During my medical training, I was indoctrinated into the norms of a rigid, antiquated, and male-dominated healthcare system. The principles were clear and unwavering.
The Doctor’s Pledge
As a physician, I was taught to prioritize my patients above all else. This meant sacrificing my personal life, pushing through exhaustion, suppressing bodily needs, and neglecting my own well-being. The expectation was to absorb knowledge tirelessly, stay abreast of medical advancements, and uphold the Hippocratic Oath at all costs.
A Patient’s Expectations
On the flip side, patients were expected to trust without question, comply without hesitation, and bear with the shortcomings of a system that often dehumanizes. They were required to divulge intimate details, follow directives unquestioningly, and navigate bureaucratic hurdles with patience and understanding.
The Reality of Medical Practice
However, the reality of medical practice is far from ideal. Physicians juggle overwhelming caseloads, bureaucratic red tape, and the emotional toll of delivering difficult news. The system demands unwavering dedication, often at the cost of personal well-being and fulfillment.
The Burden of Medical Trauma
Over the years, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of medical trauma on patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike. The wounds run deep, often overlooked and untreated. The pandemic has only exacerbated these wounds, underscoring the urgent need for healing.
Healing Through Understanding
In recognition of this pressing need, I am launching a six-week workshop titled “Healing Medical Trauma.” This program aims to provide a safe space for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to explore and address the emotional scars left by the medical system.
A Call for Compassion
My hope is that through gentle exploration, empathy, and inner healing, we can begin to mend the wounds of medical trauma. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can work towards a healthcare system that truly prioritizes the well-being of all involved.
Medicine may have broken our hearts, but together, we can embark on a journey of healing and reconciliation. Join me in this endeavor to heal the wounds of medical trauma and pave the way for a more compassionate and patient-centered healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It also considers how lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture as well as nutritional therapy such like reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies address specific conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness results from an imbalance between the individual and his/her environment
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies can have risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. They may also prefer it as it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. You have many options for this career path. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. There are many schools that offer courses in holistic medicine, including the National College for Complementary Medicines. This college offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) provides holistic education resources and tools for students.
Another option is to attend a traditional four year college. Many colleges now offer courses in holistic health. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
According to the NCCM nutritionists often work alongside doctors to give dietary advice to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some people combine these two approaches into a single treatment.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They advise avoiding processed food products and fast food restaurants. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
One thing holistic practitioners agree on is that a healthy diet will prevent disease. However, they do have differences on some points. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. These practitioners feel that these drugs mask the problem and do not solve it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners are not only able to offer alternative therapies but also employ many complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Suppose you experience a symptom similar to one that occurs when someone else has a particular ailment. If this happens, it is important to seek out a remedy that contains the exact same ingredients as the original substance.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They also claim that it helps improve blood circulation, increase energy levels and ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. Your insurance provider may be able to provide information about which services you are covered.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Karoline
Title: Healing Medical Trauma: A Physician’s Perspective
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/healing-the-doctor-patient-relationship-part1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healing-the-doctor-patient-relationship-part1
Published Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:33 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It also considers how lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture as well as nutritional therapy such like reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies address specific conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness results from an imbalance between the individual and his/her environment
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies can have risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. They may also prefer it as it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. You have many options for this career path. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. There are many schools that offer courses in holistic medicine, including the National College for Complementary Medicines. This college offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) provides holistic education resources and tools for students.
Another option is to attend a traditional four year college. Many colleges now offer courses in holistic health. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
According to the NCCM nutritionists often work alongside doctors to give dietary advice to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing which foods are healthy, and which are not. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some people combine these two approaches into a single treatment.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They advise avoiding processed food products and fast food restaurants. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
One thing holistic practitioners agree on is that a healthy diet will prevent disease. However, they do have differences on some points. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. These practitioners feel that these drugs mask the problem and do not solve it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners are not only able to offer alternative therapies but also employ many complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Suppose you experience a symptom similar to one that occurs when someone else has a particular ailment. If this happens, it is important to seek out a remedy that contains the exact same ingredients as the original substance.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They also claim that it helps improve blood circulation, increase energy levels and ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. Your insurance provider may be able to provide information about which services you are covered.
