integrate this or that?

[Guest guest]

Bob

 

You seem to be a proponent of integrating conventional western med and TCM.

You are interested in correlating lab tests with TCM patterns, tracking

results with lab tests and combining drugs with herbs to maximize symptom

relief and minimize side effects. At least all these type of things are

reported in your research reports and textbooks. And I believe this is

what you have said publicly here. It appears your interest in integration

ranges from diagnostics to prognosis to research and even to therapy.

However, you are strangely resistant to the integration of western

holistic therapies. I find this really peculiar. I know you balk at the

use of such methods as an excuse for not knowing TCM. But to dismiss even

fully trained eclectic practitioners as a dilution of the art seems odd

when you are fully willing to accept patients being on antidepressants

with herbs or NSAIDS with herbs. why would you feel less comfortable with

st. john's wort and willow bark. combining western herbs known for

symptomatic relief is far safer than using drugs for the same purpose.

Why not test for candida and food allergies, but do test for thyroid and

liver function. I think you are drawing an artificial line here.

 

I would argue that the western science of nutrition is fast becoming part

of western medicine. MD's now run the medical nutrition departments at

many major medical schools. Nutrition is rapidly leaving the realm of

food service and transforming into therapy. Major studies will soon prove

the benefits of glucosamine and it will become a standard recommendation

from all MD's. As I reported a few weeks ago, Tufts university medical

nutrition department is now recommending soy as an alternative to the now

proven dangerous HRT. As this line continues to blur with MD's

prescribing saw palmetto, black cohosh, echinacea, acidophilus, kava-kava,

vitamins, antioxidants, what are we to do? Integration of eastern and

western medicine will invariably include those aspects of holistic western

medicine that are rapidly gaining credibility. It thus seems incumbent

upon us to consider this part of our study of western medicine. Since it

is considered prudent for the least number of people to be adjusting a

patients meds, who should be the experts, us or them?

 

again, I see many roles for member of our profession. Some involve

education, in which case I favor a narrow approach. The big one is

practice, in which I favor the use of therapies that have been proven

successful. Until that day comes, this profession will remain far more

eclectic than suits my comfort. Another is the push towards integration,

which will require those who possess skills and knowledge more related to

science and research. Hopefully we can all work together to support this

process, at least those of us who consider it a desirable outcome..

 

 

Chinese Herbs

 

 

" Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocre

minds " -- Albert Einstein