Paradigms of Health Care Essay Example

the allopathic model, doctors examine patients for symptoms to determine specific labels and classifications. When visiting a General Practitioner of Medicine (GP), patients are typically evaluated for vital signs to detect any indications of illness. If no evidence of illness is discovered, additional examination may be performed. In contrast, holistic practitioners not only assess vital signs but also analyze overall health patterns and take note of them.

Many differences in ideas arise from the cultural disparities they originate from. In our capitalist society, driven by an unending pursuit for more, it is not surprising that allopaths are trained to prioritize efficiency. Eastern cultures, lagging behind in modern technology and possessing different values, instruct holistic practitioners to prioritize human values. While our culture recognizes that addictions like smoking and drinking weaken the body's resistance to illness, our pleasure-seeking society remains undeterred. Eastern theologies, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, aim to find freedom from addictions and desires. Buddha taught that as long as life revolves around seeking gratification, suffering will persist due to unending desires for more.

The influence of yogis and monks from the East on holistic medicine was significant. These individuals observed the body's reactions to different foods and many of them abstained from certain dietary items. In the East, vegetarian diets were commonly followed, possibly due to religious or economic factors. Some individuals even practiced extreme diets such as Fruitarians who solely consume fruit, those who only drink water, and people known as breatharians who solely rely on breath for sustenance. Considering the importance of breath in holistic health, it is essential to note that while an individual can survive weeks without food and days without water,

they can only last minutes without air.

The way a health professional should behave also differs depending on the model. In the traditional approach, the individual is considered a representative of the medical industry, following its principles. Medical doctors are trained to maintain emotional neutrality in order to avoid interfering with the diagnosis. Personal engagement with patients is discouraged. On the other hand, the holistic model encourages emotional involvement, considering it essential for healing. Holistic practitioners consider their own feelings and reactions and use them in their treatment.

Both models, the allopathic and the traditional, take into account the emotional reactions of the clients, although in different ways. The allopathic model views pain, disease, and disability as negative, considering them as an entity to be eradicated. In contrast, the traditional model aims to cure the patient's ailments by eliminating any illness from the body. However, the holistic model perceives pain and disease as positive, understanding them as opportunities for learning and signals of internal conflicts. Furthermore, in the holistic view, disabilities are seen as a process. The holistic model seeks to heal the individual and is considered a way of life. Even in cases of terminal illness, healing is possible through achieving balance, integration, and inner satisfaction.

An allopathic practitioner in modern medicine primarily focuses on intervention, using drugs and surgery as treatment. On the other hand, the holistic model prefers minimal use of technology and emphasizes instructing patients to make lifestyle changes as the main form of treatment. Holistic practitioners believe that medication only provides a temporary solution and that the root cause of the illness should be addressed. They consider nutrition to be crucial and would

complement any other treatment with it. Both allopathic and holistic approaches agree on the importance of a healthy diet and exercise for overall health and resistance to environmental stresses. However, the difference lies in their application.

When considering the body within the traditional perspective, it is regarded as resembling a machine, which either functions or does not. The aim of treatment is to restore its functionality by eliminating both the symptoms and the disease. By altering environmental factors, individuals can prevent the occurrence of diseases. Alternatively, the body is conceptualized as a "dynamic system, a complex energy field within various fields (such as family, workplace, environment, cultural and life history)" (Ferguson 248). This field consistently interacts with an individual's environment and is influenced by their position in society and the world. Patients must recognize these influences and adapt themselves accordingly or adjust their surroundings if necessary. The treatment process does not conclude when illness symptoms disappear; instead, it progresses towards a broader understanding of health.

In the traditional model, the patient entrusts themselves to their doctor, seeing them as an authority figure and relying on both their expertise and treatments. However, in holistic therapies, the patient is autonomous and seeks treatment that promotes independence. The practitioner is seen as a collaborator in the journey towards healing.

The idea of balance is crucial in holistic medicine, which focuses on achieving balance for healing. This is why it promotes the integration of both western and eastern therapies. It acknowledges that western therapies can be extreme, while eastern therapies emphasize the body's natural ability to prevent illness. However, it also recognizes that there are situations when western treatments are needed. The

term holistic encompasses a range of modalities, including those similar to western medicine like Chiropractic and Ayurveda, as well as completely different approaches.

Chiropractors rank second among health professionals, after General Practitioners and Dentists. They employ manipulations to stretch and align the spine, as chiropractic theory highlights the significance of a healthy spine, serving as the central nervous system's highway. These manipulations improve blood flow and reinstate the body's natural alignment. Although modern medicine acknowledges the benefits of chiropractic practices for back problems, it has not fully acknowledged their potential in treating specific illnesses.

Osteopaths, like chiropractors, are medical doctors who utilize spinal manipulations. However, osteopaths differentiate themselves by also manipulating the entire musculoskeletal system, not just the spine. Similar to chiropractic practices, osteopathic manipulations can improve blood flow and realign imbalances resulting from sustained body trauma, such as car accidents. Both osteopathy and chiropractic fall under the broad category of bodywork.

The idea of bodywork encompasses a range of modalities, including various types of massage like Swedish, deep tissue, Shiatsu, Rolfing (a deep tissue manipulation that releases trapped emotions in muscles), and others. Reflexology concentrates on specific body parts like the feet to relieve stress in internal organs. The Alexander Technique involves retraining the body to move correctly.

Although yoga is commonly associated with physical exercise, it actually functions as a path towards enlightenment. There are multiple branches of yoga that incorporate asanas (body poses involving breathing and stretching) and meditation, such as Hatha and Jhana yoga. These systems have influenced modern practices like Pilates, aerobics, and isometrics. Karma Yoga and other paths of yoga are more internally focused. Breathing plays an essential role in all forms of

yoga. Originating from India, yoga is widely utilized in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda, a medical system in India, focuses on eight branches: pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, geriatrics, otolaryngology, general medicine, and surgery (Lad). This ancient practice forms the basis of modern medicine today. Ayurveda views humans as mirrors of the universe and strives to achieve the equilibrium seen in nature. In the United States, many Ayurvedic practitioners have combined their knowledge with Western medicine to become Medical Doctors. Dr. Deepak Chopra is an example of this fusion as he started his career as an Ayurvedic Doctor in India and later became an MD. Chopra is renowned for introducing Eastern principles to the Western world through his extensive health literature.

Originating in ancient China, acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years. This scientific method centers on the energy meridians found within the human body and acknowledges that an imbalance of these meridians can result in illness. By utilizing needles, acupuncturists have the ability to manipulate these meridians and redirect excessive energy to areas that are deficient. In contemporary medicine, acupuncture is now recognized as a valid substitute for anesthesia and has demonstrated beneficial outcomes.

There are several forms of energy manipulation and healing available, including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch (TT), and hands-on-healing. All of these techniques involve the practitioner directing healing energy towards the patient. Both Reiki and TT are variations of hands-on-healing. To practice Reiki, individuals must receive attunement from a Reiki Master who has completed at least three out of twelve total attunements. TT has been incorporated into nurse training programs and has been employed in hospitals for an extended period.

Nutrition is an important aspect of overall health, and

various modalities emphasize its significance. Naturopaths promote the use of food for healing purposes, while herbalists recommend natural herbs to treat illnesses. Homeopaths dilute the sickness or its cause and have patients consume it in order to stimulate their body's immune response. Holistic practitioners often integrate different approaches based on individual patient needs.

The text discusses the impact of capitalism and conspiracy on modern medicine and emphasizes the need for these two models to merge in order to benefit society. In the allopathic system, economic motives often drive the use of drugs instead of focusing on health. Government entities like the American Medical Industry, FDA, and other relevant agencies regulate present-day medicine. These authoritative bodies have control over available treatments and restrict physicians from recommending natural remedies. Violating this rule can result in losing one's license and insurance coverage for doctors. Within the medical industry's boundaries, only FDA-approved medications are allowed to be prescribed.

The medical industry's origins have been extensively covered in books, and my goal is to provide a summary. Contrary to relying on old practices or traditions, the present-day medical industry can be described as a corporation that emerged in the early 20th century through the efforts of American business pioneers such as John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and the Rothschild family. These influential figures played a role in establishing what we perceive as independent entities within this complex medical system. Let me explain further.

In the early 1900s, these individuals founded medical schools and expanded into hospitals, drug companies, and insurance companies over time. This allowed them to invest their substantial capital empires without paying taxes and with limited scrutiny. The result was an ongoing

cycle of profits that still exists today. However, there are deeper connections that some refer to as a "conspiracy."

These connections involve American companies collaborating with Hitler before, during, and after World War II within the medical industry. Additionally, Jewish individuals were exploited by this industry for testing new drugs and therapies.

According to Griffen in A World Without Cancer, before World War II, the chemical and drug industries were dominated by an international cartel called I.G. Farben. This powerful cartel was centered in Germany and had operations in ninety-three countries, making it a significant force both economically and politically worldwide. In 1928, John D. Rockefeller merged his American-based empire with I.G. Farben, creating the largest and most influential cartel ever known. Throughout the years, this cartel not only survived but also grew and succeeded, playing a major role in cancer therapy today from both scientific and political perspectives.

During the war, the Allied Forces specifically targeted the city where I.G. Farben's headquarters were located as part of their attack on Germany. Despite efforts at the beginning of the war to sever ties between IG Farben and its American counterparts, almost everything in the city was destroyed by the Allies' actions. However, one building managed to remain standing amongst this destruction – coincidentally enough, it happened to be I.G. Farben's headquarters building which was also the largest structure there.

After the war, the dissolved American counterparts assumed control of I.G. Farben and its records. According to Griffen's book, both American and overseas businesses profited from the war. These conglomerates facilitated financial transactions between the Allied and Axis forces. The Standard Oil Company obtained patent rights for synthetic oil and

rubber produced in factories near Auschwitz and other locations where Holocaust victims were employed. It is important to note that IG Farben, a partner of Rockefeller, held the patent for the gas used to murder millions of Holocaust victims in "showers" under the pretense of "public health" and "disinfection." IG Farben was split into various companies, mostly American ones that continue operating today. Alongside the pharmaceutical industry, these companies rank as the second largest industry after defense.

The economic domain of new drug development and modern medical research attracts substantial investments. However, pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest millions in studying the effects of natural substances due to their inability to be patented. Instead, they chemically replicate these substances and sell them at inflated prices compared to their organic counterparts, often resulting in more adverse reactions. This focus on medication is evident in the widespread utilization of pharmaceuticals for various health issues, including emotional ailments. Many individuals, myself included, depend on these expedient solutions to address our problems. Even children are prescribed medications like Ritalin, which is a low dosage derivative of cocaine, for enhancing their concentration. It was only through researching this paper that I realized how we have been blinded by the dominance exerted by these capitalist monopolies.

While not included in my initial proposal, I feel it is crucial to address these recent reflections. Throughout this particular class, we have grasped the significance of expanding our outlooks and contemplating alternative truths. One quote from Charles Dubois has profoundly influenced me:

"The most critical aspect is to always be prepared to let go of your current identity for what you can potentially evolve into."

This

personal journey has involved more than just repeating what I already know; it has been a process of transitioning from an old perspective to a new one. I expect that it will bring about a similar transformative impact.

The holistic model emphasizes individual autonomy, while the allopathic model seeks control. Personally, I have transitioned from allopathic to holistic approaches and now combine allopathic therapies recommended by my General Practitioner with various holistic treatments discovered through personal research. This process involves abandoning harmful practices like drug use and excessive drinking in favor of more moderate ones. I believe this journey is meant for me and that dependence on anything - religion, addiction, hobby, or love - is unhealthy. Finding balance is crucial; denying one's true nature indefinitely is impossible. As Shakespeare wisely said, "To thine own self be true." Currently, I strive to apply this lesson despite Einstein's observation that "Once the mind has been stretched by a new idea, it can never return to its original state."

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