Chinese Medicine vs
Western Medicine

Houston weMED Health Dr. Bing You AABB Certified Cellular Therapy Provider

Dr. Bing You
AABB Certified Cellular Therapy Provider

Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation

Please fill out the form below and we will get back with you shortly.

East Medicine
Opt-In

Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine

Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation

Please fill out the form below and we will get back with you shortly.

East Medicine
Opt-In

Chinese Medicine Western Medicine
Philosophy & Approach Based on holistic principles, TCM views the body as an interconnected system and aims to balance Qi (energy flow), Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements. Disease is seen as an imbalance, and treatment focuses on restoring harmony. Focuses on scientific, evidence-based approaches, targeting specific diseases or symptoms. It often views the body as a collection of separate systems and organs, diagnosing illnesses through lab tests, imaging, and pathology.
Diagnosis Uses observation, pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, and questioning to assess the body’s overall balance and energy flow. Relies on blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, genetic testing, and other lab-based diagnostics to identify diseases at a cellular or molecular level.
Treatment Methods Uses herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na (massage), Qigong, and dietary therapy to restore balance and support the body’s self-healing. Uses pharmaceutical drugs, surgery, radiation, and other advanced medical procedures to target specific pathogens, repair damage, or manage symptoms.
Perspective on Disease & Healing Sees disease as an imbalance of Yin and Yang, Qi and body energies. Treatment is often preventive, aiming to maintain long-term health. Focuses on curing or managing symptoms after disease occurs, often providing quick relief but sometimes with side effects.
Time Frame & Effectiveness Often works slowly and gradually, focusing on long-term balance and prevention. Tends to work quickly, especially for acute conditions (e.g., infections, trauma). However, it may not always address underlying causes, leading to chronic issues.
Pain Management
  • Views pain as a result of Qi stagnation, blood stasis, or imbalance of Yin-Yang.
  • Treatment focuses on improving circulation and restoring balance.
  •  Common TCM methods:
    • Acupuncture: Stimulates specific points to regulate energy flow and release endorphins.
    • Herbal Medicine: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs (e.g., turmeric, Sichuan lovage root).
    • Cupping & Moxibustion: Improve blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
    • Tui Na (Chinese massage): Relaxes muscles and promotes healing.
    • Qigong & Tai Chi: Gentle exercises to improve circulation and reduce pain.

Works well for chronic pain, offering a holistic, non-invasive approach with fewer side effects.

  • Focuses on identifying the cause of pain (e.g., nerve damage, inflammation, injury).
  • Uses pharmaceutical drugs and physical interventions.
  • Common treatments: 
    • Acupuncture: Stimulates specific points to regulate energy flow and release endorphins.
    • Painkillers: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), opioids (for severe cases).
    • Physical Therapy: Strengthens muscles and improves mobility.
    • Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation.
    • Surgery: In severe cases (e.g., herniated discs, joint replacement).

Effective for acute pain but can lead to dependency (e.g., opioids).

Cancer Treatment
  • Views cancer as a result of toxic accumulation, Qi deficiency, and organ imbalances.
  • Does not “cure” cancer but aims to support the body during conventional treatments.
  • Common TCM methods:
    • Herbal Therapy: Strengthens the immune system, reduces side effects of chemotherapy.
    • Acupuncture: Helps manage nausea, pain, and fatigue from cancer treatments.
    • Dietary Therapy: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory and detoxifying foods.
    • Qigong & Meditation: Reduces stress and improves emotional well-being.

Used as complementary care to reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life.

  • Targets cancer at a cellular level.
  • Common treatments:
    • Surgery: Removes tumors.
    • Chemotherapy & Radiation: Destroys cancer cells but can have strong side effects.
    • Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: Enhances the body’s natural defenses.

Directly attacks cancer but can weaken the immune system.

Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia)
  •  Views mental health issues as imbalances in the Shen (spirit), Qi stagnation, or Yin-Yang disharmony.
  • Treats the mind and body as interconnected.
  • Common TCM methods:
    • Acupuncture: Regulates nervous system, calms the mind.
    • Herbal Medicine: Adaptogenic herbs (e.g., ginseng, reishi mushroom) to reduce stress.
    • Meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi: Balance energy and promote relaxation.
    • Dietary Therapy: Nourishes the brain and stabilizes emotions.

Offers a holistic, drug-free approach with fewer side effects but may take longer to work.

  • Views mental disorders as chemical imbalances in the brain.
  • Common treatments:
    • Acupuncture: Regulates nervous system, calms the mind.
    • Medications: Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), anti-anxiety drugs.
    • Psychotherapy: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), talk therapy.
    • Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, sleep hygiene.

Provides faster symptom relief but can have side effects (e.g., dependency on medication).

Chronic Diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Autoimmune Disorders)
  • Views chronic diseases as a result of long-term imbalances in Qi, Yin-Yang, and organ function.
  • Focuses on preventing complications and enhancing overall health.
  • Common TCM methods:
    • Herbal Medicine: Balances blood sugar, blood pressure, or immune response.
    • Acupuncture: Improves circulation and reduces stress-related complications.
    • Dietary Therapy: Customizes diet to support organ health.
    • Qigong & Tai Chi: Helps with mobility, stress reduction, and energy balance.

Aims to treat the root cause and prevent disease progression.

  • Manages symptoms using medications and lifestyle interventions.
  • Common treatments:
    • Diabetes: Insulin, metformin, diet control.
    • Hypertension: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, low-sodium diet.
    • Autoimmune Disorders: Steroids, immunosuppressants.

Controls symptoms effectively but may require lifelong medication.

Final Thoughts on Integration: Which One is Better? valuable for chronic conditions, pain management, mental health, and long-term wellness. 

Many people today use an integrative approach, combining Western medical diagnostics with TCM therapies for a balanced, holistic approach to health.

best for acute, life-threatening conditions (e.g., infections, surgeries, cancer treatment).

In modern healthcare, there is increasing recognition of the complementary benefits of both systems. Some hospitals integrate acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy alongside Western treatments for pain management, chronic disease, and mental health.

Stories Of Healing

We’re proud to showcase over 50 testimonial videos from patients whose lives have been transformed through Integrative Medicine.

Mr. Frank’s Testimonial
Functional Medicine Success

Mr. Spino’s Testimonial
Functional Medicine Success

Mr. Akir’s Testimonial
Functional Medicine Success

We focus on the 5 Pillars of Health, in which acupuncture supports

At weMED Health, we are committed to
providing modern healthcare that bridges the
gap between Eastern and Western medicine.

At weMED Health, we are committed to providing modern healthcare that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western medicine.

Detox

Improving nutrition
and digestion

Fitness

Balancing
hormones

Boosting
brain health

Pain relief without
harmful medications

Avoid Expensive
Surgeries

Improve Your
Quality of Life

Conventional treatments, like steroid shots and painkillers, offer 4-12 hours of relief but often require re-dosing within 24 hours. Regular use can harm the digestive lining, liver, or kidneys. While Celebrex and Vioxx are less GI toxic, the FDA warns they may increase heart attack and stroke risk.

Physical therapy strengthens muscles and ligaments to stabilize joints. Massage, acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal formulas effectively reduce pain by alleviating swelling and inflammation, but none can regrow lost cartilage.

3 Locations Near
Houston TX to Serve You

Houston Center

4126 Southwest Fwy # 1130,
Houston, TX 77027

The Woodlands Center

2400 FM 1488 #300,
The Woodlands, TX 77384

Gran Opening, weMEDClinics Woodlands, Treatment, Synergy, 2400 FM 1488 #300, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Cypress Center

27200, Highway 290 Suite 200,
Cypress, TX 77433

3 Locations Near
Houston TX to Serve You

Houston Center

4126 Southwest Fwy # 1130,
Houston, TX 77027

The Woodlands Center

2400 FM 1488 #300,
The Woodlands, TX 77384

Gran Opening, weMEDClinics Woodlands, Treatment, Synergy, 2400 FM 1488 #300, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Cypress Center

27200, Highway 290 Suite 200,
Cypress, TX 77433