When I started a little health blog in 2010 on Blogger to make myself accountable for eating better, I never knew it would evolve into an up-and-down journey documenting several diagnoses and treatments to manage multiple autoimmune and chronic health issues over 15 years!
Whew! What a reflection to kick off the new year! Hello, 2025!
As I look back over all the posts and updates shared with the public over the years it’s pretty clear that I rely both on my Western medicine primary care providers and specialists as well as a team of alternative healing practitioners rooted in Eastern medicine.
Today I want to chat about why I combine the two. I’ve discovered that’s the best approach to healthcare for me. Maybe these thoughts will help you evaluate how you care for yourself and if you could benefit from adding (or removing) something from your go-to health routine.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
What is Western Medicine, Again?
Western medicine is defined as “A system in which medical doctors and other health care professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, and orthodox medicine,” by the National Cancer Institute.
Science Direct shares this definition sourced from the International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2001:
“Western medicine refers to a healthcare system that utilizes diagnostic technologies, medications, and vaccinations. It is often imposed on societies from the outside and may have different assumptions about illness and disease compared to traditional healing practices.”
I live in the United States. Our system is structured around each person having a primary care provider (PCP) who manages their overall health and then refers them to specialists as needed.
For example, when my bloodwork ordered by my PCP showed rheumatoid factor and elevated inflammation markers, I was then referred to a rheumatologist who now helps me manage rheumatoid arthritis. When a brain MRI ordered by my PCP showed abnormalities, I was then referred to a neurologist to read the results closer and educate me on how the brain works neurologically. We then explored potential diagnoses and ordered further testing.
What is a Holistic Health Approach to Healthcare?
Some people prefer a different way to manage their health. One option is to take a holistic approach rooted in Eastern medicine practices.
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges defines holistic medicine as, “any healing practice that uses alternative methods to address health issues through natural, non-invasive means from a whole-person perspective. Popular forms of holistic medicine include acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), body movement therapy, and naturopathic medicine.”
The clinic where I receive holistic guidance offers a variety of modalities and services including electrodermal screening, integrative family & functional medicine, lab work, nutrition response testing (NRT), acupuncture, chiropractic care, thermography imaging and PEMF therapy.
How Does Eastern and Western Medicine Fit Together?
I’ve always visited Western medicine practitioners as my first source when my health felt off. Got a cold? Go get some antibiotics. Discover a weird lump? Go have the doctor test it.
However, over the years, I’ve slowly sprinkled in some alternative practices to work on better balancing my body overall and to help prevent symptoms (and new issues). These have included acupuncture, reiki, yoga, herbal supplements, chiropractic adjustments and so much more
I feel so much better day to day when I’m proactive at taking care of my health by using holistic methods. And, when I’m fighting an ailment, I’ve discovered that by getting to the root cause of the issue, rather than taking pain medicine or a prescription drug to suppress specific functioning in my body, I finally get long-lasting relief.
A good example of this was the year I was dizzy almost daily and having vision issues, my neurologist was doing extensive testing related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and migraine with aura. This included offering me medication to manage the symptoms. I then approached the symptoms with my holistic doctor and discovered that Lyme disease, an overgrowth of parasites, mold toxicity and other issues were actually at the root cause of my symptoms. Since working to clear out those issues, I feel much better and don’t have the MS and migraine symptoms any longer!
What the Science is Saying About Eastern and Western Medicine
An article from 2019 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explains that Eastern and Western medicine are built on different fundamentals, but we could benefit from connecting the two.
The evidence-based approach of Western medicine has focused on rational thinking and the development of herbs and medicinal drugs to help people feel better. Eastern medicine is focused on intuitive thinking and herbal supplementation to cure disease.
In simple terms, why not glean the best benefits of both Western and Eastern medicine?
How to Know What’s Right For You
Every person is unique. You have to decide which approach (or a combination of the two) is best for you, your health, your budget, your energy levels and your mindset.
When you’re sick, I know it’s hard to “do the work” with longer holistic-based protocols, but sometimes it yields better results than taking medication for the rest of your life! It’s truly a game of trust.
I recommend getting curious. Start Googling your issues or diagnosis and see what other options are out there from both a Western and Eastern medicine perspective. There are more treatments, opinions and ideas out there than you’re probably expecting!
It was when I was at my lowest, sickest and most frustrated that I finally found an approach that works for me. Keep exploring. You’ll eventually discover what works best for you.
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
PS: Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants to see what I’m up to this week.
