The Difference

We are complex organisms, connected internally and to the outside world in ways we do not yet fully understand. Treating one part, one system or one aspect of ourselves does not consider the whole and how one affects the other.

Western medicine tends to treat isolated symptoms, using drugs or interventions that solve one problem, often at the expense of another. The result can mean more imbalance that fosters reliance on more drugs and interventions.

The most fundamental healing principal in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the balancing of yin and yang, which represents opposite yet complementary aspects of nature. These aspects are present within our bodies and in the universe. Qi is the vital energy that vibrates throughout all matter. When there is imbalance between yin and yang, the flow of qi is disrupted or weakened, resulting in disharmony and disease. For more than 2,000 years, TCM has used medicinal herbs, acupuncture, Tuina (Chinese massage), moxibustion (herbal heat therapy), and other techniques to successfully treat a wide range of illnesses.

At WholeSelf, we believe that Western medicine and TCM work best in concert. TCM’s benefits are in treating the underlying causes of disease, and balancing and strengthening the body to prevent disease. In cases of long-term, chronic illness, TCM can provide an alternative to or complement the use of drugs or medical intervention by reducing side effects, enhancing results, and most importantly, improving quality of life.