Comments on: Chiropractic and the East/West Dilemma

By: debra

debra — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:05:42 +0000

BRAVO!

By: rickyfishman

rickyfishman — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:07:46 +0000

Bill,
Thanks for your comments. I completely agree that each modality needs to be tested to determine its efficacy and that longevity is not a basis for validation. I also want to make clear that if I have a bacterial infection or a bursting appendix, I am heading straight for the MD’s office or the Emergency Room, not the acupuncturist, the chiropractor, or the homeopath. My point in the blog piece was to explore different ideas about health and healing, from reductionism to holism, and to suggest that both of these approaches have merit. But I also think that there are different ways to define “science” and that at this moment, historically, that definition is controlled by the “scientific” powers that be. I would maintain that Chinese Medicine, for example, is indeed a science when one looks at this method as a system which is internally consistent, is based upon thousands of years of observations, has a regular set of protocols, and a well documented literature. If I have a patient with chronic bronchitis or gastrointestinal disturbance, and we have ruled out infection or cancer or some other gross pathology, I am sending them to Chinese Medicine, as there is little the Western MD can do for them.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:29:46 +0000

When discussing comparisons between East/West and Ancient/Modern medicines, I must admit I have a difficult time giving much respect to ancient medicines because of longstanding prejudices I’ve developed with regard to ‘mystical’ properties attributed to some therapies. As an example, there is a tremendous black-market for rhinoceros horn in Asia because of a perceived medicinal benefit for impotence. There are other like examples in traditional medicines that I find to be painfully ridiculous. Beautiful and rare animals are slaughtered for their livers or other internal organs because of the perceived nobility, strength or virility of the animal, and somehow the recipient is to inherit that property from ingesting it. Now I’m not lumping chiropractic in with that type of thing, but I think a dose of skepticism is “healthy’ when looking at any mode of therapy. I definitely believe Western medicine needs a lot more skepticism applied, despite all of the FDA testing and scrutiny. To your point, I think that it would be far better if the efficacy of all medicines and treatment modalities were scrutinized. The continued practice of a particular type of medicine can be indicative of it’s ability to relieve disease, but the longevity of that practice alone isn’t enough establish credibility. With any treatment, it’s important to establish a cause and effect relationship in a rational way so that a clear understanding of what the disease is established and then an appropriate treatment is prescribed. Far too many practitioners of traditional medicine make far-reaching claims for their methods that seem to be built more on faith and legends than repeatable experiences. While I am a whole-hearted advocate for regular chiropractic care, I don’t think a spinal manipulation is going to resolve a bacterial infection on your skin or treat someone’s diabetes. Western and Eastern medicines have their places for treating different conditions. In my opinion we would be better off if we sought to clarify the benefits of each school of thought and utilize both.

By: Madeleine Silva

Madeleine Silva — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:36:26 +0000

Love it! Thank you for bringing a whole new appreciation for the amazing art of chiropractic. I so often take it for granted so it was fun to revel in your story of history and awe of the art.

By: Ricky Fishman

Ricky Fishman — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:07:43 +0000

Thanks so much for your comment. I am wondering what country you are writing from as I am always interested in knowing what the state of Chiropractic care is in other parts of the world.

By: Massage And Therapy

Massage And Therapy — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:24:52 +0000

Your information is so great. But in my country, chiropractics has not been yet famous. Thx for posting it..