cultural legitimacy of herbs

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

Just thought I would jump in here for a bit. Re: Cultural Legitimacy...

In some respects, this is a demographic issue. Some patients of a more " hip

or American sub-culture " persuasion are far more likely to accept herbal

medicine as a legitimate form of treatment. Others from a more conservative

demographic might not. I have found that the presentation of the treatment

plan to the patient is key here regardless of their " cultural persuasion " .

 

Perhaps a more pressing issue is the education about and advancement of the

safety and efficacy of TCM. Most of us are aware that there is a concerted

effort on the part of the pharmaceutical companies to co-opt herbal medicine

[note the " new " aspirin w/ phyto-sterols just introduced on the market]

while, at the same time, undermining the legitimacy of herbal medicine and

nutritional supplements vis codex, c51 in Canada, etc. I am of the humble

opinion that our national and state organizations have failed the profession

in terms of educating the public and gov't. representatives about the safety

and efficacy of TCM. The Herb Congress had a good start, but where is that

proposal now?

 

As we (the U.S.) may have the possibility of finally developing universal

health care in this country (Nov. will tell I suppose), there is an

opportunity to have a significant impact on any legislation related to this

and an opportunity to have alternative medicine (especially TCM) included in

the coverage. There are several good models of how to do this... Germany,

Taiwan, Japan, etc.

This will take, of course, a concerted effort on the part of us and our

patient base to accomplish.

I propose that we, as a profession, take the lead in this effort by drafting

a letter of concern to be sent to every state and federal legislator. This

letter should contain our intent, evidence supporting safety and efficacy,

evidence that this approach to health care can actually save money, history

of legislation and, perhaps most importantly, comments from our patients

(the public).

 

I am willing to give my time and effort to this project for the sake of

public health and the protection of our profession.

I would welcome any participation in this effort. If anyone would like to

discuss this further, please respond here on the forum or privately.

 

Without such efforts on our part, the question of cultural legitimacy of

herbs may become a moot point.

 

Warm regards to all,

 

dr.w

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

On Fri, Jun 27, 2008 at 1:44 PM, Trevor Erikson <trevor_erikson

wrote:

 

> Here is the article Andrew wrote about the delhpi process:

> http://www.chinesemedicinetools.com/article-

> sharing/endometriosis/using-the-delphi-process-to-develop-practice-

> guide

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's an easier link to get you to the page in question:

*http://tinyurl.com/6b6xs9

 

*This is a great article describing the Delphi process. This particular

study is probably better at articulating the " standard of care " than

efficacy, but if there were more of these floating around, practitioners

everywhere would benefit. I found this description of common syndromes and

herbs used in the treatment of endometriosis to be of practical benefit.

 

I'm surprised too where I deviate from the experts in this study.

 

As Will mentioned on the microwave thread, there are oodles of research

types including qualitative rather than quantitative. The double blind

placebo isn't the only way to research CM. For instance, cost effectiveness

as a research topic comparing the CM treatment for a given pathology to the

Western standard of care can produce some very persuasive data that

insurance companies would love to see.

 

--

, DAOM

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.