Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine
About Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is a holistic approach to health and is used by about one-fifth of Americans, many of which are Chinese Americans. TCM is about bringing the body, mind and spirit into harmony, rather than just the treatment of physical or mental issues commonly seen in Western medicine. The most common types of TCM are the use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, Gua Sha (facial and bodily massage), exercise, and diet therapy along with some other techniques. These practices are used to help prevent, treat, and cure illnesses and the symptoms present in issues such as stroke, heart disease, mental disorders and respiratory diseases. While illnesses such as these require Western medicine to treat them fully, the use of TCM along with Western treatment can be beneficial to patients who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. As stated in an article on merging TCM into the American health system, “By incorporating aspects of traditional Chinese medicine into the Western health care system, as well as improving the Chinese understanding of Western medicine, both cultures can improve their arsenal of medicinal and physical treatments” (Feng. 2002). The use of both Western medicine and TCM concurrently to treat someone will result in a favorable outcome in regard to the patients mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing
It is important to integrate TCM into Western medicine treatment plans for those who believe in it for multiple reasons. A Chinese American person who believes in and uses TCM consults their doctor for medical advice and is given Western medicine to treat their problems may want to incorporate TCM practices into their care. This would allow for the patient to feel a stronger connection with their culture resulting in a positive mental state and therefore, a productive healing process. Western physicians incorporating TCM into their patients care plans would aid in building trust between the patient and doctor by listening to their wants and needs. Not only would incorporating TCM into Western medicine care plans benefit the doctor-patient relationship, but many TCM methods can be used simultaneously with Western treatments allowing for added beneficial healing practices. As stated in the article, “…this merging of East and West can foster cross-cultural understanding, so that Western physicians can accurately serve in their Chinese patient’s best interest, and Chinese patients will have complete confidence in their Western providers” (Feng, 2002). While Western medicine can treat many conditions, TCM practices may help subside symptoms of physical and mental discomfort along with the treatments prescribed by a Western physician. A fully mutual understanding between physician and patient will lead to the best outcome when it comes to the patient’s health.
In the medical community, there is a lot of stigma surrounding non-Western medical practices and if they actually work. Homeopathic and naturopathic medicines such as TCM use herbs and natural remedies and tend to incorporate spirituality into care unlike in Western medicine. Many Western physicians may find incorporating spirituality into healthcare is absurd, but the holistic approach to health that TCM takes is more about mental, physical, and spiritual homeostasis. Acknowledging someone’s spiritual beliefs, involving that aspect of their mental wellbeing into their care plans, and treating their physical condition as well would provide health benefits from all angles, whether TCM is proven to work or not. Overall, TCM is more about harmony between mind, body, and spirit and finding the balance between using traditional remedies along with Western medicine to treat mental and physical health conditions.
References
Feng, C. (2002). Merging Chinese Traditional Medicine into the American Health System. Journal of Young Investigators, 6(5).
http://legacy.jyi.org/volumes/volume6/issue5/features/feng.html