English Performance Task 2013: Research (Lee Jing Xuan) - What is the difference between alternative medicine, especially TCM, and conventional medicine?

Western Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

· Believes the complexity of human body can be broken down into smaller units to be understood

· Once the smaller units are understood, bigger picture can be assembled from the small pieces.

· Uses a Holistic approach.

· Believes the human body cannot be studied broken down because each part is dynamic and interdependent with other parts.

· Observe the whole system and try to see the whole picture.

· Sees human body as a bio-chemical model

· Composed of bio-molecules.

· Illnesses need to be treated mainly with bio-molecules.

· Sees human body as a gathering of flowing energies.

· These energies are dynamic and interdependent

· Under constant exchange with the natural environment.

· Emphasizes on utilizing modern technologies and equipment to accurately measure the parameters of human bodies.

· Emphasizes on utilizing the doctors’ own sensory organs to gauge patients’ overall conditions.

· Typically uses chemical or surgical methods to remove the cause of illnesses

· When the removal of antigen is not possible, it tries to keep the dysfunctions within an acceptable range.

· Typically uses natural materials or physical stimulation (like acupuncture and tui-na) to rebalance the body.

· Promote the body’s own healing power instead of manipulation and control.

· Is seen to be less flexible with the use of medicines

· Principle of medicine is relatively same from doctor to doctor

· Usually follows the same guidelines (method & medicine) for a disease once the diagnosis is established

· Is more flexible with the use of medicines (herbs) and the methods depending on one’s body condition

· Eg. They may have 1000 different combinations of herbs for 1000 patients with similar illness

English Performance Task 2013