Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D, D.C., L.Ac. - 2/18/2007

Question
I use both Eastern and Western medicine, and I trust both of my doctors, but I am confused about something so I have a question you may be able to answer.  Western medicine uses instruments to examine inside my vagina and rectum and down into my stomach, and Western doctors manually examine my breasts for lumps and use machine to do mammogram and ultrasounds.  Eastern medicine examines me by checking my pulses and looking at my tongue.  Are those instruments and machines a Western-only phenomenon?
Is it just not part of Eastern medicine or TCM for female patients to get yearly pelvic exams, pap smears and breast exams?  I Have a breast lump and pelvic pain now, but my Doctor of Oriental Medicine does acupuncture, and I don't know if she does such examinations.

Answer
Dear Lea,

Western medicine practitioners receive training in using the instruments to form a conclusive diagnosis via inspection and palpation of the area.  Eastern medicine such as acupuncture, does not have such curriculum in their training.  This is due to different approach to diagnostic method utilized and treatment as well.  Acupuncturist feels the pulses and see the tongue to confirm the root of the problem from your symptoms.  This will allow the acupuncturist to form a management plan that treats the root of the problem.  It is good to have the combination of both.  The more tests that yield more information can only help further.  

For example, cancer can be detected by instrumental testing in Western medicine and drugs or other western therapy are given.  In eastern medicine, blood stagnation is the diagnosis in relation to the cancer and this can be detected by feeling the pulse and reading the tongue.  Treatment consists of acupuncture to remove the stagnation and Chinese herbs can also enhance the movement of blood.

I hope that help.

Happy Chinese New Year!