Western Medicine

[Flanscho]

What's your point?

Well, it was said here that western medicine doesn't help with mental problems, because western medicine focuses on the body and not on the mind. So I said, that some mental problems have their origin in the body, like a chemical imbalance in the brain. Or hormone related problems.

My point was to stress that western medicine can help with that.

Like water in a vase, our mind is shaped by our physical being. If there are problems with our body in any way, it has a direct impact on our consciousness, on who we are. So when a person has mental problems, then saying "it's a mental problem, western medicine can't do anything about that" is the wrong way, because if said mental problem is just the symptom or result of a physical problem, then western medicine can help with that very well.

Also, alternative medicine is defined as "any practice that is put forward as having the healing effects of medicine but is not based on evidence gathered using the scientific method." Not based on scientific evidence. Why not? As soon as any plant or whatever seems to have medical powers, western companies are researching it, to find out whether that is true and whether they can refine it and use it in treatments. But if it turns out to be not true, like "powdered rhinohorn for sexual powers" or "tiger teeth for strength" or crystals for whatnot, then western medicine drops it. For good reason. Because it doesn't work. So if well educated researchers found out, that a specific treatment doesn't work, why should I spend money for it anyway? Not to mention the animals that get slaughtered this way, or rare plants that get ripped out for no reason but greed.

Some still try it, because they have a certain belief system that includes such medicine and believing that the medicine wouldn't work would threaten their faith. As such, they have to believe that it works. Others try it because they got disappointed in western medicine. And some try it, because they are so ill, that western medicine can't help them. Like, when their entire body is infested with cancer. Then they often try everything, no matter how crazy it is. And they pay loooots of money for that. And that money is going into the pockets of certain people. People who are very fine with the idea of stealing money from people who are about to die. Who think that giving those people false hope, in addition to stealing their money, is perfectly fine. And I don't agree with that.

Of course people can try that. I won't stop them. The placebo effect can be powerful. I'm just sad for the money that is donated to people who spend their life to rip off others.

 

[coyote]

Pfft. That's just the sort of someone from Wisconsin would say. You people and your attack moderations--we know what you're really doing.

it's all part of our master plan to enslave the world and force everyone to wear cheese on their heads and worship before the altar of his holiness, St. Vincent Lombardi

 

[gazelle]

So I said, that some mental problems have their origin in the body, like a chemical imbalance in the brain. Or hormone related problems.

I missed the flame war so I don't know what's been typed and deleted before, but while I agree with the above quoted sentence, I disagree with the quote below:

My point was to stress that western medicine can help with that.

The western approach towards mental illnesses such as depression and so is typically prescribing anti-depressants. On the other hand, a holistic approach as mentioned before would focus more on the whole picture taking into consideration " our mind, body, spirit, and our environment" as said, using scientific methods like blood tests and etc to figure the roots of the illness not just treat the symptoms. Western medicine doesn't really focus on that, they just give you a pill.

 

[Flanscho]

The western approach towards mental illnesses such as depression and so is typically prescribing anti-depressants. On the other hand, a holistic approach as mentioned before would focus more on the whole picture taking into consideration " our mind, body, spirit, and our environment" as said, using scientific methods like blood tests and etc to figure the roots of the illness not just treat the symptoms. Western medicine doesn't really focus on that, they just give you a pill.

Hm, when I was still in therapy, about a decade ago, for chronic depressions, the doc didn't give me any meds. He said I could have them if I wanted, but that it wasn't really necessary and thus not advised.

What do you exactly mean with "spirit"?

 

[surewhynot]

By definition”, I begin
“Alternative Medicine”, I continue
“Has either not been proved to work,
Or been proved not to work.
You know what they call “alternative medicine”
That's been proved to work?
Medicine.”

 

[gazelle]

Hm, when I was still in therapy, about a decade ago, for chronic depressions, the doc didn't give me any meds. He said I could have them if I wanted, but that it wasn't really necessary and thus not advised.

What do you exactly mean with "spirit"?

I suppose you meant what do I exactly mean by increasing my spirituality...That's a very general question, and it can be very specific for each individual.
To me increasing spirituality means learning about ways to improve your positive energy, self-development, increasing your well being, getting familiar with and studying mystical traditions and different philosophies for self improvement and trying to get more in touch with your divine self.
In general it can also mean finding meaning and purpose in your existence,increasing your humanitarian traits, fighting with your inner demons such as despair, jealousy, greed and etc. I could go on and on, but I suppose you get the general picture by now.

By definition”, I begin
“Alternative Medicine”, I continue
“Has either not been proved to work,
Or been proved not to work.
You know what they call “alternative medicine”
That's been proved to work?
Medicine.”

Yes but, the problem is that many of the" medicine people" out there don't acknowledge naturopaths and holistic healers who use valid methods and diets that have been proved to work.