TCM vs Western meds: How you can enjoy the best of both worlds
A TCM physician weighs in on the advantages of an East-meets-West approach
Western Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Eu Yan Sang’s latest concept, One Wellness Medical, is an integrative clinic targeted to provide a complementary approach towards better preventative care and early detection of health issues amidst Singapore's rapidly ageing population. This is achieved by addressing patients’ pain points through contemporary Medicine with Eastern techniques such as Acupuncture, Cupping and Tuina.
Yahoo Life Singapore got in touch with One Wellness Medical by Eu Yan Sang’s Physician Kwek Le Yin to learn more about its services and discuss the age-old debate about the efficacy of Western Medical versus Traditional Chinese Medicine.
About Physician Kwek Le Yin
Physician Kwek is a registered TCM Physician. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the Nanyang Technological University and a Bachelor in Medicine (Chinese Medicine) from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin, she currently practices at Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic@Sembawang and One Wellness Medical@Robinson Road/i12 Katong.
Yahoo Life Singapore: What is the main difference between traditional vs Western Medicine?
Physician Kwek: Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are used to restore one's health. Western Medicine is evidence-based and utilises a systemic approach involving analysis of symptoms and test results to diagnose a disease and determine treatment. Their treatment methods target specific symptoms and illnesses, aiming to cure the disease.
On the other hand, TCM stems from theories based on our ancestors' accumulated practical clinical experiences and involves using these theories to analyse symptoms and diagnose, treat and prevent disease. This is done holistically by treating the body as a whole instead of isolating the different organ systems and symptoms. This is based on the theory that the organs and structures in one's body are interlinked through the meridian system, and the illness of an organ can affect another.
In addition, TCM believes that each individual has a unique body constitution shaped by family genetics and lifestyle and environmental factors. This unique body constitution can affect the progression of the disease, and individuals may experience different symptoms despite being diagnosed with the same condition. As a result, TCM's treatment method is personalised to each individual, and individuals with the same disease may be treated differently. Besides disease treatment, TCM also focuses on returning the body to balance for disease prevention and general wellness to ensure longevity.
By having both TCM and Western Medicine under the same roof, patients can receive consultations from both sides and treatment plans that complement each other, allowing patients to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Could you share what One Wellness Medical by Eu Yan Sang is all about and what this means to patients?
Instead of having patients visit doctors and physicians at different clinics, One Wellness Medical – Eu Yan Sang's first integrative clinic – allows patients to see a general practitioner and TCM Physician at the same clinic. In addition to a seamless process, the platform allows two medical professionals to work hand-in-hand to develop a personalised treatment plan for patients. One Wellness Medical Physicians are also equipped with biomedical science knowledge, which enables them to provide better treatment plans that complement western medicine usage.
How does Eu Yan Sang combine TCM and Western Medicine, and how does this benefit patients, compared to relying on only one type of consultation?
By having both TCM and Western Medicine under the same roof, patients can receive consultations from both sides and treatment plans that complement each other, allowing patients to enjoy the best of both worlds. For example, while injuries and pain management is an area that TCM treatment is very effective, a patient with an injury will usually be advised by physicians to visit a doctor to do relevant tests and checks, as we do not have the tools to do so.
At One Wellness Medical, a patient can first visit the general practitioner for a diagnosis and treatment of his injury, followed by acupuncture and TCM herbs treatment that complements the western medicine treatment, facilitating a quicker recovery. Another example is COVID-19 symptoms. One Wellness Medical patients can consume Western Medicine and TCM to alleviate symptoms and strengthen their body's immunity to prevent future diseases and manage post-COVID conditions. A word of caution: a minimum gap of two hours between both types of medicine is necessary to avoid any drug-herb interaction.
Besides treatment, TCM also emphasises general wellness, as prevention is better than cure. TCM Physicians can also advise on healthier lifestyle practices for overall health maintenance. Examples include avoiding oily food for people with weak digestive systems, avoiding seafood for people with itchy skin conditions, food therapy to maintain general wellness and tuning our sleep cycle according to the TCM body clock.
Many still do not believe in the benefits of traditional medicine. How do you counteract this belief amongst the masses?
The best way to be convinced about the benefits of TCM is through their own positive experience with it. As TCM's theories are abstract and research is still being conducted, it is understandable that society still finds it hard to believe in TCM. Being a science student, I was previously sceptical as well.
However, my positive experience with TCM in Eu Yan Sang 15 years ago convinced me of its effects. It intrigued me so much that it motivated me to pursue this degree and profession. Some patients visit the clinic to seek an alternative treatment method, either because the western medicine treatment plan is invasive (for example, surgery), or they may be allergic to the western medication, or there is no suitable medicine available for their condition.
TCM also places considerable importance on mental health, and a healthy mind is vital for physical fitness. Try to maintain a positive outlook and participate in social activities to improve your mood.
Upon the first visit, some may have doubts about the efficacy of TCM. I have had patients asking if acupuncture was a placebo effect or whether the medicine would be helpful. Usually, I will encourage patients to keep an open mind and try the treatment. When their condition improves, they will naturally start to believe in it. Often, the most sceptical patients are the ones most impressed by the effects of TCM, strengthening their belief in it. Apart from that, talks are conducted to share with the public what TCM is and how TCM can help us maintain general health, prevent illnesses and cure conditions.
Many are unaware that TCM is all around us in our lives. The concept of heatiness and the heaty or cooling nature of food is TCM. The pipagao, commonly consumed when one has a cough, liang cha (cooling tea) and herbal soups all contain TCM herbs, and they are so commonly used that many do not view them as TCM treatments but rather as home remedies. Through talks, we aim to increase the public's understanding of TCM and to convey the message that TCM is all around us. At the same time, these concepts can also be incorporated into our lives through food therapy.
Where and how does one start to take better care of our health?
Often, we neglect how our small everyday actions can accumulate to result in detrimental effects on our bodies and health. However, we can start taking better care of our health by making small changes in our everyday lives. Firstly, sleep is crucial for health and recovery. Based on the TCM body clock, we should be in deep sleep from 11pm to 3am. This helps strengthen our immune system as our body is recovering, conducting cellular repair, building blood cells and detoxing blood during that period.
It is also recommended to incorporate 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity into our weekly routine. The food we consume is also fundamental, as food plays a massive role in many diseases. Therefore, consume food in moderation and the ratio of ½, ¼ and ¼ fruits and vegetables, meat, and carbohydrates (rice, bread etc.). Avoid oily food, and consume more water as well.
TCM also places considerable importance on mental health, and a healthy mind is vital for physical fitness. Try to maintain a positive outlook and participate in social activities to improve your mood. Apart from that, one can perform an acupressure massage on the Zu San Li (足三里) acupoint at home to strengthen their immunity. Zu san li (足三里), also known as "the point of longevity" and "the point of one hundred diseases", can improve body resistance and enhances immunological functions of the body. It also strengthens our digestive system and helps with leg numbness or pain. This point is located on the lateral side (outside) of the lower leg, three inches (or four finger’s breadth) below the outer knee depression, and one middle finger's breadth lateral to the tibial crest or shin bone. This point can be massaged for 5 minutes a day.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider on queries regarding a medical condition. Any action taken by you in reliance on or in connection with this content is solely at your own risk.
Looking to build your immunity and enhance your wellness for yourself and your loved ones? Yahoo Life Singapore lists popular gift sets you can consider.
Eu Yan Sang Quality Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar (Reduced Sugar) 6s (Bundle of 3)
Eu Yan Sang Bundle of 3 Superior Bird's Nest With Wild American Ginseng 6 bottles x 70g x 3 boxes
[Bundle of 6] Traditional Essence Of Fish 6 bottles x 70g x 6 boxes
[Bundle of 2] Organic High Protein Drip Chicken Essence 6 pack x 60g x box
Eu Yan Sang Black Boned Chicken Tonic Ba Zhen And Collagen 6 Bottles
Eu Yan Sang Roselle Tea (Twin Pack)
Eu Yan Sang Loquat Compound, 150ml
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider on queries regarding a medical condition. Any action taken by you in reliance on or in connection with this content is solely at your own risk.
