Two sides of the same coin
Modern medicine
Modern medicine categorizes all of the anatomical structures into organ systems such as the gastro-intestinal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system. The energy for life is a result of the digestion of nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and fat. According to scientific evidence, illness is caused by abnormally functioning system with infection and inflammation. Modern medicine emphasizes treatment with chemically synthesized medicines.
Comparatively, Thai traditional and modern medicine, nonetheless, have shared principle bodily substances.
For example, the digestive system composed of::
Earth element: mouth, teeth, bulge of the cheek, stomach and intestines
Water element: saliva, digestive juices and bile
Wind element: responsible for movement such as chewing foods, movement in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fire element: responsible for digestion, both destructive and constructive changes of the nutrients, to bring energy for living.