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Integrating Chinese and Western medicine is a recipe for good
health
CITIZEN-TIMES.com
By Lorraine H. Harris, L.Ac.
Dec. 27, 2004 3:13 p.m.
Chinese medicine is the fastest growing form of health care in the United
States, moving from decades of relative obscurity to its current position
beside Western medical practice. Although many people think Chinese medicine
is limited to acupuncture, it is actually a complete medical system that
also includes herbal remedies, diet, exercise and massage. This Chinese
model has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for over twenty-three
centuries.
In the Western medical model, the body and mind each represent separate
functioning systems. Western medicine postulates that disease is due
to an external force, such as a virus or bacteria, or a slow degeneration
of the functional ability of the body and that through the application
of an external treatment, such as drugs or surgery, health can be restored.
Chinese medicine assumes the body is an integrated whole and that disease
is caused by an internal imbalance of the body's energy. By correcting
this imbalance, the body can fight off infections, respond to ailments
and strengthen the immune system.
It is wise to consider these two medical systems as mutually beneficial,
rather than mutually exclusive. Each system has ideas and therapeutic
methods that can be explained both scientifically and philosophically.
In general, Chinese medicine is very effective in treating chronic conditions
and those that often elude effective treatment by Western medicine. Western
medicine, on the other hand, is highly appropriate for acute conditions,
emergency situations and life-threatening injuries.
The collaboration of Chinese and Western medicine is evident in many
parts of the country. Practitioners of Chinese medicine trained in California,
for example, often consult with medical specialists in the development
of a treatment plan for patients. A patient battling high cholesterol
may benefit immediately from a doctor-prescribed medication and then
- through the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and diet - reduce or
eliminate their need for drugs. When life-prolonging surgery is required,
Chinese medicine can help the patient effectively prepare for and recover
from the surgical trauma. For people who have no outward symptoms of
illness, a practitioner of Chinese medicine can often detect imbalances
that could lead to more serious problems (such as heart disease) and
then develop a treatment protocol with the patient's physician.
Whatever the ailment, working closely with a physician and a practitioner
of Chinese medicine provides the expertise of both worlds and holds great
promise for life-long health and well-being.
Your path to radiant health..
 Lorraine
Harris's Asheville acupuncture clinic is conveniently located in South
Asheville. Ms. Harris is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist
and Nationally Board Certified Practitioner of Chinese Medicine. She
is the only fertility specialist in Western North Carolina (WNC) offering
The Fertile Soul Method™ and Mei Zen™ facial rejuvenation program.
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