Final answer:
True, conventional medicine is evidence-based, employing scientific research for treatment development, whereas traditional Chinese medicine is based on cultural practices and TEK, emphasizing a holistic approach to health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that conventional medicine is an evidence-based medicine is true. Conventional medicine, often known as Western medicine, relies on scientific evidence and research to develop treatments, medications, and protocols for various health conditions. In contrast, ethnomedical systems like traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are deeply rooted in cultural practices and the use of traditional environmental knowledge (TEK). TCM employs a holistic approach to health, focusing on restoring balance in the body through natural and culturally significant remedies, including herbs, animal products, and other natural elements.
Despite their differences, conventional medicine and ethnomedical systems like TCM can operate in a complementary manner. Patients may choose to integrate practices from both systems, and at times, biomedical doctors may even refer patients to traditional healers, demonstrating a form of integrative healthcare. However, the methodologies and philosophies underpinning these systems are distinct, with conventional medicine dedicated to evidence-based practices and TCM influenced by historical and cultural factors.