Is a cooperation between Eastern and Western Medicine possible in Bulgaria

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION : Bulgarian patients are increasingly looking for Eastern (traditional) medicine (EM) in addition to their basic treatment. In order to avoid a conflict between the methods of Eastern and Western medicine (WM) in Bulgarian conditions, it is necessary to  determine the possibilities for their joint application. AIM:  The purpose of the article is to explore and present the opportunities for cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine in Bulgarian conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review and content analysis of bibliographic sources, relevant scientific articles and Bulgarian legislation normative acts were performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Western medicine affects the symptom, focuses the treatment on individual organs and systems, provides fast results, but the treatment has its side effects. Eastern medicine  treats the individual in his entirety, mostly without side effects, cures the root cause, but the results are obtained through a prolonged treatment. Disadvantages of both types of medicine: the Alternative medicine is inable to deal with diseases that arise in people from the West due to contaminated environment, noise factors, impact of chemical agents, etc.; In Western medicine there are cases of sustained and irreversible health effects caused by iatrogenesis. In recent decades in Europe and around the world, the practicing of Eastern medicine techniques has been implemented as part of the prophylaxis and as a complementary therapy next to drug treatment. CONCLUSION: Bulgarian legislation regulates the training and practicing of some methods that are part of the Alternative medicine ("unconventional methods"). The Eastern medicine methods have their place in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Bulgarian patient. A cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine is possible in Bulgarian conditions.