Do people who use chinese medicine ever use western medicine also?Is it ok to see a western doctor?

Question

I'm just curious about whether a person who used TCM practices like acupuncture, herbology, cupping, and excercises would ever use westen medical approaches also.

Answer 1

The use of both TCM and Western treatment can actually help to speed up recovery. But it is naturally an individual's choice what sort of treatment they wish to seek. I think it also depends on the illness.

Like myself, when I have a cough I prefer chinese herbs. Cos from experience, it's more effective. But of cos, I'll still go to the western doc so that I can get medical leave. My mum has slip disc and scoliosis, acupuncture and massage was a lot more effective and less invasive for her. The Western doc recommended surgery and not without risks of paralysis!

But for other major illness like cancer, TCM would probably be a more supporting role. I know for a fact that TCM is very helpful for cancer patients undergoing western treatments. After chemo, the body is usually very weak and wreaked with side effects, TCM helps to readjust the body, reduces the side effects and strengthen it for the next treatment.

Answer 2

Many people will use both traditional folk medicine and western medicine. Homeopathy is often suggested only as a supplement to modern science. Some people refuse to accept western medicine, preferring only homeopathic remedies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Really, it depends on the individual person. Some, such as Christian Scientists, refuse the use of medicine altogether in favor of prayer and faith alone.

Answer 3

A person who was using chinese medicine just to keep fit and healthy, would quickly turn to mainstream medicine if they had cancer or heart disease etc.
Why do you think we have specialists in all the city hospitals.
They certainly wouldn't have herbal tea doctors, and all the voodoo elements to cure diseases.
Hospitals have all the testing facilities. what does an acupuncturist have.. ??