Locations:
Western medicine uses an evidence-based approach to diagnose and treat illness and disease. Western medicine healthcare providers use scientifically proven methods to treat and prevent disease, as well as improve your overall health. They use modern screening tools, cancer treatments and surgical procedures to provide you with the best possible care.
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Western medicine is the traditional healthcare you receive in the United States and many other places throughout the world. It’s the care you get when you go to a doctor’s office, medical clinic, hospital or urgent care. This type of medical care uses techniques based on scientific evidence. Healthcare providers rely on proven methods to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They also use these methods to improve your overall health.
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Medical schools in the U.S. primarily teach Western medicine. Today, Western medicine is the most common type of healthcare in the U.S. and much of the world.
Western medicine has its roots in the western part of the world, mostly Greece. Experts credit the Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates as being the father of Western medicine.
Hippocrates and physicians committed to his teachings believed that an imbalance among four bodily fluids led to illness. They called these “the humors.” They are:
These physicians looked for bodily causes of illnesses. Their treatments focused on restoring this humoral balance.
Western medicine goes by many different names. You may hear it referred to as:
Most healthcare providers in the U.S. practice Western medicine. Your primary care physician, dentist and pharmacist may all provide this type of medicine. Other providers of Western medicine include:
Western medicine providers may also refer you to a specialist. Specialists provide care for a specific organ or body system. They use their expert knowledge in an area to target treatment. Specialists include:
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Western medicine uses evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat illness and disease. Examples of Western medicine include:
Western medicine doctors believe your physical health and your lifestyle are connected. They promote prevention of disease when possible. They may encourage you to eat healthy, move your body and quit smoking.
Providers of Western medicine focus on:
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focuses on a vital life force energy called Qi or Chi (pronounced “chee”). Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe illness occurs when your yin and yang are imbalanced. These are the components that make up your life force.
Chinese medicine is also known as Eastern medicine or East Asian medicine. This is because it has its roots in the eastern part of the world, mostly China.
Although Chinese medicine is more than 3,000 years old, it’s not well-researched. Compared to Western medicine practices, there are fewer scientific studies supporting its effectiveness. But there are evidence-based findings in support of some Chinese medicine practices. That’s why some Western medicine physicians incorporate them as complementary therapy.
When you visit your primary care doctor or go to a hospital, you get traditional Western medical care. Western medicine focuses on scientifically proven methods for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Still, many providers of Western medicine also use complementary medicine therapies. These may include Chinese or Eastern medicine techniques like acupuncture. Some complementary therapies, like herbal supplements, can interact with Western medicine treatments. So, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before trying a new therapy.
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When you want to combine traditional medical care with treatments to help your physical, mental and emotional health, Cleveland Clinic’s integrative medicine team can help.
Last reviewed on 05/01/2025.
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