The difference between traditional western medicine and modern western medicine

The differences between traditional western medicine and modern western medicine are as follows:

1, philosophical basis

The philosophical basis of classical western medicine is Aristotle's metaphysics and philosophical thought, which emphasizes that everything in nature has certain purposes and internal laws, and diseases arise because some organs and tissues of the body have lost their original functions and purposes.

On the other hand, modern western medicine is based on positivism and natural science methods. It regards disease as an abnormal state of body tissues and organs, and studies the pathogenesis and treatment of disease through scientific experiments and observations.

2. Theory

The theory of classical western medicine is based on the theory of four body fluids, which holds that human health is related to the balance of four body fluids (mucus, yellow bile, black bile and blood). Modern western medicine is based on cytology, genetics and biochemistry. It is believed that the human body is composed of cells, the occurrence of diseases is related to the abnormal state of cells, and the purpose of treatment is to restore the normal state of cells.

3. Disease awareness

Classical western medicine believes that diseases are caused by the imbalance or dysfunction of the "spirit" of the human body, and the treatment of diseases should achieve the purpose of treatment by regulating the energy flow in the body. Modern western medicine believes that diseases are biological abnormalities caused by pathogens and environmental factors, and the treatment should be to improve the physiological state of patients through drugs, surgery and physical therapy.

Step 3: Treatment

The treatment methods of classical western medicine include traditional Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture, massage, qigong and other non-drug treatment methods, emphasizing overall adjustment and balance. Modern western medicine adopts medical treatment, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other technical means, as well as rehabilitation treatment, psychotherapy and other auxiliary treatment means, emphasizing the scientific and standardized treatment methods.

Generally speaking, the philosophical basis, theory, disease understanding and treatment methods of classical western medicine and modern western medicine are different, which reflects the changes of human understanding and concept of disease and treatment in different historical periods.

Although modern western medicine is more scientific and technological, classical western medicine still has certain application value in some fields, such as acupuncture, massage and other non-drug therapies of traditional Chinese medicine have good effects in rehabilitation and pain management, while some therapies of modern western medicine also have many side effects and risks, which need to be strictly controlled.

Therefore, it is necessary to combine and communicate the two medical systems in order to better serve the health and medical care of patients.