists experimented with plant substances and their effects on humans. There are substances that have been found to enhance health, beauty, energetics of the body, and the mind. Western medicine has only been around, in its current form, since the 19th century, although its roots began in ancient Greece and Egypt. It wasn’t until World War II that the development of synthetic drugs really began. This is also when the current Western medical system discovered it can manipulate certain actions in the human body through the use of synthetic pharmaceuticals. This difference is huge, as Eastern philosophy uses whole-food formulas to nourish the body’s ability to heal itself, while Western philosophy isolates and forces therapeutic actions throughout the body by utilizing laboratory-modified medicines.    

While Western medicine is a cohesive grouping of sub-specialties governed by the same principles, Eastern medicine is a loose collection of traditional medicines that originate from the same continent, Asia. Many of these traditional Eastern practices were heavily influenced by Chinese medicine.1 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has exploded in popularity globally since the turn of the century. It is so ubiquitous that it is nearly synonymous with Eastern medicine. No longer relegated to the fringe of society, using TCM therapies to support Western medicine has become normalized in the West. In 2007, according to the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the CDC, 6 million Americans had used one of the following TCM therapies that year: acupuncture, qi gong, or tai chi. TCM has also caught the attention of researchers as well. In 2015, Tu Youyou won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his research on a TCM herbal preparation for the treatment of malaria.2 This was an important step for Western.

medicine to acknowledge the legitimacy of Eastern medicine. Screening the literature on PubMed since this milestone, the amount of published articles about TCM has increased remarkably. Before 2015, roughly 4,000 articles had been published with the keyword “Traditional Chinese Medicine.” From 2016 to 2022, over 6,000 articles on the topic were published. 

This illustrates a trend of convergence of Eastern and Western medicine. As Eastern medical practices like TCM, show their merit, the West uses Western medicine’s process to validate claims and safety through peer-reviewed, evidence-based research. At the consumer level, in America and China, patients no longer rely solely on one or the other, but integrate treatments from both into their healthcare.

For every TCM technique that seamlessly integrates with Western medicine, there are several more at odds with it. Patients are eager to utilize every treatment available to them, but there is still resistance in the Western healthcare field despite some Western-style research showing promising results from TCM treatments. The way that TCM approaches diagnosis and treatment is fundamentally different from Western medicine. At best, these differences can be a source of contention. TCM uses elements of Taoism, philosophy and metaphysics which are at odds with the science-based approaches of Western medicine. At worst, these differences can lead to life-threatening consequences. A thorough understanding of TCM and Western medicine practices is becoming more important than ever for the Western consumer and healthcare provider alike. It will be through this understanding and respect for their differences that physicians from both schools will be able to unite and discard any lingering dangerous methods while utilizing the best methods from each.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Eastern medicine, also known as traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda, is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world and originates from Asia (Power of Prevention. (n.d.), Medical News Today. (n.d.)). It approaches diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease in a holistic manner. This includes multiple factors that embrace the mind, body, and spirit. The practice includes branches of treatment such as acupuncture and tai chi. (Medical News Today. (n.d.))

Eastern medicine aims to treat the whole person rather than just their symptoms. (Medical News Today. (n.d.)) Therefore, some may describe this practice as more personalized to a condition. Eastern medicine practitioners diagnose diseases by examining the entire body with a focus on imbalances in the person. (Power of Prevention. (n.d.)

TCM in particular is a traditional healthcare system developed in China over the course of several millennia.3 It is one of the oldest forms of Eastern medicine. While there is some archaeological evidence of acupuncture needles as old as 8,000 years, the first known texts to discuss TCM are 2,300 years old.4 These classics, the Yi Qing (Book of Changes) and Haungdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Internal Medicine), laid the foundation on which modern TCM was built, similarly to how Hippocratic Corpus influenced Western medicine. Over thousands of years, the concepts introduced in the Yi Qing and Huangdi Neijing, have been added to and improved by countless more TCM practitioners. This practical knowledge is passed down in a physician’s training. Similarly, in Western medicine, peer-reviewed journals and case studies preserve all of the experiences and knowledge of the doctors before passing them down to the next generation of doctors. The difference is that TCM has been accumulating this practical knowledge for much longer.

Treatment Modalities

This expansive body of practical experience has led to the creation of a wide array of treatment modalities and herbal remedies.  Many TCM treatments are drastically different from Western treatment modalities while a few are strikingly similar. Modalities unique to TCM include:

• Acupuncture: In this therapy, needles, usually made of stainless steel, are inserted into acupuncture points. The gauge of the needle and the acupuncture point that it is inserted into will vary based on what the acupuncturist is trying to achieve.3 The FDA considers acupuncture needles medical devices and, as such are regulated in the same manner as other Western medical devices. 

• Moxibustion: Moxa, cones made of mugwort, are burned either on or over the skin in strategic points to stimulate blood-flow and qi. Many forms of moxibustion exist. Moxa can be burnt in their entirety until they burn out, making direct contact with the skin. Burns and scarring are an intentional part of some direct moxibustion therapies. Not all direct moxibustion results in injury though. The moxa can be extinguished before the embers come in contact with the skin. Another form, indirect moxibustion, uses a buffer between the moxa and the skin. 

• Acupressure: Acupuncture points are stimulated through massage instead of needles in this technique. 

• Qi Gong / Tai Chi – Both of these are forms of meditative movement. Slow, controlled exercises are performed while focusing on deep breathing. Movements are coordinated with each inhalation and exhalation. The goal of these exercises is to cultivate mindfulness, strength, range of motion and the mind-body connection.  Research suggests that it can lower anxiety and hypertension.5 

• Tui Na: The name literally means “push-pull.” This modality is similar to Western massage.

Doctors of Chinese medicine use these and other therapies to bring the systems in the body into balance. TCM approaches health in a holistic manner that is focused on preventative care.  If the patient is found to be in a state of imbalance, then the TCM doctor would prescribe a variety of treatments to bring them back into balance. This could include diet and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, in addition to any of the treatments listed above, or others, as a comprehensive treatment plan. If the patient was found to be in balance, a treatment plan to maintain it would also be prescribed. 

This is radically different from the Western approach. While comprehensive treatments are gaining some attention in the West, it is not the norm. If the patient is sick, they might get a prescription for medicine or recommend surgery or medical procedures. However, the big difference between Western medicine and TCM lies in creating a treatment plan for a healthy individual. In Western medicine, if the patient is found to not have any indicators of disease, no further action is taken. TCM seeks to preserve this state and will take action to do just that.

TCM Theories

As part of making a diagnosis, a TCM doctor would do a thorough examination of the patient’s body and not just the location of the chief complaint as would be done by a Western physician. The purpose of this is to look for any outward signs of internal syndromes. “Syndrome” in TCM does not carry the same semantics as “syndrome” in Western medicine. The human body is seen as a microcosm of the universe.6 Elements that govern the universe, such as qi, or vital life energy, could be in excess or deficiency within the micro-universe of the body. This is what is considered a syndrome in TCM. Sometimes it produces what Western medicine would call a syndrome or disease, but not always. During diagnosis, all of these elements are evaluated. In addition to this, the TCM doctor would consider the geographical location, time of the year, time of day, diet, and daily activities of the patient.

While TCM is holistic in approach, Western medicine is disease-centric. Modern Western medicine treatment modalities emerged as a result of a need to treat a specific disease.7 As such, diagnosis in Western medicine also focuses largely on the illness. A Western medical doctor would ask the patient what the chief complaint was. A medical history of the patient and their immediate family member’s previous illnesses would be taken into consideration. The location of the complaint would be examined and samples for testing would be collected. 

These samples are then tested with the goal of finding anomalies outside a healthy range. If no diseased state is found, then no action is taken. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in patient-centered treatment within the Western healthcare industry. Diseases like addiction do not respond well to “treatment-as-usual” modalities but instead respond best to comprehensive treatment plans. 7 Newer Western methods have included methods similar to TCM that evaluate the patient’s habits and activities and address how they can be used to improve treatment outcomes. Some Western doctors even suggest the use of TCM therapies like acupuncture or qi gong as complementary treatment to addiction. 

Concepts at Odds

The benefits of qi gong can be obtained without understanding or accepting the notion of qi. Western medicine claims that the mechanism of action of the lowered blood pressure, stress, anxiety and improved cardiovascular health from qi gong is unknown. In TCM, these effects are attributed to the influence of qi, Heaven and Earth energies. Many of these core concepts are the reason why Western medicine has been so hesitant to adopt more TCM modalities. Here are a few concepts that play a large role in TCM that Western medicine has trouble accepting:

• Qi is a central concept of TCM. It is often translated as vital energy or simply energy. A literal translation of the Chinese character for qi, meaning “breath,” has significance. While qi can be taken in many ways, breathing is one of the primary.  Qi gong is considered a practice that cultivates qi which is why there is so much focus placed on breath-work and drawing each breath deep within the body. It isn’t just oxygen that is being drawn in, but also qi. Experienced practitioners say that they can feel a tingling sensation coursing through their body which is attributed to qi moving through meridians.8

• Meridians are the channels through which qi travels throughout the body. These lines run from specific internal organs out to locations on the skin. Along these meridians are several acupuncture points. These channels link the internal systems of the body to the outside. Many TCM modalities utilize meridians to achieve desired results by targeting the ones associated with the systems that need to be stimulated or suppressed. Meridians can be classified as yin or yang. They fall under the same classification as the organ that the meridian is linked to and named after.

• Yin and Yang are opposing forces in nature. It can also be considered the duality of nature. Some examples of yin-yang are hot-cold, man-woman, or interior-exterior.  Western medicine is not without its own yin-yang concepts, such as dextro- and levo- compounds. However, for TCM this concept governs everything. Organs are either yin or yang, and this is determined usually by whether they are hollow, such as lungs, or solid, like the liver. Some yin attributes are slow, cold, damp, passive, dark, Winter months and female. While yang is associated with active, male, hot, bright and  Summer months. These traits help to diagnose an excess or deficiency of either yin or yang. If there is an excess of yin, a yang meridian might be stimulated through acupuncture, or the TCM doctor might suggest a “de-concoction” of yang herb.

• Five Elements Theory is similar to yin and yang in that elements play a role in a person’s health. Five elements interact with one another within the body and should be kept in balance. These elements are earth, fire, water, wood, and metal. Organs, illnesses, and a variety of states are associated with an element. This is used to help diagnose and choose a treatment for a patient.  

Limitations?

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Western Medicine 

Western medicine, also known as allopathic medicine, is the most common type of healthcare in the United States and much of the world. It is based on scientific evidence and uses proven methods to diagnose and treat conditions and improve overall health. (Western Medicine: Explained & Examples, 2022)

Western medicine forms the basis of most modern healthcare systems in the world. It refers to how medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, treat diseases using medical treatments, such as drugs, radiation, and surgery. (Medical News Today. (n.d.)) Therefore, some people may refer to Western medicine as mainstream or conventional medicine.

Western medicine uses a systemic approach, utilizing symptoms and separate organ systems to determine treatments. It has key foundations that form the basis of treatment. These include physically examining the body and the associated symptoms, diagnosing diseases and conditions using scientific evidence, using treatments that are clinically proven to be effective.

Western medicine has developed through hypothetical deduction. Every statement in Western medicine is a result of a series of fact probings. The hypothesis is usually derived from general observations of a phenomenon, and a research plan is carefully designed. When enough data are collected, conclusions are drawn as a result of critical statistical evaluations. In contrast, Eastern medicine uses the inductive method. Oriental medical literature, in general, is a record of practical experience accumulated from millions of practitioners throughout thousands of years. The format of the recording is a result of direct observation. This makes it difficult to compare the results of the two different approaches to medicine. 12

The Western approach to medicine clearly divides health from disease, and the main emphasis is on the individual body. The environment is considered as only one factor that affects the body. Responsibility for various phases of health and disease care is shared by professionals in several disciplines. Physicians are trained mainly for the care of acute phases of disease, that is, disease detection and therapy. The areas of health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation are taken care of largely by other trained professionals. This team approach gives the impression of being more community-minded than individual-based, yet the objective is still individual well-being. The Eastern idea of health and disease is looked upon as the two sides of a coin. 

In other words, every person is in a state of balance between external insults and internal defensive mechanisms. If the insults are greater than one’s defenses, one is ill; if not, one maintains good health. Since the individual is considered merely a microcosm existing in a macrocosm, there are changes every minute, with constant readjustments. The duty of a physician is to strengthen the internal defensive power and power of adaptation of each individual person and enable him to fight the environmental insults, or to adapt to external changes so that he can live in a peaceful balance within himself and with his environment, thereby maintaining good health. The responsibility of a physician is, in fact, to promote health and treat diseases when they occur.

Treatment Modalities

The Western approach looks into every aspect of a person with great detail, from a microscopic to a macroscopic view of biology, embryology, histology, and microbiology, studies the cellular level of chemistry and physics, then looks to the basic anatomy and physiology, and finally moves to the clinical practical aspects of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and public health. With this large field in such minute detail, no one can master everything; therefore, training and practice tend to be segmented. 

Some of the key treatment modalities and their applications in Western medicine include:

1. Diagnostic Tests: These include blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, and imaging scans. These tests help doctors diagnose diseases and monitor patients’ health.
2. Pharmaceutical Drugs: Doctors prescribe medications to treat various conditions. These can range from antibiotics to treat infections, to chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment.
3. Surgery: Surgical procedures are used to treat a variety of conditions, from removing tumors to repairing injuries.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Doctors often recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent or manage chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
5. Radiation Therapy: This is often used in the treatment of cancer, where high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, are used to destroy or damage cancer cells. (“Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine in Cancer Treatment,” 2010, #)
6. Preventive Care: This includes vaccinations and regular health check-ups to prevent diseases or catch them early when they’re easier to treat.

It’s important to note that while Western medicine is effective in treating many conditions, it also recognizes the value of complementary therapies, and may use them alongside conventional treatments. This approach is often referred to as integrative medicine.

Limitations of Western Medicine

While Western medicine has made significant strides in treating illnesses and diseases, it does have its limitations. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Over-reliance on Medications: Western medicine often involves the use of powerful medications that can cause unintended harm to your body. These medications can sometimes lead to side effects and complications. (Layne, n.d.)
2. Lack of Personalized Care: Patients often have limited autonomy when it comes to making decisions about their own health. Many doctors see hundreds of patients a week, therefore there is no special attention given. (Disadvantages of Western Medicine | Power Yoga, n.d.)
3. Focus on Symptoms Rather Than Causes: Some critics argue that Western medicine focuses more on treating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes of illnesses. This can lead to a cycle of symptom management without ever truly resolving the root cause of the health issue. (Layne, n.d.)
4. Disregard for Traditional and Alternative Medicines: Western medicine often disregards the potential benefits of traditional and alternative medicines. These forms of medicine can offer valuable complementary treatments and a more holistic approach to healthcare. (Disadvantages of Western Medicine | Power Yoga, n.d.)
5. Preventive Care: While Western medicine excels in treating acute conditions, it sometimes falls short in the area of preventive care. The emphasis is often on treating existing conditions rather than preventing illness in the first place. (Layne, n.d.)
6. Healthcare Disparities: Inequalities in access to resources and treatment options can lead to healthcare disparities. This means that not everyone has the same access to the benefits of Western medicine.

It’s important to note that these limitations do not negate the significant benefits and advancements of Western medicine. However, they highlight the importance of a balanced and integrative approach to healthcare, which combines the strengths of Western medicine with those of traditional and alternative therapies.

Where does Eastern and Western Medicine Intersect?

The field of medicine has evolved over time, with distinct origins and developments around the world. Two prominent schools of medicine that exist today are Eastern and Western medicine. (Power of Prevention. (n.d.)) While they are disciplines in the same field, Eastern and Western medicine vary greatly from one another. This article will explore the key differences between these two schools of medicine, their benefits, and why we might need both.

Many principles and techniques from Eastern medicine have become commonplace in Western practices, for example, treating the ‘whole person’ rather than a symptom or disease, or using techniques like meditation as part of treatment for mental health issues. Emerging research indicates that certain therapies originating from Eastern medicine, such as meditation, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupuncture, may work for a number of health conditions, and in some cases, the two schools of thought can be complementary.

Prescribing Practices

Pharmaceuticals play an integral role in treatment plans for Western medicine, much like herbal remedies do for TCM. Western pharmaceuticals usually have one active ingredient that works to treat the condition. A doctor could prescribe a few at a time, each is taken individually. This multi-drug therapy, or poly-pharmacy, has become more common as it can make medications more effective than if taken alone9. The combined drugs can potentiate one another with better results than had they been taken alone.  

In Chinese medicine, this technique is always used. Instead of a chemical that has been isolated in a lab and pressed into a pill, Chinese pharmaceuticals consist of herbal preparations. These preparations might have a wide variety of active ingredients that are taken together as one10. They work on the body in the same way that Western pharmaceuticals do. In fact, some modern Western pharmaceuticals have been found in Chinese herbal remedies. Ephedrine—a medicine used by Western doctors to treat asthma, coughs, and congestion—is from the Ephedra plant which is used in TCM herbal remedies that treat the same conditions.

In recent years, American insurance companies have begun to cover some TCM services. Usually, coverage is limited to acupuncture or moxibustion, but this coverage is widespread. Even some Medicaid plans will cover these services just as they would cover Western medical practices. 

Modern Standards of Safety

Since the middle of the 20th century, China has taken great strides in modernizing TCM to ensure safety, efficacy, and global recognition. Some older TCM herbal treatments contained toxic materials similar to older Western pharmaceuticals. China regulates formulas so that these harmful blends are no longer used. Similarly, in the United States, herbal remedies are regulated as well. While the health claims are not verified by the FDA, because they are not considered a drug, they are still monitored for safety. 11

Do We Need Both?

The question arises: do we need both Eastern and Western medicine? The answer is yes. Both forms of medicine have their strengths and weaknesses, and they can complement each other in many ways.

Eastern medicine’s holistic approach can be beneficial for chronic conditions where a comprehensive view of the patient’s lifestyle is necessary. It emphasizes prevention and uses natural treatments, which can have fewer side effects than some Western treatments. (Medibank. (n.d.))

On the other hand, Western medicine excels in acute care and surgery. It is evidence-based, meaning its treatments have been scientifically tested for safety and effectiveness (Medibank. (n.d.)). Western medicine’s strength lies in its rigorous scientific research methods, advanced technology, and specialization in various fields of medicine.

Both Eastern and Western medicines have their unique advantages. They can complement each other to provide comprehensive healthcare. By integrating both systems’ strengths, we can achieve a more balanced approach to health care that caters to each individual’s unique needs.

Here are some examples:

1. Western Medicine: If a person has a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, they would likely benefit from Western medicine’s approach, which would typically involve a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Similarly, if someone is having a heart attack, the immediate interventions offered by Western medicine, such as clot-busting drugs or surgery, can be life-saving. (Bhanote, 2022) (Western Medicine: Explained & Examples, 2022)
2. Eastern Medicine: On the other hand, if a person is dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia, they might find relief from the holistic approaches used in Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture or herbal remedies. Similarly, for stress management and mental well-being, practices common in Eastern medicine like meditation or Tai Chi might be beneficial. (Wang, n.d.)

It’s important to note that these are just examples and the choice between Eastern and Western medicine depends on the individual’s specific health needs and personal preferences. It’s always a good idea to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to determine which approach might be the best fit. These practices should complement, not replace, conventional medical care. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns.

Conclusion

As more interest is given to TCM in the West by patients, the healthcare field, and academia, new ways to implement and modernize this ancient medicine can be expected. To be accepted by Western medicine, TCM must undergo the process of peer review. With the growing interest, more studies are being published every day at an ever-growing rate. The expansive body of knowledge that must be tested and reviewed.

is the main limiting factor. It will take many man-hours and dollars to verify it all. Patients will drive what is confirmed first as they push insurance companies and government policy to accept their preferred TCM modalities. While there are major differences between the core principles of Western medicine and TCM, their modalities have familiar hallmarks. Some differences will probably never be reconciled due to one having a spiritual and philosophical element while the other is firmly grounded in science. If these two medical practices can respectfully agree to disagree, there is much to be gained from both.

Patient Testimonials

Fatime Faha, a resident of New York, had been battling schizophrenia, a mental illness, for quite some time. Her journey to recovery began when she started visiting Dr. Haque about 5 to 6 months ago.

Dr. Haque suggested a comprehensive plan for Fatime that included a proper diet and specific dietary supplements. Fatime diligently followed Dr. Haque’s advice and started noticing significant improvements in her condition.

Before starting this treatment, Fatime had no hope of living without medications. However, with Dr. Haque’s guidance and the improvements she experienced, she regained hope. She is now on her way to living a healthy life without the need for medications.

Fatime’s experience with Dr. Haque’s treatment plan has been overwhelmingly positive. She appreciates his excellent services and is grateful for the hope and improvement she has experienced. This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of a holistic approach, including diet and supplements, in managing mental health conditions like schizophrenia.

She wrote:

“ Hello it’s Fatima. I been visiting dr. Haque more then 5/6 months for schizophrenia which is  a mental illness. However, I’m seeing a lot of improvements and on my way to live  without the medications with the help of living a healthy life which includes proper diet and some dietary supplements that dr. Haque suggested me. Before I had no hope of leaving the medications but now I have 100% hope of living without the medications inSha Allah. Also, he gives great services.”

• Fatime Faha, New York, Patient, 2022

Kamrul Islam, a resident of London, UK, had been seeking a better solution for his sister’s autism and his mother’s tumor. He was dissatisfied with the conventional medications that did not seem to help much. He decided to try the services of Dr. Haque and the Holistic Life Clinic, hoping for a more integrative approach.

Dr. Haque and his team offered an integrative treatment plan that combined natural therapies with conventional medicine. They tailored the plan to suit the individual needs of Kamrul’s sister and mother, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. The treatment plan involved dietary changes, supplements, herbal remedies, counseling, and physical therapies, as well as regular monitoring and follow-up.

The results were amazing. Kamrul’s sister and mother experienced significant improvements in their conditions. His sister’s autism symptoms became less severe, and she was able to communicate and socialize better. His mother’s tumor shrank in size, and she felt less pain and discomfort. The whole family felt more energetic and healthy, and they were able to enjoy life more.

Kamrul’s experience with Dr. Haque and the Holistic Life Clinic was overwhelmingly positive. He praised their service and their integrative approach. He felt that the treatment was worth the cost, as it improved his family’s well-being and quality of life. He would highly recommend Dr. Haque and the Holistic Life Clinic to anyone looking for a more holistic and effective way of healing. This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of integrative medicine in treating complex and chronic conditions. It underscores the importance of personalized care and natural therapies in supporting the body’s healing process.

He wrote:

“Amazing service, my whole family has benefited from this as we are doing much better now through the use of their integrative approach for my sister Autism and my mother tumor. My family has been feeling much better and energetic and these conventional medications are just useless. It was a costly treatment but I’d rather prefer to pay extra to stay fit and well”

• Kamrul Islam, London, UK, Patient, 2022

References

Bhanote, M. (2022, February 23). What to know about western vs. Eastern medicine. Medical News Today. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/western-vs-eastern-medicine

Disadvantages of Western Medicine | Power Yoga. (n.d.). Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://poweryoga.com/the-absurdity-of-western-medicine/

Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine in Cancer Treatment. (2010). In W. C.S. Cho (Ed.), Supportive Cancer Care with Chinese Medicine (pp. 341–361). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3555-4_13

Layne, J. (n.d.). 20 Pros and Cons of Western Medicine 2023. Ablison. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.ablison.com/pros-and-cons-of-western-medicine/

Wang, Z. (n.d.). How Combining Eastern and Western Medicine Makes You a Better Oriental Medicine Practitioner. National University Of Health Sciences. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.nuhs.edu/how-combining-eastern-and-western-medicine-makes-you-a-better-oriental-medicine-practitioner/

Western Medicine: Explained & Examples. (2022, April 21). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22835-western-medicine

Western Medicine: Explained & Examples. (2022, April 21). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22835-western-medicine

• Power of Prevention. (n.d.). Eastern vs. Western Medicine | Power of Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.powerofprevention.com/eastern-vs-western-medicine/
• Medical News Today. (n.d.). Western vs. Eastern Medicine: What’s the Difference? | Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/western-vs-eastern-medicine
• Medibank. (n.d.). The Origins of Western and Eastern Medicine | Medibank. Retrieved from https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/health-brief/health-insights/the-origins-of-western-and-eastern-medicine/

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2.Luo, Hua et al. “The key issues and development strategy of Chinese Classical Formulas pharmaceutical preparations.” Chinese medicine vol. 16,1 70. 4 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1186/s13020-021-00483-6

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4.Sertel, Serkan, et al. “Evaluation of quality of life in patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine.” The Open Otorhinolaryngology Journal 4.1 (2010).

5.Goldbeck, Florens et al. “Relaxation or Regulation: The Acute Effect of Mind-Body Exercise on Heart Rate Variability and Subjective State in Experienced Qi Gong Practitioners.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2021 6673190. 8 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/6673190

6. Tseui, J J. “Eastern and western approaches to medicine.” The Western journal of medicine vol. 128,6 (1978): 551-7. 

7.Birch, Stephen. “Treating the patient not the symptoms: Acupuncture to improve overall health – Evidence, acceptance and strategies.” Integrative medicine research vol. 8,1 (2019): 33-41. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.07.005

8.Hung, Shih-Han et al. “Is the Qi experience related to the flow experience? Practicing qigong in urban green spaces.” PloS one vol. 16,1 e0240180. 4 Jan. 2021, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240180

9. Pan, Si-Yuan et al. “Historical perspective of traditional indigenous medical practices: the current renaissance and conservation of herbal resources.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2014 (2014): 525340. doi:10.1155/2014/525340

10. Huang, Tao et al. “Approaches in studying the pharmacology of Chinese Medicine formulas: bottom-up, top-down-and meeting in the middle.” Chinese medicine vol. 13 15. 21 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0170-4

11. FDA. “FDA 101: Dietary Supplements.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements.
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