Many people are puzzled about the advantages and disadvantages of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, thinking that Chinese medicine works slowly, not as direct as Western medicine. However, in reality, traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages and limitations in terms of therapeutic effects. The concept of traditional Chinese medicine is based on the harmony of the human body as a whole, following the natural law of “unity of heaven and man.” It integrates observation, listening, questioning, and pulse diagnosis to strive for harmonizing the internal and external balance of the human body, achieving systematic treatment of diseases.
The safety and effectiveness of Chinese medicine have been verified through thousands of years of practical experience, possessing a wide population base and rich clinical experience that modern Western medicine and other emerging medical fields find hard to reach. External application of Chinese medicine especially demonstrates its high safety and minimal side effects, avoiding gastrointestinal discomfort or liver and kidney burden that internal medications may cause, making it more suitable for long-term treatment and patients with sensitive constitution.
However, when facing diseases caused by a single microorganism such as bacterial pneumonia, Western medicine often shows rapid effectiveness through the use of antibiotics. But for diseases involving multiple factors, low immune function, or viral diseases, traditional Chinese medicine showcases a more flexible and comprehensive treatment effect through enhancing the body’s immunity, regulating qi, blood, yin, and yang, and utilizing other comprehensive methods. For example, in viral hepatitis, traditional Chinese medicine is superior in relieving symptoms than Western medicine, with lesser side effects on the liver.
The health preservation concept of traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes a holistic view, not only considering the interconnections of various parts of the body during diagnosis but also focusing on the combination of main and auxiliary herbs in prescription design, striving for balance in drug dosage to ensure the treatment of diseases while maintaining overall health. The dietary principles advocated by traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing moderation and nutritional balance, align with the modern nutritional concept of balanced diet, stating that diversified nutrient intake is the key to maintaining health.
In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine, with its unique theoretical system and treatment methods, demonstrates irreplaceable advantages in the treatment of certain diseases. It is worth considering traditional Chinese medicine as an effective treatment choice when facing health issues.
