What is the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine?

Qi.

Qi (“chee”) is the basis of Chinese Medicine.

Western medicine has no equivalent notion of Qi. Qi is the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine.
As energy, Qi is unseen and unmeasurable with the technology of western medicine. Western medicine has a mastery of the physical, “seeable”, measurable parts of the human body. However, humans are much more than just our physical bodies.
Qi, energy, gives rise to the physical body. Chinese Medicine recognizes the true root of physical (also mental and emotional) disease as an energetic disturbance. Western medicine has no understanding of the energetic foundation of the physical, and therefore only treats only the physical issue. A pill might get rid of today’s headache, but it will not prevent tomorrow’s.

The Chinese Medical approach involves assessing the state of the Qi to treat today’s headache and prevent future recurrences. Assessing Qi is done through careful observation of skin coloring, the tongue, the wrist pulse, and asking questions to understand the unique history and context of the life this individual is living.
In order to support the changes in the underlying pattern of Qi that is causing the headaches, changes in diet and lifestyle are recommended.  Your practitioner will also treat you with the type of treatment they specialize in, such as massage, acupressure, acupuncture, or herbs.