英语畅谈中国文化50主题 04（在线收听）

04-Differences Between Chinese and Western Medicines

A: For many years, there have been repeated discussions to give up Chinese medicine. Its recently become a hot topic once again. And because believe the Chinese medicine is not scientifically based in comparison to Western medicine.

B: Although it is debatable why Chinese medicine is scientifically sound .You cannot deny it has a rich philosophic significance. This is very different from Western medicine. Usually, a Chinese medicine practitioner approaches on the home and abroad perspective, emphasis its entirety and dialectical implications. This is why some people view it as a holistic medicine. In contrast, a Western doctor deals to recipe with symptoms. For instance, if someone has a sore throat, a Western doctor will treated it as a throat problem while a Chinese doctor may link it to the disorder of the patient’s stomach.

A: What's the difference between Chinese and Western medicines?

B: A Chinese doctor examines its patients by using methods like observing, smelling , asking and feeling. His Western counterparts relies on symptoms or evidence, like body temperature and lab tests . A Chinese doctor determines the problem of patients interior organs by influence through observing very exterior signs such as complexion or the tongue .A Western doctor, on the other hand, makes his judgement based on the results of lab tests on the internal organs. He then reinforces its judgement by examining exterior symptoms. A Western doctor uses chemical based medicines and surgery, but a Chinese doctor relies on some herb medicines and acupuncture.

A: For patient, which is preferable?

B: It depends. Usually a Chinese doctor will recommend Western medicine for intensive treatment and Chinese medicine for the recovery. In fact, Chinese medicine is probably more effective in treating some functional diseases, while the cause is difficult to discover.

A: What will happen if Chinese medicine is indeed abandoned?

B: No idea, but for people with terminal diseases, Chinese medicine may be the last result. Chinese medicine can not only alleviate pain but also offers the option of different treatment.