🌿 Folk Prescriptions

In recent centuries, the debate between traditional Chinese and Western medicine has been a widely discussed topic. Those who defend the integrity of TCM believe its diagnostic thinking is superior to Western medicine; while advocates of Westernization argue that modern science advances rapidly, whereas TCM remains entrenched in tradition, making significant progress difficult. Although both sides derive their views from comparative analysis, these arguments are often emotionally charged, making objective and fair evaluation challenging.To objectively and fairly compare and evaluate the differences and similarities between TCM and Western medicine, multiple perspectives can be considered. However, the most practical and widely accepted approach typically involves examining physiology and pathology, syndrome differentiation versus disease diagnosis, and drugs and treatment methods.In terms of physiology, Western medicine excels in conducting objective, detailed scientific research and analysis on the functions of the five zang organs, six fu organs, blood, nerves, muscles, and bones. In this regard, TCM appears significantly distant. Although TCM does have anatomical knowledge and an ancient origin—such as the classic text Ling Shu·Jing Shui stating: "For a man of eight chi height, skin and flesh exist externally, measurable and palpable, and upon death, dissection reveals the firmness or softness of the viscera, the size of the hollow organs, their respective volumes, the length of meridians, the clarity or turbidity of blood, and the abundance or scarcity of qi—all with specific quantitative standards"—TCM did not develop its theoretical system along the line of anatomical study. Instead, it evolved a unique abstract physiological model. For instance, TCM explains heart function beyond the physical organ, and liver function beyond the organ itself. The theory of Zang-Xiang is a further synthesis based on anatomical and physiological foundations.Regarding pathology, Western medicine distinguishes between organic and functional disorders and emphasizes identifying actual pathological roots. For example, when a patient experiences palpitations, Western medicine must first determine whether it is functional or due to structural issues within the heart. It also places great importance on pathological reactions caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and toxins. In contrast, TCM approaches pathology through comprehensive reasoning, categorizing all bodily pathological changes under the "Nineteen Pathogenic Mechanisms." Clinical medicine has since expanded upon this framework, introducing concepts like imbalance of yin-yang, struggle between pathogenic and healthy qi, and disharmony of qi, blood, and body fluids, among which imbalance of yin-yang is considered the most fundamental mechanism.Under normal health conditions, the human body maintains a relatively stable state of “yin equilibrium and yang harmony.” Once this balance is disrupted, the body enters a pathological state. For example, consider coughing: Western medicine would first identify whether it is upper respiratory tract infection, tracheitis, tuberculosis, or even lung cancer. TCM, however, differentiates whether it is due to external or internal causes. If external, it could be wind-cold or wind-heat; if internal, it might involve lung deficiency, kidney deficiency, or even the concept that “all five zang and six fu organs can cause cough.” Similarly, for dizziness: Western medicine must first determine if it is hypertension, anemia, neurasthenia, or another brain-related condition before prescribing medication. TCM, on the other hand, differentiates based on blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, liver wind, etc.Undoubtedly, syndrome differentiation and treatment have their strengths. However, integrating modern Western diagnostic equipment can help overcome the limitations of TCM’s syndrome differentiation, and this integration has already been adopted in clinical practice. For example, when certain cases require modern Western diagnostic tools, TCM practitioners similarly employ X-ray imaging, laboratory tests, and other methods without exception.Regarding drugs and treatment, Western medicine primarily uses chemically synthesized substances, while TCM relies mainly on natural herbs. Currently, Western medicine's advantages lie in convenience and emergency care, whereas TCM excels in flexible prescription adjustments and long-term tonification. Of course, this comparison is relative—when herbal medicines are prepared as patent medicines, they are also convenient, and some acute conditions respond well to herbal treatments.The above comparison focuses only on surface-level observations. Upon deeper exploration, one finds that despite differing forms, both systems share the same ultimate goal: healing and saving lives. Undeniably, TCM’s unique theoretical system differs greatly from Western medicine, yet both can cure diseases and are scientifically valid. As the great scientist Albert Einstein observed clearly in the 20th century: “The development of Western science rests on two great achievements: the invention of formal logical systems (as seen in Euclidean geometry) by Greek philosophers, and the discovery through systematic experimentation of possible causal relationships (during the Renaissance). In my view, it is not surprising that Chinese sages did not take these two steps, but rather remarkable that these discoveries were made in China.”As Chinese medicine radiates its brilliance worldwide, limited by the level of natural science at the time, until the 18th century, Western medicine still could not match TCM in many areas. Renowned science historian Dr. Joseph Needham said: “The skills of ancient Chinese and medieval physicians and artisans were far stronger than most sinologists are willing to admit”—a statement far from exaggeration.“Generations produce talented people, each leading trends for hundreds of years.” With the advancement of natural sciences, Western medicine, emphasizing “structure determines function,” focusing on tissue structure, and relying heavily on experiments and analytical methods, has gradually demonstrated strong vitality with the aid of chemistry, physics, microscopes, and other instruments.Thus, in the context of rapid technological progress, has TCM lost all its advantages? The answer is clearly no. Overall, TCM still holds irreplaceable advantages over Western medicine in aspects such as holistic medical models, unique theoretical systems, flexible syndrome differentiation, special therapeutic methods, and rational drug formulation.Clinically, for certain common, severe, and complex diseases that challenge modern medicine—such as viral infections, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, asthma, chronic liver and kidney diseases, collagen diseases, neurological sequelae, aging and geriatric conditions, aplastic anemia, and advanced cancers—using TCM herbs, acupuncture, qigong, tuina, cupping, and other special therapies often achieves satisfactory results. This has led increasing international interest and hope in TCM.Practice proves that TCM and Western medicine, with completely different theoretical systems, are not absolutely superior or inferior to each other. Both possess scientific validity and rationality, yet neither is perfect. If TCM lacks analytical quantification and experimental validation, Western medicine suffers from mechanistic materialism and lack of holistic unity.A harmonious integration of Western science and Chinese cultural understanding of wholeness and harmony will lead to a new natural philosophy and worldview. And in medicine, this ideal is clearly the future direction of modernized TCM.