Is Chinese medicine for you? You may be surprised to learn that more and more Westerners are enthusiastically visiting the offices of Chinese practitioners, but to some it is little more than the latest fad that is here today and gone tomorrow. Soon they will lose interest and no longer follow up on the recommendations of the healer. Much like any diet that is followed for only a short period of time and then disregarded, the positive effects you may have experienced as a result of your therapy will soon go by the wayside. If you are not quite certain if Chinese medicine is a direction you wish to explore in your healthcare options, here are some tips that might make the decision easier.
First and foremost, why do you want to seek out another method of medicine? Are you dissatisfied with your current physician or do you feel that something is missing in your care? Are you afraid of the side effects a treatment may have or have you been told in so many words that there is little more your doctor can do for you? No matter what the ultimate decision will be, make sure you know at the onset what it is that you are hoping to accomplish.
With an agenda in hand, research the practitioners licensed to practice Chinese medicine in your area. Remember that licensing procedures are in place and this should make it easier to weed out the self proclaimed healers who may have gotten their diplomas from one of the many diploma mills around. Ask for license information, degree info, and also any additional certifications the practitioner may have garnered. Any professional will appreciate your thoroughness.
Read up on the lingo. Just like any other field of medicine so Chinese medicine, too, has its own language. You will need to understand the rudimentary principles of yin and yang, the mind and body interconnectivity, and also the five external symptoms so often cited. Do not be bashful in your research and once again ask questions of your practitioner if a certain aspect of your treatment does not make sense to you.
Be open-minded but also true to yourself. Even as you do not bat an eye at changing your diet and working on a meditation routine, the use of some supplements may be a bit more challenging. Take for example the famous caterpillar fungus that a few short years ago was a major part of the news stories for having been found to be invested with microbes. While today’s batches most likely are safer, the idea of ingesting a mix that contains the mortal remains of a caterpillar and a fungus mingled may be hard to stomach. Similarly, while acupuncture may not sound like fun to you but you are willing to give it the old college try, the notion of fire cupping might have you running for the hills.
Remember that the major tenet of Chinese medicine – as opposed to Western medicine – is the complete involvement of the patient in her or his care. If something does not sound right or feel good, do not be afraid to mention it to your practitioner.
