📖 Introduction
Is Western medicine better than Eastern medicine?
Or is Eastern medicine more fundamental?
Throughout history, humanity has developed different healing systems. In this reflection, Master Woo Myung explains the structural difference between Western and Eastern medicine — and goes deeper to identify what he calls the true root of illness: the human mind.
🕊️ Original Writing by Master Woo Myung
What are the differences between Western and Eastern medicine, and what are their pros and cons?
Eastern medicine derives from the study of the original body of the Universe. Western medicine focuses on treating the affected area itself. Western and Eastern medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Eastern medicine treats the fundamental or underlying causes, while Western medicine treats the affected area or symptoms. It is not possible to say one is better than the other. All human illnesses come from the mind; one’s mind is the most fundamental cause of illness. Therefore if one’s mind does not change, he will remain sick.
Illnesses do not originally exist. The reason people, of all creations in the world, have the most illnesses is because people each have their own individual minds and these minds cause illnesses. Illnesses do not exist in the place where one’s own mind does not exist. Illnesses were not made by someone, nor are they punishments from heaven. They are made by one’s self. Whether one uses Western or Eastern medicine or both, treatments are more effective if one accepts the treatment in his mind. For example, it is better to treat a broken leg with Western medicine, while it is better to treat an illness that has taken root deep inside the body with Eastern medicine.
However, a better way than either of these is to become the state where one absolutely does not exist; the state where one no longer fears death. All animals, plants, and inanimate creatures dislike themselves disappearing. Illnesses exist because of the unwillingness to let go of existence, but when we do let go illnesses disappear within moments. For example, even when someone is very ill he will steadily become better if he accepts death and gains peace of mind, as if the illness had only existed in his mind.
— Woo Myung
🌠 Reflect at Santa Clara Meditation
⚖️ Structural Differences
| Western Medicine | Eastern Medicine |
|---|---|
| Focuses on symptoms | Focuses on root causes |
| Treats affected area | Treats whole system |
| Strong in emergency & trauma | Strong in chronic imbalance |
| Scientific clinical intervention | Energetic & holistic balance |
According to this perspective:
- A broken bone → Western medicine
- Deep systemic imbalance → Eastern medicine
Neither is superior; both are tools.
더 깊은 주장: 질병은 마음에서 시작된다
The text makes a bold philosophical claim:
Illness originates in the individual mind.
From this view:
- Attachment → Stress
- Stress → Imbalance
- Imbalance → Illness
If the mind does not change, illness returns.
🌿 Acceptance and Healing
The writing emphasizes something psychologically powerful:
Treatment works better when the mind accepts it.
Acceptance reduces resistance.
Resistance increases suffering.
Modern psychology and placebo research also suggest that belief and mental state significantly influence recovery outcomes.
🕊️ The Radical View: Letting Go of Self
The most profound statement is:
Illness exists because of unwillingness to let go of existence.
Fear of death creates tension.
Tension creates disease.
Peace dissolves resistance.
When fear dissolves, the body may shift toward healing.
