In Search of an Explanatory Bridge: Where Oriental and Western Medicine Converges

Oriental Medicine uses metaphoric language to express concepts that apply universally. Often, it uses the concepts of energy and describes things at an energetic level. Conversely, Western Medicine uses concepts of chemistry, atoms and molecules, where descriptors are at the micro-level by way of reductionism. The former sounds rather esoteric, while the latter tends to portray a modern scientific view. It is often said that one cannot compare Oriental Medicine theories with that of Western Medicine. However, this assertion may not be necessary. Although there are still mysteries yet to be unfolded, Oriental Medicine can be explained with scientific notions. If one can translate the language spoken by each of the two medicine traditions, one may find a bridge where the two medicines resonant beautifully.

Keywords: Oriental medicine; Western medicine; Chemistry; Energy; Meridian