Complementary medicine - where does it fit in? - diagnosis

Complementary medicine - talking about diagnosis

Probably the greatest perceived weakness among practicioners and patients in our western health systems is diagnosis.

All to often diagnosis is left to patients who then present their 'symptoms' to their GP.  One person may present themselves at the slightest sniffle, another will wait until a tumour is growing out of their neck before 'bothering their doctor'. Fortunately with increased discussion of health both such extremes are rarer.  The fact is most of us can enjoy good health for all but the last two weeks of our lives with sensible diet and exercise to keep the body machine working.

I dont mean diagnosis once symptoms of a serious blockage for example in the coronary artery have manifested themselves.  Our technology and practicioners are excellent at interpreting symptoms and finding and correcting such blockages. Sometimes of course such blockages are the result of genetic factors despite every attention to diet and exercise for example coronary heart disease running in families.

Probably the greatest perceived strength in traditional chinese medicine and complementary therapies like aromatherapy and reflexology with its use of acupressure and massage in the 'hands on' treatment of common ailments is that sometimes early diagnosis is possible which is under the radar of western health systems.  For example early diagnosis of cancer in western systems is of concern.  Regular massage checkups allow competant practicioners particularly those also medically trained to detect subtle changes which can alert the client and their medical practioners to early signs of cancer with proper training and this is an area well worthy of further research and effort.

Essentia