The Choice between Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine
When Chinese people fall ill, some of them choose Western medicine, some prefer
traditional Chinese medicine, while some others have difficulty in making a choice
between the two approaches. It is therefore necessary to know something about Western
medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Western medicine and traditional Chinese
medicine are obviously different in some ways. The strengths of Western medicine lie in
the treatment of acute diseases and surgical operations. Thus, in emergency and crisis
situations, there is generally no objection to Western medicine. In contrast, the
advantages of traditional Chinese medicine are disease prevention and the treatment
of chronic diseases and rare disorders. Therefore, belief in Chinese medicine remains
strong for maintaining health. In my opinion, both Western medicine and traditional
Chinese medicine can be effective in treatment. The two approaches are not contradictory;
rather they are complementary. The integration of the two may be a trend in healthcare
in the future.