Definition of Alternative Medicine:
- Any of a range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism, naturopathy, and crystal healing.
- Orthodox: Following or conforming to the traditional or generally accepted rules or beliefs of a religion, philosophy or practice
Definition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Range of medical practices sharing common concepts which have been developed in China based on a tradition of more than 2000 years
- Some examples of TCM: Herbal Medicine, Chinese Acupuncture, Tuina (massage), Qigong (exercise)
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE (in comparison)
Definition of Western Medicine:
Definition of Western Medicine:
- Medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.
Sources:
- http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/alternative%2Bmedicine
- http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/orthodox?q=orthodox
- http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33527
I guess the only reason why TCM isn't regarded as orthodox is because of the lack of scientific evidence behind Tuina and Acupuncture and all. That and the medicine is quite infamous for containing unusual/harmful/illegal ingredients. Including but not limited to heavy metals, mercury, human placenta, rhino horns, etc.
ReplyDeleteI know but just because it is unorthodox doesnt mean that it doesnt work.
ReplyDeleteIf TCM is scientifically researched and data collected, then I guess TCM won't be TCM anymore... It would be Western medicine. Many forms of western medicine have their beginnings in TCM. One example is a Malaria drug that the doctor I interviewed mentioned. Cannot remember the name as it is pretty long. THis drug was developed from a Chinese herb. Now it is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company under a Western medical name. So once studied, eventually most TCM won't be TCM anymore:)
ReplyDeleteWell, it would. Unless you consider TCM a sort of novel idea. It would be unfair to say that once scientifically proven, TCM would be a Western entity. Chinese herbs don't belong to TCM, same as how tablets don't belong to Western medicine. It's not a great comparison, but I hope you get what I'm trying to say.
DeleteYup, maybe TCM would become Western medicine when proven. BUT the research the both sides are conducting are already different, the approach and mindset is different. So I think it is mostly not possible that TCM would become Western medicine :)
DeleteAnyway is my research enough it's so little and so much easier compared to the rest of you!!! :/
ReplyDelete