I really enjoyed this explanation of the differences between Western and Eastern forms of medicine. I thought you might appreciate learning about it too, if you didn't already know these things!
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From: HealthExecNews.com
Eastern and Western medicine, both providing proven methods of patient care, were developed with a completely different view of the body and how its ailments should be treated. From examination procedures to medicinal theories and treatment methods, these two types of health care show just how complex and varied the practice of medicine can be.
While modern technological advancements in Western medicine contributes to much of its success, Eastern medicine has relied on the foundations of health built thousands of years ago and deal mainly with holistic treatment through herbs and other natural remedies. These major differences have been shown to produce very different results in terms of healing time, financial impact, and recovery stages for patients.
With such a stark contrast in the way medicine is practiced on either side of the earth, we at HealthExecNews wanted to bring that important information to the forefront to help healthcare executives and professionals like you understand the differences and other methods of healing no matter where you’re located.
Extensive research was conducted to compare the two types of healthcare practices.
Here are the results from that research on East v. West Medicine:
Eastern medicine began some 5,000 years ago when ancient herbologists experimented and tested how plants interacted with and influenced bodily function. Through extensive testing, they identified which of those plants and substances were responsible for bringing the body to what they called “the perfect state”. With whole food formulas that enhanced health, clarity, beauty, and more, the practices of Eastern medicine were born.
Western medicine, on the other hand, came into fruition after WWII in the 19th century, and took a more laboratory-centered position. Though its roots were really developed back in the times of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, modern doctors and scientists based their medical research on producing controlled substances that could force function on the body and help eliminate symptoms or stimulate certain responses.
Medical Examination
These differences in treatment also influenced the way examinations are performed on patients. Eastern medicine, aligning with their concentrations on the natural environment, focus on the 5 elements of fire, earth, wood, metal, and water to interpret the body’s physiology and relationship with nature. Western examination rooms are much different; doctors assess vital signs and record data on heart rate, weight, blood pressure, the physical appearance of the patient and more to make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan. While both of these methods are valid ways of assessing a patient’s condition, they reside opposite ends of the medicinal spectrum.
These differences in treatment also influenced the way examinations are performed on patients. Eastern medicine, aligning with their concentrations on the natural environment, focus on the 5 elements of fire, earth, wood, metal, and water to interpret the body’s physiology and relationship with nature. Western examination rooms are much different; doctors assess vital signs and record data on heart rate, weight, blood pressure, the physical appearance of the patient and more to make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan. While both of these methods are valid ways of assessing a patient’s condition, they reside opposite ends of the medicinal spectrum.
An Eastern Influence on the West
Though there are very stark differences between the two methods of treatment, there are some areas where Eastern and Western medicine converge. In fact, Eastern medicine has had an influence on Western practices for some time. Take the example of the Yin and Yang. Often referred to as two opposites that come together to form a whole, Yin and Yang cover mental and physical functions in the body. In Eastern medicine, they represent blood and Qi energy, while in Western medicine they represent anatomy and physiology.
Though there are very stark differences between the two methods of treatment, there are some areas where Eastern and Western medicine converge. In fact, Eastern medicine has had an influence on Western practices for some time. Take the example of the Yin and Yang. Often referred to as two opposites that come together to form a whole, Yin and Yang cover mental and physical functions in the body. In Eastern medicine, they represent blood and Qi energy, while in Western medicine they represent anatomy and physiology.
This Qi energy is believed to be the flow of energy that sustains human life. The flow of this energy and finding its balance led to the development of acupuncture, another area where Eastern practices have influenced the West. Today, acupuncture is practiced by over 3 million people worldwide in the East and in the West. The benefits of acupuncture were found in the East in the 1600’s, however it was not until the late 1990’s that acupuncture became more widespread in Western medicine.
Duration of Treatments
While some doctors and health care specialists argue that one method of treatment is better than the other, research has shown that the Eastern methods of treating common ailments takes much less time and has a faster recovery rate than those in Western medicine.
While some doctors and health care specialists argue that one method of treatment is better than the other, research has shown that the Eastern methods of treating common ailments takes much less time and has a faster recovery rate than those in Western medicine.
Take headaches, for example. Eastern medicine utilizes the power of acupuncture to eliminate symptoms and the recurrence of the problems with about one treatment, while the same problem in Western medicine is treated over months and possibly years though the use of pain medication, muscle relaxants, and possibly even surgery.
Arthritis, a crippling yet common ailment for those in their senior years, can easily be treated with Eastern medicinal practices, and in about 10 to 15 treatments, the problems can be resolved. The same ailment in Western medicine, treated with pain and arthritis medication, will likely never be resolved, and patients will have to live with discomfort for the rest of their lives.
For those with insomnia, or trouble sleeping, Eastern medicine provides an easy fix to the problem, and with just 6 to 10 treatments, the patient will be sleeping normally. Western medicine, however, relies on medication and sleeping pills, that may never really solve the problem and can even cause the patients to become dependent on the substances. Other treatments for illnesses and ailments as a result of strokes, migraines, depression, sports injuries, and more are all treated and/or resolved in far less time than it takes with Western medicine.
Financial Impact of Medicinal Practices and their Effectiveness
It is well known that healthcare is one of the most expensive industries in the world, especially in the West. In the United States, healthcare spending totals $2.2 billion, with only 1.5% of that total dedicated to the practices of Eastern medicine. Most of these Eastern medical expenses are not covered by health insurance, so for those that are pursing Eastern medicine in the West, it is almost always an out-of-pocket expense. In fact, 38% of U.S. healthcare spending goes beyond that of Western doctors, showing that there is indeed interest in Eastern practices on the other side of the globe.
It is well known that healthcare is one of the most expensive industries in the world, especially in the West. In the United States, healthcare spending totals $2.2 billion, with only 1.5% of that total dedicated to the practices of Eastern medicine. Most of these Eastern medical expenses are not covered by health insurance, so for those that are pursing Eastern medicine in the West, it is almost always an out-of-pocket expense. In fact, 38% of U.S. healthcare spending goes beyond that of Western doctors, showing that there is indeed interest in Eastern practices on the other side of the globe.
Even though healthcare spending in the West takes up a substantial part of national budgets, research has shown that some treatment methods are not even that effective. A study done by Deepak Chopra and other holistic practitioners revealed that out of 2,500 common Western medical practices, only about 36% were found to either be beneficial or be likely to be beneficial. Of those medical practices, the effectiveness of 46% of them could not be determined. This is a startling statistic, especially considering that in the U.S., $700 billion are spent on unnecessary procedures and tests on a yearly basis, as well as the performance of nearly 2.5 million unnecessary surgeries.
It cannot be denied that Western practices and dedication to innovation and technology has changed the lives of patients for the better, but it also must be recognized that other forms of medicine and care have proven to be just as effective, if not more effective in some cases. Today’s doctors and medical professionals, no matter where they are located on earth, need to recognize and understand the differences in care around the world so as to provide the best treatments to their own patients.
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