Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sometimes known as “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, has been around for thousands of years, and countless people have attested to its healing abilities. Yet, despite its large support and use from various East Asian countries, it still has yet to adopt a strong foothold in Western countries. What accounts for this phenomenon, and why are doctors hesitant to prescribe Chinese medicine for their patients?
To begin with, one of the potential reasons for the lack of TCM in Western medicine is that there exists a certain stigma. Namely, some believe its practice is antiquated by virtue of the fact that TCM originated long ago, before the advent of modern thought and science.
Furthermore, it is difficult to understand TCM from a Western medical lens. Because parts of Chinese medicine is based on principles, such as qi, or “energy of the body”, which are undetectable by eye or even modern day scientific equipment, it becomes a daunting task to fully grasp its mechanism. It is human nature to fear what we don’t understand; in the context of this situation, many Western doctors and patients would rather prefer a familiar branch of medicine that has been subject through numerous, rigorous trials.
Image Source: Barry Austin
That being said, TCM is slowly on the rise in many Western countries, such as the US. Why has TCM become more popular? The answer lies in its affordability, relative accessibility, and toned-down intensity. Rather than going through the burden of paying an exorbitant hospital bill, some financially-strapped patients may elect cheaper, more viable alternative solutions, such as TCM. That being said, there’s no guarantee that TCM will be more effective or even as effective as Western medicine. Furthermore, in regards to Chinese herbal medicine, for example, studies have shown that many of the active ingredients found in Chinese herbal medicine are also found in Western medication. People, regardless of background, have begun to notice its restorative effects, and want to give this alternative form of medicine a shot.
It is key to remember that at the end of the day, the patient is the most important person in the hospital. Perhaps one of the most pivotal steps physicians may do for their patients is to educate them. Doctors should let them be aware of the backgrounds of the different treatments, whether that may be anecdotal or backed by scientific support. They should provide patients with the information necessary so they can make an informed decision. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that it’s not about which therapy is more superior in terms of culture, but which therapy is more superior when it comes down to the health of the patient.
