Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I suffer from congestive heart failure. Can traditional Chinese medicine work in place of conventional medicine in treating my heart problem?
A: I do not recommend replacing one medicine system with another. I believe both systems have a key role to play in one’s health and wellness. The best approach, in my opinion, is to use a complementary combination in which both systems work together to supplement each other’s efforts. I suggest you consult with a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who can contact your cardiologist and work together to come up with an appropriate complementary treatment.
