Why is TCM so popular in the western world and what are its advantages?

The history of traditional Chinese medicine goes  back a long way : Many experts believe that it originated in China more than 2,000 years ago , others go back even further and date it to  more than 4500 years. But it is certain that TCM is one of the oldest forms of healing, and has the most experience in understanding the body and curing diseases. The accumulated experience of hundreds of years make TCM so special. The main difference between TCM and western medicine is the fact that TCM is not just science but also a philosophy, a way how to see things and how to live a life. 

TCM was introduced in the west by acupuncture, the most famous method of treating in TCM. Astonishing healing effects could be observed without exposing the body to a lot of stress like chemicals, surgery.  Due to the success of acupuncture in the west, patients began to gain more interest in TCM and had soon discovered what TCM could do better than Western medicine. Western medicine is highly developed and can achieve breathtaking results like the transplantation of a heart. There are certain situations when the sophistication of these techniques is needed and TCM hast to accept its limits.

But very often there is a gentler and simpler way of cure available and many people prefer to choose this way.

Western physicians often only examine one a part of the body and look at it like a machine that has to be fixed. They are highly trained experts in their field and so they will concentrate on what they know best.

Therefore an expert often forgets that the body can only function as a whole, there must be an inner balance in both the body and mind.  The external influences and the patient's style of life, frame of mind, stress and happiness don´t receive the attention they deserve. It is also important to carefully listen what a patient has to say, sometimes even the consultation can be an important part of the healing process.

Many patients prefer this type of approach to their problems, most doctors just don´t have the time to listen and get to know the whole person. But this important first step gives the patient a good feeling and the certainty to be understood and not let alone.