Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history spanning millennia, and its global reach has expanded significantly since China's economic opening, which began in the 1970s. A key moment in this expansion was U.S. President Richard Nixon's visit to China, which sparked Western interest in TCM. Since then, extensive research has been conducted to understand and validate TCM's effectiveness. Acupuncture, in particular has gained significant recognition due to its easier research applicability compared to herbal medicine, which involves complex compounds.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now includes several medical conditions proven to benefit from acupuncture, helping TCM gain acceptance and spread worldwide based on evidence-based research and clinical trials.
Real Health Medical, a novel TCM-Chiropractic integrative healthcare center, is an accomplished player in this space, merging Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern medical practices by referencing Western biomedical diagnostics to provide comprehensive care. At Real Health Medical, TCM is approached as both a science and an art, which allows for individualized treatment plans. Unlike the standardized protocols in Western medicine, TCM practitioners have different perspectives and diagnostic methods, leading to varied treatments for the same condition. This diversity is a hallmark of TCM. Despite this, the firm is committed to ensuring that all treatments are evidence-based and adhere to recognized protocols.
It focuses on legitimate and well-established TCM practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, gua sha (scraping), tui na (massage and manipulation), and moxibustion, avoiding unorthodox and controversial methods. To keep these treatments up-to-date, the firm continually integrates the latest research findings into its practices, with its practitioners regularly upgrading their clinical knowledge and skills through attending conferences, courses or workshops.
Many patients seek a second opinion after receiving a serious diagnosis from Western doctors, especially when prescribed treatments, like surgery or steroidal medications, may have significant side effects. Understanding Western diagnoses and treatments is crucial for TCM practitioners at Real Health Medical. This knowledge allows the firm to assess the patient’s condition accurately, considering prior treatments' effects before administering TCM. By bridging the gap between TCM and modern medicine, the firm offers patients a holistic approach, addressing their concerns with a balanced perspective that minimizes potential side effects while optimizing treatment outcomes.
Moreover, the firm takes an active role in educating patients about both the benefits and limitations of TCM and chiropractic care. Through patient education initiatives, Real Health Medical aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how traditional and modern medical practices can work together to enhance overall health and well-being.
“To build trust with my patients in Chinese medicine, I share real-life cases of individuals who were initially skeptical but experienced positive outcomes. I explain how Chinese medicine can address their specific concerns, using scientific terminology that they can easily understand. I recognize that many of the concepts and terms in Chinese medicine may seem unfamiliar or even strange due to their Chinese cultural origins. Therefore, I make it a priority to translate these concepts into a more accessible, international scientific language, helping patients understand better and feel more confident in the treatments they are receiving, or at least make informed decisions”, adds Brandon Yew, Senior TCM Physician.
Advancing TCM through Research, Collaboration, and Innovation
Real Health Medical is actively engaged in research and development projects related to Chinese medicine. The firm collaborates with companies focused on developing health-related products such as supplements. These partnerships involve detailed bioclinical studies to understand how herbal formulas and their components impact biochemical pathways, aiming to enhance the evidence-based approach of TCM. Additionally, the firm works with Western practitioners who refer patients for TCM treatments. These collaborations include clinical observations to assess treatment outcomes and validate the effectiveness of Chinese medicine.
Real Health Medical aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how traditional and modern medical practices can work together to enhance overall health and well-being
In terms of recent innovations, Real Health Medical incorporates findings from ongoing research in China, which explores new uses for traditional herbal formulas and acupuncture points. The firm ensures to stay updated on these advancements and integrates them into its practice, ensuring it utilizes the latest scientific discoveries to enhance its TCM offerings.
"Chinese medicine, while deeply rooted in Chinese culture, offers a comprehensive understanding of the human body that transcends gender, race, culture, religion, and other human-constructed boundaries. Its wisdom, accumulated over centuries, is universally applicable. Unlike compartmentalized approaches that address isolated symptoms, Chinese medicine views the body holistically, identifying connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms and addressing common root causes. This integrative perspective helps explain why various conditions often occur together. The holistic nature of Chinese medicine provides a powerful framework for understanding and treating complex health issues, making it a valuable approach for people around the world”, concludes Brandon Yew, Senior TCM Physician.
Brandon Yew, Senior TCM Physician, Real Health Medical
Physician Brandon Yew holds a double degree in Bachelor of Science (1st Class Honours) in Biomedical Sciences from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and Bachelor of Medicine (Chinese Medicine) from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China. He began his Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice as an Acupuncturist at the Complementary Integrative Medicine clinic within Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he accumulated extensive clinical experience across specialties including chronic pain, sports injuries, and various internal and systemic disorders.
After seven years at TTSH, Brandon transitioned to private practice with a renowned TCM group, focusing on herbal medicine, acupuncture, and tui na (Chinese massage and manipulative therapy). His holistic approach to healthcare reflects his deep appreciation for TCM's principles. Passionate about improving quality of life through TCM, he conducts health talks, and workshops, and serves as a consultant for All Things Health and a trainer for Family Central by Fei Yue Community Services.
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