Questions re diet and lifestyle advice

[Guest guest]

All,

 

I'm trying to better understand the role

of advice related to diet and lifestyle

in clinical interactions involving Chinese

medicine. I'm hoping that folks on this

list can help.

 

For those who are students, what are you

being taught about these topics?

 

For those in practice, is it possible

to characterize your thoughts and actions

concerning diet and lifestyle issues

with your patients?

 

And for anyone, to what extent do you

apply principles of Chinese medicine

related to diet, sexual conduct, sleep,

exercise, etc. to yourself?

 

Thanks to anyone who can help me on this.

If you prefer to contact me off the list,

please feel free.

 

Ken

[Guest guest]

, " dragon90405 " <yulong@m...> wrote:

> All,

>

> I'm trying to better understand the role

> of advice related to diet and lifestyle

> in clinical interactions involving Chinese

> medicine. I'm hoping that folks on this

> list can help.

>

> For those who are students, what are you

> being taught about these topics?

 

Although I am not now a student (i.e. not enrolled in a school), I am

a fairly recent grad (1998). The concept of TCM dietary therapy was

just touched on in my training at Midwest College. Certainly not

sufficient for dealing with dietary issues with my patients. It has

been my own pursuit of this over the first 2-3 years of my practice

that has given me a working knowledge.

 

> For those in practice, is it possible

> to characterize your thoughts and actions

> concerning diet and lifestyle issues

> with your patients?

 

My license says I am an acupuncturist. I am also learning to be an

herbalist. For me, these skills are just a medium to gain rapport

with a patient. I get their attention by using these tools to

do " magic tricks " that alter their symptoms. Once I have their

attention I help them discover what it is they are doing to

contribute positively and negatively to their condition. Then, if

they are inspired, I support them in eliminating negative and

enhancing positive lifestyle behaviors. Once they get going down this

path I act a a resource to them.

 

The issues I address are a combination of TCM and western ideas I

have gained from my 20 years experience (7 in TCM and 13 in cardiac

rehab, health promotion and diabetes management). I cannot recall who

made the statement (William Bennett comes to mind), but I find

that ... " the best way to be healthy is to get a chronic disease and

manage it " . I guess it is human nature to focus on things only when

they give you trouble.

 

> And for anyone, to what extent do you

> apply principles of Chinese medicine

> related to diet, sexual conduct, sleep,

> exercise, etc. to yourself?

 

In my previous professional experience, I learned to " walk the walk "

early on (i.e. 20 years ago). I have always done that moderately (vs.

zealously) to be a realistic example. (I noticed that my overly

zealous colleagues seemed to alienate people and burn out). I find

that the healthful behavior in TCM is not greatly different from the

western wellness/health promotion models (different in detail, but

not philosophically). The rationale is of course, different and that

is where I have most needed to focus.

 

 

> Thanks to anyone who can help me on this.

> If you prefer to contact me off the list,

> please feel free.

>

> Ken