Quantum Physics Quackery

[Guest guest]

wrote:

 

>I won't even dignify the plug for intelligent design with a response.

I will only point out to

those who didn't realize it that the acupuncture profession is clearly

dominated by those

who have much in common with religious fundamentalists. It is for this

reason, I have left

my teaching position and given up my license. I may still practice and

teach chinese

herbology, but I cannot in good faith (no pun intended) be part of a

profession that has a

religious worldview. At a recent graduation, a parent of one of my

students observed that

being an acupuncturist was like joining a religion. I knew my days were

numbered when I

heard that. I am deeply saddened by this trend which has infected

American politics and

will eventually be the downfall of our country. I urge those who have

not yet formed their

positions on these things to think very carefully about who you are and

how you want to

present yourself to the world. The chinese themselves never perceived

the world or their

medicine in this religious way. It is an american bastardization of the

actual tradition and

one that is highly offensive to every native Chinese herbalist I have

ever met.

 

 

 

 

I'm saddened to hear that you've left the profession. I've appreciated

your voice on this list and I hope you'll continue to contribute. On the

one hand, I understand your wearying of practicing a profession in a

country where it's dominated by a different worldview. On the other

hand, I don't think that because the profession is 'clearly dominated'

by the magical-thinking folks means the scientific-thinking people are

practicing with less integrity. I think of the scientific point of view

as a critical component in the 'integrating' of Chinese medicine in this

country. Sure there are people like the student's parent who view you as

part of a religion but with your knowledge and ability to articulate

your views, I would think you'd have no problem setting them straight-as

I think you are have been helping to set the profession on its proper

course in the U.S.

 

Thank-you for the admonition to us to " think about who you are " -that's

sound advice. I am unhappy with the highly, shall we say, heterogeneity

of our profession-I often question what it is I'm 'practicing.' I do

believe CM has much to offer so I'm hanging on, hopeful good things will

come of our struggling together.

 

Good luck in your new endeavors,

Marian