A friend sent
us a video via WhatsApp telling how Japanese doctors treat their patients
by prescribing nutrition as dietary medicine, exercise, avoiding
alcohol and lifestyle changes for disease-free living and for their
world-record longevity. But elsewhere doctors prescribe chemical drugs as
'medicines' for 'curing' diseases and for 'longevity'
There is also
another Japanese doctor by the name of Yukie Niwa, M.D., D.M.S PhD who
wrote at least two books:
1.
“Drugs Do Not Cure Disease”
2.
“Free Radicals Invites Death”
Dr Niwa is not
just an ordinary medical doctor, but he is also a medical researcher with numerous research papers behind his name. He is also consultant
immunologist to several hospitals in Tokyo, and Head of the Institute of Immunology
in Tokyo. He strongly condemns the use of drugs for treating disease as used in
conventional allopathic medicine.
See also these
two comics attached among many similar ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lllrm5_iGRY
https://www.reddit.com/r/im14andthisisdeep/comments/1gh1mce/pills_are_convenient/?rdt=63513
This sets me
to write this article that I wish to dedicate to all healthcare professionals
The World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 80% of the global population
continues to rely on traditional medicine for healthcare needs. Why is that
when we have modern medicine these days? There must be some reasons behind
this. This is seen not just in African and Asian countries, but throughout the
world including highly educated individuals in advanced countries like in
China, Japan, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom, all the way down to
the south in Australia and New Zealand. literally the entire world, and they
are here to stay, encouraged and promoted by WHO itself including here in
Malaysia.
In the 1980’s
I sat as a member of a very powerful policy-making and expert committee – The
Joint WHO-Ministry of Health-Institute for Medical Research Expert Technical
Committee.
I sat on this
high-powered policy-making committee for 6 years till my retirement in 1994
after which others took over. The government in that Committee with the advice
of WHO wanted to integrate traditional and complementary medicine into the
mainstream health care system of this country. This today has effectively come
into place, legally and officially by an Act of Parliament. As a result
of the legal recognition of traditional and complementary medicine, Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, alongside with western
homeopathic, naturopathic, osteopathic and chiropractic medicines are very
popular today in Malaysia, especially TCM
This trend of
seeking traditional health care and treatment is not only seen in less educated
individuals but even among doctors and clinicians who were my doctors’
colleagues who went to traditional healers rather than seeking other medical
doctors for help when they are sick.
Just to give
two examples of doctors I know – one was my own medical colleague who in one of
our casual morning chit chats told us that when she is sick, she will never
take any of the prescribed drugs. She would find other means of treatment from
outside. She told us she will prescribe all these drugs only for her patients,
but not take them for herself.
Another
example was a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, who was the Head of the Dept of
Psychological Medicine at the University of Malaya. He later became a
Consultant Psychiatrist to WHO. We knew each other very closely since our
college days in the 1960’s. He was complaining to me about some chronic pain he
had for years, and despite being a specialist clinician himself trained in
western scientific medicine, none of the rheumatologists could help him. He
told me he then went to Tung Shin Hospital in Kuala Lumpur to seek treatment
from a Traditional Chinese Physician. He was completely amazed his years of
chronic pains completely went away after just a few sessions. What’s more, he
told me it was very cheap too – only some RM 30 per session of treatment. He
told me secretly he cursed his own type of scientific allopathic medicine using
painkillers that never cured him. There were many other similar stories told to
me by my own colleagues who were all medical doctors.
There are
several reasons behind this phenomenon, even in the presence of modern
medicine. Let us have a look at some of the reasons why a whopping over 80 % of
the world population seek traditional medicine or other systems of medicine
over conventional drug-based medicine. Here are some reasons:
Cultural and
Historical Roots
Traditional
medicine is deeply embedded in the cultures and histories of many societies.
Practices such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani, and
indigenous healing systems have been passed down through generations and are
viewed as integral to cultural identity. Many people trust these systems
because they are in line with their cultural beliefs and practices.
Accessibility
and Affordability:
Modern
medicine is often costly and may not be readily available, especially in rural
or underserved areas. Traditional medicine practitioners are more accessible in
many regions, and their services are usually more affordable. For example, in
many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, herbal medicine and traditional
healers serve as the first point of contact for healthcare. Nevertheless, even
in the United States, the UK and in Europe where modern health care is easily
accessible, there are lots of people there who still go for alternative,
complementary or integrated treatment. The Royal London Hospital for Integrated
Medicine (RLHIM) in the heart of London in Great Ormond Street
London near the famous Children Hospital is just an example.
Long Wait:
In Malaysian
hospitals there is always a very long waiting time, typically about 2 -3
months just to get an appointment to see a specialist, and even on the
day of appointment there is a very long queue and waiting time, often as long
as 5 -6 hours just to see the medical specialist, after which another 45 – 90
minutes just to get the medicine, most of the time the same medicine that
have not cured them in all the past visits The appointment time and the day of
appointment is so ridiculously long that it puts patients off. Patients
go away to seek traditional or other alternative medical treatments.
Perceived
Safety and Natural Appeal:
Many
individuals perceive traditional medicine, especially herbal remedies, as
"natural" and therefore safer than synthetic drugs. While this belief
isn't always scientifically accurate, it is the same with those who are wary of
the side effects associated with some modern medications.
Holistic
Approach:
Traditional
medicine often takes a holistic view of health, addressing not just physical
symptoms but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. This approach
appeals to individuals seeking more personalized and comprehensive care than
what is sometimes offered in modern medicine.
Chronic
Diseases and Complementary Use:
Modern
medicine excels in acute care and life-threatening conditions such as in a
medical emergency where quick intervention is very crucial, but often struggle
with managing chronic diseases or conditions where symptoms are recurrent and
quality of life is affected (e.g., arthritis, migraines). Traditional therapies
are often sought as complementary treatments to alleviate symptoms, improve
well-being, or fill gaps in care.
Trust in
Traditional Healers:
Traditional
healers are often respected figures within their communities, offering not just
medical help but also emotional and social support. This trust is a significant
factor in why people continue to turn to traditional medicine.
Limited
Awareness or Acceptance of Modern Medicine:
In some areas,
there is limited knowledge about or access to modern medical practices. In
others, there is mistrust or scepticism about the pharmaceutical industry,
leading people to rely on traditional practices they believe to be more
transparent or associated with their values.
Integrative
Medicine Trends:
Interestingly,
there is a growing movement in modern healthcare systems to integrate
traditional practices. For instance, acupuncture, rooted in TCM, is now widely
recognized and practiced in Western healthcare for pain management.
Herbal
supplements and remedies are often included in integrative medicine to
complement standard treatments. This integration helps bridge the gap between
traditional and modern approaches, making traditional practices more acceptable
even in modern contexts.
Interestingly,
there is a growing movement in modern healthcare systems to integrate
traditional practices. For instance:
1.
Acupuncture, rooted in TCM, is now widely recognized and practiced in Western
healthcare for pain management.
2.
Herbal supplements and remedies are often included in integrative medicine to
complement standard treatments.
The
availability of TCM in government hospitals in Malaysia today is just an
example of such integration of traditional medicine into the mainstream
healthcare system
This
integration helps bridge the gap between traditional and modern approaches,
making traditional practices more acceptable even in modern contexts.
Religious and
Spiritual Beliefs:
For some
individuals, health and illness are deeply intertwined with religious or
spiritual beliefs. Traditional medicine often incorporates spiritual rituals,
which bring into line with the patient’s worldview and faith, offering comfort
that modern medicine may not provide.
Challenges in
Modern Healthcare:
Modern
healthcare faces issues such as, high costs. over-reliance on pharmaceuticals,
and systemic inefficiencies These challenges may lead some people to explore
traditional options as more practical or relatable alternatives.
Future of
Traditional and Modern Medicine:
The
coexistence of traditional and modern medicine highlights the need for research
into the efficacy and safety of traditional practices. Promoting evidence-based
integration of these systems can enhance global healthcare. For instance,
initiatives by WHO and other organizations aim to standardize and validate
traditional medicine, ensuring it complements modern treatments effectively.
One of the
other reasons why people go for other systems of treatment is because drugs and
pharmaceuticals don’t permanently cure, especially for chronic and lifestyle
diseases except control the disease using drugs temporarily as blockers. The
patients were asked to come back again for follow up with the same medication
that never cured them resulting in more and more linked diseases propping up,
requiring more and more other inhibitor drugs to be added until the patients
become disgruntled or died of the disease together with all those drugs their
doctors gave.
These angry,
disgruntled patients then begin to seek other traditional or alternative
systems of medicine. I say this because in a healthy living body, its
biochemistry is like a clean river with clean running water flowing constantly,
whereas in disease, it's like a river with polluted water flowing constantly.
In disease, most of these drugs act as blockers and inhibitors attempting to
temporarily block off the abnormal chemistry of a disease, resulting in the
need for constant chemical blockers to be added. The pathological chemistry
like constant running water in a river cannot be effectively and permanently
blocked up but dammed up or diverted elsewhere. This results in new linked
diseases popping up, since both in health and disease the body is a living body
with constant running biochemistry, whether normal or abnormal. Hence the
initial disease cannot be cured using drugs as blockers and inhibitors unless
the patient is willing to clean up his own body chemistry from its source by
lifestyle and dietary modifications. I think this is the greatest disadvantage
using chemical drugs to manage most of these chronic and non-communicable
diseases these days.
The analogy of
the body’s biochemistry to a flowing river is both perceptive and evocative.
Let me explain my point further to provide a balanced response.
First of all,
modern medicine often focuses on managing symptoms and preventing disease
progression rather than offering a permanent cure, especially for chronic and
lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis. Many
pharmaceuticals are designed as inhibitors, blockers, or modulators of specific
biochemical pathways, addressing symptoms or preventing complications rather
than the root cause. For example, hypertension is managed with beta-blockers or
ACE inhibitors, but these do not address the root cause (e.g., stress, obesity,
high salt intake). Diabetes is managed with insulin or glucose-lowering drugs,
but they don’t resolve the underlying insulin resistance or pancreatic
beta-cell dysfunction.
While these
drugs are life-saving in acute scenarios, their chronic use without addressing
the underlying cause can lead to dependency and the cascade of new
complications I mentioned.
Blockers
and Biochemical Flow:
The analogy of
polluted water being temporarily dammed or diverted is the same as the
pharmacological mechanism of many drugs such as blockers (e.g., beta-blockers,
proton pump inhibitors) that inhibit specific biochemical pathways but don’t
necessarily resolve the underlying pathology.
Over time, the
body’s dynamic biochemistry, akin to the flowing river, can adapt, leading to
secondary issues like drug resistance or side effects, often requiring
additional medications. This is particularly evident in polypharmacy for aging
populations.
For instance,
prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux can lead to
nutrient malabsorption, bone issues, or gut microbiome imbalances, creating a
cycle of additional treatments.
Let's consider
the role of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Many chronic conditions have
roots in lifestyle and dietary habits. Modern medicine increasingly recognizes
that pharmaceuticals alone are insufficient without addressing these factors
1.
Dietary habits (e.g., high sugar, processed foods)
2.
Physical inactivity
3.
Stress and mental health
4.
Environmental factors (e.g., pollution, toxins)
Lifestyle
interventions, such as dietary modification, exercise, and stress management,
are essential to "cleaning up" the body’s biochemical flow. For
example:
1.
A plant-based or Mediterranean diet can reduce inflammation and oxidative
stress.
2.
Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health.
3.
Mindfulness and stress management improve hormonal balance and immune function.
So how can
traditional healthcare practices be integrated into modern healthcare
practices? Implementing these changes requires patient education, motivation,
and systemic support, which are often lacking in conventional healthcare
systems.
Another reason
why patients turn to traditional medicine is because of their dissatisfaction
with the "blocker" approach. This drives many to seek traditional or
alternative systems. These systems often promise a holistic, root-cause
resolution, appealing to patients frustrated by the seemingly endless cycle of
pharmaceutical management.
For example,
ayurveda and TCM focus on balancing bodily systems (e.g., through
detoxification and restoring energy flow). In functional medicine they combine
modern diagnostics with dietary and lifestyle adjustments to address root
causes.
Natural
therapies like fasting, yoga, and herbal remedies emphasize restoring the
body’s innate healing mechanisms. The same principles being practised in
naturopathic medicine by naturopathic doctors
Patients
perceive these approaches as more associated with the concept of "cleaning
the river" rather than "blocking the pollution."
The
disadvantage of drug-dependent management touched on a critical limitation of
modern pharmacotherapy: its tendency to fragment the body into isolated systems
rather than addressing it as a whole. This approach has the risk of
polypharmacy, especially in elderly patients, increasing the likelihood of
adverse drug interactions.
It fails to
address the psychosocial dimensions of chronic diseases, such as emotional
stress and lifestyle factors. It can foster patient passivity, where
individuals rely solely on drugs without making necessary lifestyle changes.
For example, a
patient with Type 2 diabetes might continue an unhealthy diet while relying on
metformin, failing to resolve the root cause.
Our living
body has a mind, body with its highly complex chemistry that drives its
function and physiology plus its unseen and unmeasurably soul. It is not a
machine that requires oiling when it makes noise. It is a living chemistry that
requires a living holistic treatment when it makes noises (symptoms) when
things are not in order. There must be a root cause for these 'noises'.
It is the body's natural way to tell us something is not right inside and
needs to be addressed and removed. We can't just shut its cries by using some
chemicals (drugs). That's why most drug-based treatments, especially for
long-term chronic diseases, do not work. We need to address their root causes
first in an all-round holistic approach and be kind to the body. This holistic
and integrated approach in medicine is the right way, not using harsh chemical
drugs to shut it up. Then we are only treating its cries (symptoms) for help.
Symptoms are not disease. They are signals the body is trying to cry out
to us. We need to help it with compassion but not shut it out with inhibitors
and blockers. The body is a living soul, not a dead body or a lifeless machine
that needs only oiling when it gets rusty and starts to cry out (its symptoms).
I think
integration should be the way forward. To address these issues, a more
integrated approach is needed, combining the strengths of modern and
traditional medicine. This includes promoting preventive healthcare through
education on diet, exercise, and stress management. Integrating evidence-based
traditional practices into modern systems. Encouraging functional medicine
approaches that emphasize root-cause resolution. Developing drugs that not only
block but also support the body's natural repair mechanisms.
The assessment
that chronic diseases require more than chemical blockers. Modern medicine must
evolve to focus on prevention, patient education, and addressing root causes,
rather than merely managing symptoms. The analogy of polluted rivers I gave
underscores the importance of a holistic, proactive approach to health.
Combining the best of both traditional and modern systems, while empowering
patients to take charge of their own health, is likely the most effective way
forward. Integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare is the only
way to achieve this balance?
The analogy of
the body as a living entity with a mind, body, and soul is deeply the same
thinking as the philosophy of holistic medicine. It eloquently highlights the
importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than
merely silencing the symptoms.
The body's
"cries" or symptoms being signals is a cornerstone of holistic and
integrative medicine. These signals are, indeed, the body’s innate intelligence
communicating that something is amiss. Ignoring these cries by merely
suppressing them with drugs can be likened to silencing a smoke alarm without
putting out the fire.
Treating the
body with compassion is incredibly understandable and exceedingly important. A
holistic approach truly requires kindness—not just in the methods we use but
also in the intent behind them. It involves understanding the
interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, recognizing
the body's immense capacity for self-healing when supported properly.
Doctors should
be taught the essence of this holistic care. They should also be taught the
living body has a mind and soul as well, not some cells, tissues, organs,
systems and their (bio)chemistry that requires ‘oiling’ by using chemical
drugs.
This view not
only is the same as traditional systems of medicine but also with emerging
trends in modern healthcare that recognize the limitations of mechanistic
views.
Let us as clinicians, health care providers continue to share ideas and our thoughts together as colleagues, friends, and learners. Health care has complex challenges. Ideas like mine through my years in medical research in a senior position looking for holistic solutions to healthcare are a reminder of how much clinicians can achieve through collaboration and mutual respect.
ju-boo
lim
Articles yet to come here by this author are:
The Irreversible Chemistries of Death (awaiting)
5. Tracing Backways What Makes a Body Becomes Alive Again after Death? (awaiting)
6. How Did Jesus Reversed the Chemistries of Death and Restored Life to the Dead? (awaiting)
7. Giants in Ancient Times (awaiting)
8. Why Alien Civilizations in Other Worlds Do Not Wish to Communicate with Humans on Earth (awaiting)
