Your health is the most important thing you own. When faced with illness the methodology you choose should benefit your health and your lifestyle. There are two competing philosophies, each with its own unique attributes and benefits. Eastern medicine is considered the more natural approach and provides a holistic approach to health and wellness, whereas Western medicine uses a traditional pharmaceutical approach. When choosing the right course of treatment and practice, it’s essential to understand the differences and benefits of each methodology.

The difference can be seen in the methods used in medical practice. There are functional medical doctors and traditional medical practitioners. The distinguishing factor between the two disciplines is the impact on the human body, its function, and how the body is impacted by nature and its surroundings. One methodology studies the human body and how it moves and works in nature; while simultaneously breaking down the effects of the seasons and environment and how that affects body mechanics, hormones, and more. The other uses a laser focus,  fixing only the broken parts without attention to why they broke in the first place or how they impact other elements of functionality. This type of practice has become the standard we have come to expect in today’s medical world.

Ideally, for patients to receive the best care, it’s best to get a mix of both an Eastern and Western approach to health and wellness since both philosophies have a lot to offer. When practiced in a complimentary manner, the patient’s outcome is superb.

Eastern Medicine is Steeped in History

Eastern medicine is rooted in thousands of years of empirical research, observation, and natural treatments. Most notably, the wellness philosophies of Eastern medicine stem from traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. There is a strong focus on breath, energy, and balance. A doctor will spend more time talking to you and watching how you move and your heartbeat sounds rather than rely on machines and apparatuses to read your bodily functions. 

The Differences between the Two Practices

Western medicine:

  • Views the body as a fine-tuned machine, where the body is comprised of various moving parts that work in unison.
  • When there is dysfunction in one part of the body, treatment typically stays focused on that singular part.
  • Treatment is not proactive. Instead, only it arises based on need.
  • Health is defined as the absence of disease and function within normal parameters.

Eastern medicine:

  • Eastern medicine views the body as a whole, with the idea that the body is interconnected and pathology influences the entire in an integrative manner.
  • The body is addressed as a unified self-regulating ecosystem impacted by its environment and needs to be nurtured. 
  • Eastern medicine is steeped in a fundamental belief that our thoughts impact how we function, as does our breath.
  • Respects the body’s ability to cultivate health and enhance a self-regulatory capacity.
  • Health is defined as integrity, the ability to adapt and maintain balance.

The Basic Tenets of Eastern Medicine

  • A strong focus on the mind-body connection. There is an emphasis on intuition and the mi d-body connection. 
  • The body has the innate ability to heal and maintain homeostasis.
  • Self-care, such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, are a few methodologies utilized to restore balance and wellness.
  • The use of herbs and natural remedies is abundant.

The Basic Tenets of Western Medicine

  • Relies on the use of modern medicine to fix what is currently broken.
  • Does not take an integrative approach to health and wellness.

Longevity Care Clinic knows how paramount your health and wellness are to you. Our approach looks at the body as an integrative whole, and our practitioners believe wellness begins from within. Our goal is to provide the best patient care and strengthen your body and mind using the six pillars of wellness. This enables you to continue living life to the fullest and feel your best every step of the way.