EAST-WEST MEDICINE - IRRECONCILABLY COMPLEMENTARY

This article compares and contrasts philosophical foundations as well as practical approaches of eastern and western medical systems. Discus sion is based on the premise that medicine is a reflection of a societ y's more general structures and beliefs. Historical developments of Or iental and Occidental cultures and their respective medical models fol lows and is used to explain the disparity in practice that exists toda y. The dichotomy of medicine in the East and West is then considered i n terms of Yin and Yang, as well as possibilities for interaction.