David:I understand that Chinese medicine is based more on natural products while western medicine more on chemical products. Are Chinese people more accustomed to Chinese medicine?

You:It is hard to tell. Because as far as I know, Chinese medcine and western medcine had their own characteristics, with differents affects for a specific illnesses. For example, one of Chinese medcines' benefits is in specific areas such as certain chronic diseases.

David:What other differences are there between Chinese and western medicine?

You:Since Chinese medicine believes that the different parts of the human body are all interrelated, it strives to bring balance to the body as a whole. In contrast, western medicine considers the human body as a machine made up of individual and independent parts.

David:It sounds like Chinese medicine is more wholesome than western medicine. However, 70% of the medicine is western medicine. Why do people buy western medicine instead of Chinese medicine?

You:As I mentioned earlier, Chinese medicine is more effective for specific diseases. Chinese medicine does not represent the whole pharmaceutical market, only about 20-25% of it. There are certain categories of pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics that are not included in Chinese traditional medicine. 　

David:But antibiotics can be harmful if they are taken too often. All in all, Chinese medicine sounds healthier. Maybe I should go see a Chinese doctor if I get sick. Thanks.