What is the difference between Eastern and Western acupuncture?
Western medicine looks to identify a disease, looks to identify a pathogen, looks to identify an evil influence that has overtaken the body and controls the body whether it is a germ or bacteria, a biochemical abnormality or a blood clot. A Chinese medical doctor looks at identifying the health and dysfunction and status of Qi, blood, phlegm, moisture. The Eastern medical doctor would examine the patient and make a diagnosis based upon the physical characteristics of the pulse at the radial artery, which identifies the twelve acupuncture meridians, and from the patient’s tongue – whether it is coated or not, its shape and movement. Also there is observation of the patient’s overall physical stature, face, skin, nails, eyes. So the Eastern medical doctor would diagnose the status of Qi whether it is weak, stagnant, or congested, whether blood or moisture is deficient, stagnant, slack or congested. They would also examine for the five pernicious influences. External influence of heat, co
