Western Medicine vs. Oriental Medicine “Healing is a question of time, but sometimes also a question of opportunity. Medical practice must therefore not depend primarily on plausible theories but on experience combined with reason. » Hippocrates Spirituality is not limited to any religious confession or the search for knowledge. However, these are the fundamental principles of Eastern and Western medicine in their approach to health and well-being. Medicine and religion can be found linked together in some of the earliest civilizations. Diets were believed to cause illness and sometimes prevent cures. Illness was considered the work of a supernatural force bestowed upon evildoers as punishment. To avoid the burden of caring for the disabled, they were often killed. The use of herbs and incantations were used as treatment. History of Western Medicine Western medicine began after World War II in the 19th century. Its roots grew in ancient Greece and Egypt. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” believed that the key to good health lies in moderation. His establishment of medical ethics is the basis of the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors today. Cruz II Contributors to the development of medicine as we know it today include Aristotle, Plato, Servetus, Harvey, and Pastuer. The History of Oriental Medicine Oriental medicine is rooted in a traditional culture more than 3,000 years old. The doctors were divided into four departments: dietetics (food and drink hygiene); Diseases (internal medicine); Wounds (external medicine); and veterinarian. The medicinal materials used were herbs, minerals and animals. Ancient texts show traces of stone needle acupuncture; and references to illnesses... middle of article... me. The limits and disadvantages of Western medicine are their high cost, their limited access, their side effects which do not take into account all the factors. The problem is masked by quick fixes with lab-made drugs that can cause further harm. Advances in chemistry, genetics, and laboratory technology prove that Western medicine is most effective in trauma care and emergency medicine. Oriental medicine is completely natural and has no dangerous side effects. The healing process takes longer, but the overall results can often last longer. The cost of treatment is significantly lower, but most are still not recognized as health care by insurance companies and therefore not covered. Oriental medicine does not replace conventional health care but, through a composition of scientific knowledge about western medicines and the holistic approach of oriental medicine. , we could actually maximize our healing potential.