Having practiced Chinese medicine for over twenty years, the one special feature which stands above all else, is its ability to find a common pathway ( something in common which is causing or contributing to unrelated disorders ) which correlates varying symptoms experienced by the patient. This is an invaluable tool for the patient, for it offers a unifying picture of the root causes which underlies all the signs and symptoms. By emphasizing the importance of organ systems as well as the energetic impact of individual organ on the physiology of the body, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of diseases and disorders.
In short, Chinese medicine helps to connect mind-body spirit. In Western medicine, mental disorders are put in a separate category from other medical disorders. One reason for this is that mental disorders have no objective tests that can be used in diagnosis. For treatment, someone who is suffering from a mental disorder will typically be prescribed anti-depressives or anti-psychotics from a psychiatrist. Many of these medications are known to have side-effects, including weight gain. If weight gain persists over a long period, it could lead to metabolic syndrome including diabetes and obesity. Eventually metabolic disorder could lead to cardio-vascular disease and etc. Hence, as illustrated here, the line between mental disorders and medical disorders is not so cut and dried. The fact remains that the two cannot be disconnected.
Then why not utilize a more holistic system such as Chinese medicine to enhance treatment solutions offered by biomedicine? Perhaps Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help control weight gain so that the patient can be spared of weight-loss medications which will then have its own side effects and further compound the problem. I understand that these are complex issues without any tailor-made answers. The point is to approach Eastern medicine with an openness which can provide an integrative model fostering collaboration for more effective and comprehensive care.
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