I think so and here’s why.
Through conversations with those a few generations older and wiser who have had a multitude of experiences with the medical community, and found their way, the consensus is:
- Years ago many of their doctors were strongly against Eastern medicine;
- The “big pharma” takeovers and infiltration of drugs through media (and in doctors’ offices) quite literally “took over”; and
- It’s only as of recent years that more and more of their doctors are suggesting Eastern medicine practices, supplements, and more to aid health conditions.
Per the National Institutes of Health, “36 percent of people in the US use some form of ‘CAM’ (complementary and alternative medicine).”*
“Some physicians scorn CAM products and practices as prescientific quackery; others integrate CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness into their care for patients.”*
The statement that I find most enlightening is:
The AMA Journal of Ethics explained that individuals agree that “physicians owe it to their patients to understand CAM and its appeal and be willing to counsel patients about its use.”*
In my article, “Find the best physician for you, a.k.a. ‘How to fire your doctor,’” I shed light on my own experiences with doctors who did not have my best health interests at heart. What did I do? I fired them.
Now, today, thankfully very health conscious and proactive, it is vital that my doctors are open to both Eastern and Western medicine practices.
Why? Because it is important that my doctors pull viable helpful solutions from all practices of medicine in order to create an individualized plan to maintain and improve my health.
Present day, my doctors do prescribe antibiotics when needed, encourage Pilates and other mindful low impact movements, suggest herbal supplements that have proven via lab work to benefit my health, and praise balanced, nutritious meals.
It has become mainstream knowledge that several useful “drug” options have been derived from natural sources. In my own and close family members’ experiences, ones have been linked to aid diabetes, heart health, muscle cramps, digestive issues, and bladder health.
Several medical clinics (from Mayo Clinic to Mount Sinai) state for example, that red yeast rice extracts may have the capability of lowering cholesterol levels.
The American Medical Association goes into detail in its section: “CAM” Education in Medical Schools – A Critical Opportunity Missed:
“Complementary and alternative medicines in the U.S. are defined by general terms of exclusion… ‘label[ing] them as alternative.’”** Compare this to the UK, “where [CAM] are used in combination with drug-based medicines,” being called “complementary.”**
If you recall in my previous article, The ABC’s of Digestion, the UK again in this instance is encouraging ‘good gut health’, not concealing the human body’s digestive tract, and providing ample options for its residents and visitors alike.
So readers, what is your experience when it comes to being ‘prescribed’ or offered Eastern vs. Western medicine?
If you have a health related question that I can ask an expert, submit it here.
*https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/issue/complementary-and-alternative-therapies-medicines-response
**https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/cam-education-medical-schools-critical-opportunity-missed/2011-06
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