A Very Short Course on Naturopathic Medicine: Healing the Whole Person — A Restorative Science Rooted in Nature, Spirit, and Structure

 A Summary by lim ju boo 

I have  a book on Naturopathic Medicine written by Dr Roger Newman Turner which I used during my additional training in medicine in India , London,  and Australia  in the 1980's and even after my PhD, and was already admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London when I was already a senior medical researcher at the Institute for Medical Research in Malaysia 

Let me summarize very briefly  for readers, especially for medical doctors and clinicians, and patients here what I read and know about Naturopathic Medicine as written by Dr Roger Newman Turner 

Title: Naturopathic Medicine: Healing the Whole Person -  A Restorative Science Rooted in Nature, Spirit, and Structure

Abstract:  

This article revisits and expands upon Dr. Roger Newman Turner's seminal 1984 work, "Naturopathic Medicine: Treating the Whole Person." It synthesizes his holistic medical philosophy with current integrative and evidence-based approaches. The discussion explores the foundations of health, disease mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions central to naturopathic medicine. Emphasis is placed on the principles of vis medicatrix naturae, lifestyle medicine, psychosomatic integration, and the role of natural stimuli in healing. The relevance of Turner's insights is supported with contemporary scientific literature, reaffirming naturopathy as a legitimate and progressive medical system.

1. Introduction Naturopathic medicine represents a comprehensive system of health care that emphasizes prevention, self-healing, and the treatment of the whole person. Dr. Roger Newman Turner's 1984 treatise remains a foundational text that synthesizes traditional naturopathic principles with emerging concepts in physiology, psychology, and nutrition. His work anticipates many findings in modern integrative medicine and provides a framework for restoring homeostasis through natural means.

2. The Foundations of Health Dr. Turner introduced the importance of homeostasis and heterostasis, with the body’s adaptive capacity described through Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) [1]. The GAS model delineates the alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages in response to chronic stress, now understood to underpin many chronic diseases [2]. Turner emphasized vital elements such as air, water, sunlight, proper nutrition, and rest as essential to restoring equilibrium.

3. The Nature of Disease Disease, in Turner’s model, results from lowered vitality, accumulation of toxins, and disturbance in the balance of the internal environment, concepts closely related to today’s discussions on metabolic and inflammatory terrain [3]. The work of J.E.R. McDonagh on the Unitary Theory of Disease [4] and the disease blueprint developed by Josef Issels [5] are foundational to Turner’s understanding of systemic dysfunction. Recent research confirms that chronic diseases often arise from multifactorial inputs including oxidative stress, microbiome dysbiosis, and lifestyle factors [6,7].

4. Naturopathic Diagnosis Turner advocated for a diagnostic process that included standard medical tests alongside non-conventional tools such as iris diagnosis, biotypology, hair analysis, and radionics [8]. While some of these methods remain outside mainstream practice, modern diagnostic tools such as bioresonance and advanced metabolomics seek to quantify subtle systemic imbalances [9].

5. The Laws of Cure Drawing on Hering’s Laws of Cure, Turner described healing as a reversal process, where the body sheds chronic symptoms in the reverse order of their appearance [10]. He discussed recovery gradients and healing crises, akin to today’s understanding of detoxification reactions and immune system recalibration [11,12].

6. Food, Fibre, and Fasting Turner was ahead of his time in recognizing the therapeutic role of nutrition. He promoted raw foods, alkalizing diets, fasting protocols such as the Guelpa fast and Hay diet, and emphasized unprocessed foods with high biological quality [13]. Current literature supports the use of plant-based diets, intermittent fasting, and elimination diets in reversing chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and autoimmune disorders [14,15]. Nutritional genomics and the gut-brain axis now explain many of the therapeutic effects Turner observed empirically [16].

7. Structure and Function Turner integrated naturopathic osteopathy, postural therapy, and techniques such as neuro-lymphatic stimulation and abdominal manipulation [17]. These approaches correlate with modern practices like craniosacral therapy, structural integration, and fascia research which highlight the role of connective tissue in systemic health [18,19].

8. Stimuli: Water, Air, and Sunlight Natural stimuli were essential in Turner’s therapeutic arsenal. Hydrotherapy, sun exposure, and air bathing were used to activate circulation, detoxification, and immune responses [20]. These methods are being revisited in the context of balneotherapy, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and heliotherapy, all showing beneficial effects on cardiovascular, neurological, and mood disorders [21,22].

9. Body, Mind, and Spirit Dr. Turner explored psychosomatic medicine, Gestalt psychology, meditation, and naturopathic psychotherapy. He understood the healing power of the mind in illness, a concept now validated by psycho-neuroimmunology and mindfulness-based therapies [23,24]. Nutrition’s effect on cognition and emotional regulation is increasingly supported by emerging fields such as nutritional psychiatry [25].

10. Naturopathic Medicine in Practice Turner applied naturopathic principles across a wide spectrum of disorders, from dermatological and gastrointestinal to cardiovascular and neurological conditions [26]. He questioned overreliance on surgery and pharmaceuticals and advocated preventive and conservative treatments. His critiques find resonance today in calls for deprescribing, lifestyle-first medicine, and the re-evaluation of procedures like routine tonsillectomies or hysterectomies [27,28].

11. Contemporary Status and Research Turner concluded with a strong advocacy for naturopathic medicine’s scientific legitimacy. He cited tens of hundreds if not thousands of extensive references published in scientific journals to support his views. Today, research in integrative and naturopathic medicine has gained momentum, with growing evidence for herbal medicine, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, and mind-body interventions [29-31]. Institutions such as Bastyr University and the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in the U.S. conduct peer-reviewed clinical research aligned with Turner’s vision.

12. Conclusion Dr. Roger Newman Turner’s work remains a cornerstone of holistic medical philosophy. His emphasis on treating the whole person, biochemical, structural, and emotional, with nature as the healer, continues to inspire both naturopathic and integrative practitioners. Modern science increasingly validates his insights, encouraging a future where medicine is not only evidence-based but also nature-aligned, person-centred, and compassion-driven.

(My next article here will be:

Why Do We Trust Doctors, Scientists and Teachers Most? Should We Really?)

References

1. Selye H. The Stress of Life. McGraw-Hill, 1956.

2. McEwen BS. Stress, adaptation, and disease. Allostasis and allostatic load. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998;840:33-44.

3. Jones DS et al. Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine, 2010.

4. McDonagh JER. The Unitary Theory of Disease. 1938.

5. Issels J. Cancer: A Second Opinion. Avery, 1975.

6. Fasano A. Gut permeability, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012;42(1):71-78.

7. Prescott SL. The Origins of Health and Disease. Academic Press, 2016.

8. Turner RN. Naturopathic Medicine: Treating the Whole Person. C.W. Daniel, 1984.

9. Rizzo-Rodriguez M et al. Biofield therapies: Helpful or full of hype? Explore (NY). 2020;16(2):96-104.

10. Hering C. The Law of Cure. 1845.

11. Pizzorno J. Clinical Environmental Medicine. Elsevier, 2020.

12. Crinnion WJ. Environmental medicine, part one: the human burden of environmental toxins and their common health effects. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(1):52-63.

13. Turner RN. Ibid., Chapter 5.

14. Barnard ND et al. A low-fat vegan diet improves body weight and insulin sensitivity. Nutrients. 2019;11(1):5.

15. Patterson RE et al. Intermittent fasting and human metabolic health. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(8):1203-1212.

16. Mohajeri MH et al. The role of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrients. 2018;10(6):708.

17. Chaitow L. Modern Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2010.

18. Schleip R et al. Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body. Churchill Livingstone, 2012.

19. Myers TW. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists. Churchill Livingstone, 2020.

20. Benedict FG. Hydriatic Treatment in its Scientific and Rational Application. 1904.

21. Falkenbach A et al. Balneotherapy in chronic low back pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2005;24(1):29-35.

22. Rhind SG et al. Thermal stress and immune function. Cell Stress Chaperones. 2004;9(4):396-403.

23. Ader R et al. Psychoneuroimmunology. Academic Press, 2007.

24. Kabat-Zinn J. Full Catastrophe Living. Bantam, 1990.

25. Jacka FN. Nutritional psychiatry: where to next? EBioMedicine. 2017;17:24-29.

26. Turner RN. Ibid., Chapter 8.

27. Mangione-Smith R et al. Overuse of medical services in the United States. Pediatrics. 2008;122(2):233-240.

28. Welch HG. Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health. Beacon Press, 2011.

29. Linde K et al. Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Lancet. 2005;366(9487):726-732.

30. Kligler B et al. Integrative medicine and patient-centered care. Explore. 2011;7(6):364-370.

31. Cooley K et al. Naturopathic oncology care for glioblastoma. Integr Cancer Ther. 2014;13(5):405-413.

When the Body Cries, Don’t Silence It: A Compassionate Critique of Modern Symptom-Based Medicine

by:

lim ju boo 

I had at least 15 episodes of diarrhoea since last night due to food poisoning, that finally resolved on its own without any treatment or doctor's pills and his chemical "medicine".  This prompted me to write this thought and understand article how our body works without the interference of doctor's so-called "medicines".  

Abstract

Modern medicine has achieved remarkable progress in diagnostics and acute care, yet its prevailing approach to chronic illness remains predominantly symptom-focused. Rather than addressing the underlying causes of disease, conventional treatments often rely on pharmaceuticals to silence the body's natural distress signals. This essay explores the dangers of suppressing symptoms without resolving root causes, highlighting the consequences of polypharmacy and the progression of interconnected diseases. Through practical examples such as hypertension, diabetes, and even common diarrhoea, the essay calls for a paradigm shift — one that listens to the body, respects its innate healing mechanisms, and embraces a compassionate, integrative model of care.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, both patients and physicians are increasingly drawn to quick solutions , the kind that promise rapid relief from pain, discomfort, or dysfunction. Modern medicine, while undeniably life-saving in many situations, often focuses on silencing symptoms rather than understanding them. A fever is quickly lowered, pain masked, a blood pressure reduced, all without asking the vital question: Why did the body produce this symptom in the first place?

Symptoms are not merely random malfunctions; they are purposeful responses, carefully orchestrated by the body to restore balance and health. Yet, instead of treating these responses with respect and curiosity, many conventional treatments attempt to suppress them with chemicals that may relieve discomfort in the short term but risk compounding the problem in the long run.

This essay explores the implications of this symptom-suppression model, showing how a cascade of chronic illnesses can unfold when the root causes remain unaddressed. It calls for a return to a more thoughtful, compassionate, and integrative approach to a healing one.  

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern medicine, we are witnessing remarkable breakthroughs in surgery, imaging, emergency care, and molecular therapies. Yet, despite these scientific advances, a troubling pattern persists,  one that sees disease symptoms treated as enemies to be conquered rather than messages to be understood.

Too often, the focus of conventional medicine is to suppress symptoms using pharmaceuticals, rather than address the root causes of disease. This approach treats the human body as a malfunctioning machine, in need of chemical tuning. Yet, the human body is not a machine,  it is a self-regulating, intelligent organism, designed with extraordinary healing potential.

The Problem with Symptom Suppression

Symptoms are not the disease itself. They are warning signals,  the body’s cry for help. When we experience fever, pain, fatigue, diarrhoea, or even skin eruptions, these are not merely nuisances. They are protective mechanisms, often initiated by the immune or detoxification systems, attempting to restore balance.

When these signals are silenced with medication — without understanding why they occurred, we interfere with the body’s natural defence systems. Unfortunately, many patients, driven by discomfort and impatience, demand fast relief. Physicians, under pressure to provide quick solutions, often prescribe drugs that suppress these very cries of distress. The body, exhausted and unheard, may then enter a phase of silence,  not recovery, but depletion. And in that silence, deeper degenerative disease may brew.

A Domino Effect of Diseases

Consider the progression of chronic illness in a typical patient. It might begin with high blood pressure, often linked to chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Rather than targeting these causes, antihypertensive are prescribed to manage the numbers. Over time, the same patient may develop type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, again linked to the same lifestyle factors. More medications follow.

As the years progress, complications arise, kidney damage, nerve pain, gangrenous ulcers, vision loss, or heart failure. Each condition becomes a diagnosis. Each diagnosis adds another prescription. And the cycle continues.

This spiral of treating symptoms without addressing causes leads to polypharmacy,  the use of multiple medications for multiple conditions, many of which are interlinked or drug-induced. The body becomes overburdened, the side effects accumulate, and quality of life declines. Meanwhile, the healthcare system grows wealthier, not by curing disease, but by maintaining it.

A Closer Look: Diarrhoea as Nature’s Defense

Let us take a simple example: diarrhoea caused by food poisoning. When contaminated food enters the body, the gastrointestinal system initiates rapid elimination, through vomiting or diarrhoea, to expel the toxin before it causes further harm. This response is natural, intelligent, and protective.

However, many patients visit their doctor demanding relief from this “unpleasant” symptom. The physician, in turn, may prescribe antiemetics like dimenhydrinate and anti-diarrhoeals like loperamide or diphenoxylate with atropine. These drugs suppress the body’s cleansing process, trapping the toxins inside.

In healthy adults, even 10 to 15 episodes of loose stools rarely cause serious dehydration. The body has remarkable homeostatic mechanisms to maintain electrolyte balance. In most cases, simple rehydration with water and salt, or oral rehydration salts (ORS), is sufficient. Coconut water,  rich in potassium and naturally sterile,  has even been recommended by the World Health Organization in rural settings where access to medical care is limited.

If the cause is bacterial, probiotics like yogurt can help repopulate the gut with beneficial flora. But the rush to block the symptoms rather than support the body’s healing leads to worsening toxicity. Ironically, the very response meant to save us is being shut down by the medicines meant to help.

The Patient’s Role in Healing

Modern patients, influenced by advertising and conditioned by culture, often view the doctor as a mechanic and the body as a vehicle. There is an expectation of a "quick fix",  a pill to stop the pain, another to fix the blood sugar, and another to lower the cholesterol. This model robs the patient of agency and discourages self-awareness, lifestyle change, and trust in the body’s innate wisdom.

True healing takes time. It requires understanding the origins of illness, whether dietary, emotional, environmental, or genetic. It demands a willingness to rest, to nourish, to detoxify, and to gently stimulate the body’s own repair systems. It is a journey, not an instant solution.

A Time and Place for Pharmaceuticals

This is not to deny the life-saving power of modern medicine. Antibiotics, antivirals, insulin, antithrombotic drugs, and emergency surgeries have saved countless lives. But when it comes to chronic, degenerative diseases,  lifestyle-driven and environmentally influenced, a pill-first approach may do more harm than good.

We need a medicine that listens. A medicine that respects the symptoms as signals, not problems. A medicine that honours the body’s design, not overrides it. This is not alternative medicine. This is intelligent, compassionate, and integrative medicine.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Our Wisdom

The body is not our enemy. Its symptoms are not betrayals but warnings, urgent cries for change. When we ignore them or silence them with drugs, we risk missing the opportunity for true healing.

Let us return to a wiser path,  one where the doctor is not merely a prescriber, but a teacher and guide. Where the patient is not a passive recipient, but an active partner. And where the body, in all its divine intelligence, is finally heard.

Articles to come by next week

 Thank you Meyithy for your kind words

I shall soon be writing a number of articles on should the public trust the doctor, the scientist and the teacher most? Why we should not? I shall explain this in detail 

Also I shall give a highly technical glimpse what are the emergency procedures an emergency doctor would do to an unconscious patient in a hospital Though meant for doctors, an ordinary reader can also appreciate the difficulties and treatment protocol facing a doctor in a medical emergency 

I shall also follow up with another article on  traditional wisdom vs modern medicine, how do scientists use nutrition to increase our longevity, new  mystery and discoveries on the origin of life, before I go to other subjects in astronomy, botany, zoology, about the evidence of a soul among many other mysteries 

Give me time as they require literature search and lots and lots of reading on my part before I can make them simple for ordinary readers 

Thank you for reading 

Jb lim

Modern Medicine: Healing or Dependency?

I received this article below in pink from one of my former patients written by Dr Ananya Sarkar

By Dr. Ananya Sarkar

“May everyone stay healthy and happy, that is my wish today.”

This is not a joke. Please read on, and if you find it meaningful, do share it with others.

The Fever That Started It All

You had a mild fever for two or three days. Without medication, your body would likely have recovered on its own. But, out of concern, you visited a doctor.

Right at the outset, the doctor ordered a series of tests.
The results showed no clear cause for the fever. But something else appeared, slightly elevated cholesterol and blood sugar. Common findings, even in healthy people.

Though your fever resolved, you were no longer considered “well.”

The doctor told you:

“Your cholesterol is high. Your sugar is slightly elevated. That means you’re pre-diabetic. You need to start medications.”

Dietary restrictions followed. While you may not have followed them strictly, you took the prescribed drugs faithfully.

The Cascade Begins

Three months later, new tests were ordered. Cholesterol had dropped, but now your blood pressure was slightly elevated. Another drug was added.
You were now on three medicines.

With these developments, anxiety grew.

“What next?” you wondered.

Your sleep began to suffer. The doctor prescribed sleeping pills, now your pill count was four.

Soon after, you experienced acidity and heartburn.
The doctor said:

“Take a gas tablet before meals.”

Now you're on five medicines.

The Emergency Room Visit

Six months passed. One day, chest pain drove you to the ER.

The doctor reassured you:

“Good thing you came in time. It could’ve been serious.”

Further tests were ordered, costly ones.
Eventually, the doctor added two heart medications and referred you to an endocrinologist. You were now on seven medicines.

The endocrinologist found mildly elevated thyroid levels and added:

• One more diabetes medicine

• A thyroid pill

You now had nine prescriptions to manage.

Becoming a Lifetime Patient

Gradually, you started to identify as a chronically ill person:

• Heart patient

• Diabetic

• Insomniac

• Gastric troubles

• Thyroid issues

• Kidney worries...

No one told you to build willpower, regain self-confidence, or adopt a healing lifestyle.
Instead, you were made to feel sick, weak, and dependent.

A New Complication: The Kidneys

Another six months later, you developed urinary symptoms.

More tests. Diagnosis: possible kidney involvement.
The doctor told you:

“Creatinine is slightly elevated. Keep taking your medications.”

Two more drugs were added.

You're now on eleven medicines.
Your medicine count exceeds your food intake.
And the side effects? They're quietly driving you closer to the grave.

Here is my critical reflection on Ananya Sarkar’s article in blue: 

A Reflection on Overdiagnosis, Pharmaceutical Influence, and the Path Back to Patient Empowerment

Ultra-Modern Medical Science: A Cautionary Tale

What If…

What if the doctor had said this at the beginning?

“Just rest. Drink plenty of water. Eat fruits and vegetables. Go for walks. No need for medicine.”

But then… how would pharmaceutical companies profit?
And how would doctors sustain their practice?

Who Sets the Standards?

Let’s look more closely at how patients are classified as "sick":

• 1979: Diabetes was diagnosed at blood sugar levels of 200 mg/dL. Only 3.5% of people were considered diabetic.

• 1997: Under pressure from insulin companies, the cutoff was reduced to 126 mg/dL. This jumped diabetic classification to 8% overnight.

• 2003: ADA introduced 100 mg/dL as the threshold for “pre-diabetes”—suddenly, 27% of the population became “patients.”

• Now: Post-meal blood sugar of 140 mg/dL is considered diabetic. Nearly 50% of the global population is now labelled diabetic—many without symptoms.

Some Indian pharma groups propose lowering HbA1c to 5.5%.
In contrast, some experts argue that even 11% HbA1c shouldn’t be labeled as diabetes.

A Darker Reality

In 2012, a major pharmaceutical company was fined $3 billion by the US Supreme Court.

Reason? Between 2007–2012, they withheld data showing that one of their diabetes drugs increased heart attack risk by 43%.

They made $300 billion during that period.

This is today’s ultra-modern medical system.
Think… Start thinking.

May everyone stay healthy and happy, that is my wish today.

Modern Medicine or Medical Maze?

A Wake-Up Call Wrapped in Emotion

Dr. Sarkar’s article is compelling. It grips us with a personal narrative, one that mirrors the real anxieties of modern patients. With each paragraph, it questions the intentions behind medical practices, suggesting that the system converts healthy people into lifelong patients.

While its emotional and rhetorical strength is undeniable, such a piece deserves careful unpacking, both for its truths and its oversimplifications.

Where the Article Rings True

Indeed, overdiagnosis is a growing issue. Modern thresholds often define mild deviations as pathologies. “Pre-diseases” now lead to lifelong medication, even when asymptomatic.

Polypharmacy:

Polypharmacy is term we use when patients are given multiple medications, and this is widespread, especially among the elderly. As drugs cause side effects, more drugs are prescribed to manage them. A feedback loop is born: a cascade of prescriptions.

Moreover, it’s no secret that pharmaceutical companies have shaped medical guidelines.

• The drop in diabetic thresholds in the late 1990s and early 2000s widened markets.

• The case of rosiglitazone (Avandia), leading to a $3 billion fine for hiding cardiovascular risks, is a factual event.

Such examples rightly challenge blind faith in the system.

Where the Article Misses the Mark

Yet, the article's tone also misleads.

It suggests all doctors operate under pharmaceutical influence. It claims thresholds are dictated by profit alone. These claims ignore the rigorous peer-reviewed processes, research data, and evolving evidence behind most guidelines.

Doctors, by and large, are committed professionals working under immense pressure. They rely on scientific consensus, not pharma dictates.

Perhaps most dangerously, the article suggests an HbA1c of 11% should be acceptable. This is medically false and hazardous.
Such levels indicate uncontrolled diabetes, associated with blindness, neuropathy, and renal failure.

The True Takeaway: Empowerment Over Dependency

Despite its flaws, the essay delivers a critical reminder:

Health must not be reduced to numbers, pills, and panic.

True healing lies in:

• Self-care and lifestyle choices

• Psychological well-being

• Preventive health rather than just curative

Patients must be empowered, not labeled. Doctors should listen and explain, not merely prescribe.

A Balanced Future for Medicine

Medicine is not the enemy. It has eradicated diseases, saved lives, and extended lifespans.

But it must constantly self-correct, and patients must be active partners in their care. Questioning, learning, and healthy skepticism are virtues., not threats.

Let’s not romanticize natural healing to the extent of ignoring real danger. But neither should we allow the system to over-medicalize life itself.

My conclusion is: Wisdom with Compassion

Let us not discard the flame of science because of the shadows it casts. Let us advocate for a medicine of balance, ethics, and humanity, where the goal is not just to extend life but to enhance its quality.

Health is not the absence of disease, but the presence of balance, in body, mind, and spirit.

With enduring respect,

Lim Ju Boo

In the Quietness of My Soul: Reflections on a Journey Through Life and Compassion

“In the Quiet of My Heart: A Journey Through Compassion and Remembrance”

“When the Soul Remembers: Reflections on a Life of Silent Mercy”

“The Peace of Giving: Echoes from a Life Lived with Love”

“In the Shadows of the Forgotten: A Witness to Human Suffering and Strength”

“The Wealth of the Heart: A Life’s Reflection on Love, Loss, and Mercy”

How many of us pause to look back on the long road we’ve travelled ,  from the innocence of childhood through the discipline of school, into the halls of higher learning, then into the labour of working life, and for some of us, finally into the quietude of retirement?

I often do.

In moments of solitude, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has shaped my life, the joys, the regrets, the countless faces I encountered along the way. I carry with me a quiet sorrow for the many times I failed to help those in need, not because I did not want to, but because I simply could not. I had no means, no support, no way to reach out as fully as I wished I could. Those memories still tug at my heart.

Yet, there are moments I treasure ,  not to glorify myself, but to remind others of how even small acts of compassion can bring profound peace to the soul. I do not often revisit them, but perhaps sharing just one may inspire someone to do the same.

It was in the early 1960s. I was a student in India. The poverty was immense, and I still remember the children in tattered and unwashed clothes roaming the streets on cold winter nights, begging for warmth and a morsel of food. One evening, a few came to me, their hands outstretched. I had little to offer, just a few Rupees from my limited allowance as a student. Their plight touched my heart.  But I gave what I could.

That night, I went back to my hostel filled with peace, yet mindful as I lay in the warmth of my hostel bed, my mind was not with me, it was with them. I thought of those children out there in  the bitter cold of winter's night, and wondered whether they were able to buy some food with whatever few rupees I gave so that at least for that night they were not hungry. But strangely, my heart was at peace and my inner soul felt so warm. I felt a joy that money cannot buy, the still, small voice within me was content. I knew I had done the right thing with my inner conscience.  Had I turned them away, it would have troubled me all night. I would not have slept at all that night.

I gave so little, the best I could afford, but the reward was overwhelming - a tiny bit of charity was so rewarding to my heart and soul no money could ever buy. That experience has stayed with me, even to this day.

Still, I do not claim to have always lived up to that standard. There were many times I failed  - miserably. I was not the Good Samaritan I should have been, and for that I ask God's mercy. There were many times I sinned, and I pray that God forgives me, as I also hope for forgiveness for those who stumbled alongside me. But most of the time, when I was able to help, I did,  quietly, without wanting to remember or be remembered. I would prefer to remember my failures than my wins for me to seek forgiveness for my shortcomings.  

One experience that pierced my heart deeply was my mission to Pulau Bidong in 1979. I was sent by the government, at the request of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to assess the health conditions of Vietnamese refugees who had fled their war-torn country by sea in tiny, overcrowded boats. Many never made it. It is said that only one out of three survived the perilous journey, others were lost at sea to storms, starvation, dehydration, engine failures, or tragically, to pirates.

When I arrived together with a lab technologist to help me should I need blood sample to be collected, the island was overflowing, over 40,000 souls crammed into makeshift shelters, each person allowed only 2 or 3 gallons of water a day. Freshwater had to be shipped every two days. I was given a simple but decent small house with a kitchen and bathroom, which I was uncomfortable accepting, knowing what the refugees were enduring just outside. I wished they could use the facilities given to me for them to bathe, or rest in my quarters. This would be a joy for me, but regulations kept them away from the officials’ quarters. My heart broke for them.

Despite their desperate circumstances, they did not complain. They were warm, respectful, and even sang together at night. It humbled me. Somehow, they knew my purpose there. They may have thought I could help them - and I dearly hope I could. But I walked among them, listened to them, touched and smiled with them, observed everything so I could report back to the government truthfully. I felt deeply for them with compassion. The clinic set up by UNHCR served the sick, those with insect bites, malaria, diarrhoea, vomiting, and I was there to help and advise them, yet the food they were given was often rotten, the vegetables decaying, the fruits spoiled. Their resilience was astonishing.

I was also told by UNHCR the refugees were short-changed when money was sent to them from their relatives from Vietnam or from another country. They did not get the official exchange rates. Only a small percent of the money sent was given to them. The rest were for those in-charge of mails and money sent. This sin broke my heart deeply. 

One story that stays with me is of a refugee mother with a young daughter. She found a way to write to me after I gave her my address. In her letters, she shared how her little girl would ask if she remembered me. Those few letters I received touched me deeply. Then, we lost contact. I often wonder what became of them, did they find peace, safety, a new life?

I remember how the sea was treacherous when I first tried to reach the island. The Northeast monsoon had just begun. The waves were too high ,  as tall as a two-storey building. I had to wait two days in Kuala Terengganu before the sea calmed enough for the ship to sail. Even then, the journey was rough. I became seasick despite being on a large double-decker vessel. That was only a taste of what the refugees had endured in their fragile boats.

I spent two weeks in Pulau Bidong. It has been 47 years since then, but the memories remain vivid. I think often of those who never made it, tens of thousands of them, men, women, children swallowed by the sea. I remember one tragic report in the newspaper: a boat had almost reached Kuala Terengganu safely, but as the refugees rushed toward the shore, a wave capsized their boat. Most of them drowned within sight of safety. I wept when I read that.

Through these memories, I have come to realise that our greatest wealth in life is not money, fame, or even knowledge. Our greatest wealth is love and  compassion. These are the only treasures we can carry with us beyond this brief life.

To all those Vietnamese refugees I met on that small island, I pray they are now living in peace - settled in new lands, with their families whole and their children blessed with opportunities they once only dreamed of.

That is my deepest wish for them. And that is the story that lives in my heart forever.

Understanding the Paradox of Hospital Crowding in a World Embracing Traditional Medicin

The World Health Organization has long acknowledged that approximately 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine for some part of their healthcare needs. This figure includes people from both developing and developed countries, including those from highly educated, urban populations in places like the United States, United Kingdom, China, South Korea, Japan, and others.

Naturally, this raises a curious and seemingly paradoxical question: if such a vast majority of the global population uses traditional medicine, why are hospitals still so crowded? Shouldn’t the reverse be true, with traditional clinics overwhelmed by demand and modern hospitals seeing far fewer patients?

This apparent contradiction is resolved when we look more closely at what the 80% figure truly represents. It does not mean that only 20% of the population uses conventional medicine. Rather, it means that the overwhelming majority of people turn to traditional medicine at some point, often for minor ailments, chronic conditions, or wellness maintenance, alongside their use of conventional care. Most people do not exclusively choose one system over the other, but instead navigate between both as circumstances require.

The key reason hospitals remain crowded is because they serve as the default destination for serious and acute medical needs. Emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, trauma, or infections demand institutional care, advanced technology, and skilled intervention. Regardless of whether a person regularly uses herbal medicine or practices yoga for wellness, when an emergency strikes, they head to the hospital. Therefore, hospital traffic is not solely driven by conventional medicine users, it is a reflection of the severity of conditions being treated.

Moreover, hospitals are overwhelmed not just by emergencies but by the rising tide of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. These illnesses, often rooted in diet, lifestyle, and stress, require ongoing management through tests, monitoring, and pharmaceutical prescriptions. 

Conventional medicine, rather than addressing their root causes, often manages symptoms over the long term, necessitating frequent hospital visits. In other words, hospitals are crowded not because they are popular, but it is crowded by the same patients coming back in the next appointment for the same medicine for refill or the medicines giving at higher doses, or the old medicine substituted by another type as the older one is no longer effective as the disease becomes more chronic and out of control because all these 'medicines' are actually chemicals that does not cure anything except control the disease or the symptoms. Hence the hospitals are crowded by the same patients coming back over and over again with new patients coming in with the same disease to snow-ball larger and larger crowds over time since drugs do not cure any disease unless the root causes are removed. 

Unfortunately doctors are not trained in lifestyle medicine or how to teach patients the correct ways to live through protective nutrition and lifestyle modifications. They are only interested prescribing drugs called 'medicines' that are actually chemicals made in the factory of drug companies that they call it as 'scientific medicine' or 'modern medicine' to counteract the symptoms of the disease - termed as 'allopathy' vs 'homeopathy' 

Another very strong reason why most people these days, especially among highly educated people including medical professionals, scientists and health-conscious populations,  is their uneasiness, misgivings and distrust when they now realize - with the easy accessibility of  the Internet, Google, fast AI Chats to search - only to discover the so-called "medicines" used in allopathic modern medicine are actually made from petrol and petroleum chemicals first revolutionize by John D Rockefeller - see link below. They become very wary of this - especially using chemicals - especially made from petrol and petroleum products to treat chronic lifestyle diseases that never cured them. 

Hence, most of them, including medical doctors themselves - including many of my former medical colleagues, and other scientific professions now turn to traditional and plant-based or natural medicine. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KN9A8tbULU

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2025/07/allopathic-medicine-and-traditional.html

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-healing-renaissance-reclaiming.html

In contrast, traditional medicine, often practised at home or in outpatient settings, remains largely invisible in hospital data even though it is widely used.

Another contributing factor is that traditional medicine is usually practised outside institutional healthcare settings. It takes place in community clinics, private homes, herbal shops, and wellness centres, not in the large centralized facilities that are typical of hospitals. This decentralization makes traditional medicine less visible, while hospitals, being centralized and publicly funded, appear overburdened and congested.

Additionally, urbanisation and insurance coverage tend to favour hospital-based care. In cities, people have easier access to hospitals, and health insurance typically reimburses only allopathic treatments. This drives patients, even those who might otherwise prefer natural remedies, into the hospital system, further inflating demand.

It is also important to note that many people first seek help from traditional medicine. Only when symptoms worsen or traditional remedies prove insufficient do they turn to hospitals. This pattern makes hospitals appear to bear the full weight of healthcare, even though much care is taking place quietly and effectively elsewhere.

The truth is that most of humanity uses both systems, traditional medicine for long-term wellness and mild conditions, and conventional medicine for acute care and technological diagnostics. They are not competing paradigms, but complementary streams in the broader river of human healing.

Hospital crowding is not evidence of traditional medicine’s failure, but rather a symptom of modern healthcare systems structured around disease management rather than prevention. As chronic illnesses increase in prevalence, and as lifestyle-related disorders continue to dominate global health statistics, hospitals will remain burdened unless we integrate natural, preventive approaches into mainstream care.

The solution lies in building bridges between both worlds. Traditional medicine can offer powerful tools for prevention, recovery, and long-term vitality. Conventional medicine, with its technological strengths, excels in crisis intervention. Together, they form a complete and intelligent healthcare model, one that humanity sorely needs.

Let us then move forward not with rivalry between these systems, but with wisdom that recognises the strength of both. In doing so, we reclaim medicine not only as a science, but as an art of healing that honours both tradition and innovation.

The Expanding Definition of a Clinician

 

Who is a Clinician? 

During my years of service at the Institute for Medical Research, the term clinician was commonly and quite naturally reserved for our medical colleagues, and also doctors working in hospitals who directly attended to patients. It was a term that denoted those in the medical profession engaged in hands-on care, and our use of it reflected this understanding.

However, over the years, my perception of the word began to shift. I first encountered this broader application when I learned that my sister-in-law, a nursing graduate working at the National University Hospital in Singapore, was referred to as a nurse clinician. It intrigued me that the title extended beyond doctors to include nurses. Further conversations with friends from the healthcare field revealed that other professionals such as pharmacists, therapists, and various allied health workers were also being called clinicians.

To explore this further, I turned to official sources. A quick search brought me to the definition provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States, which affirmed this broader use. According to CMS, a clinician is any healthcare professional qualified in the clinical practice of medicine who provides direct care to patients. This definition is not limited to medical doctors but includes a wide spectrum of healthcare providers, such as nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, and allied health professionals.

The defining characteristic of a clinician is direct patient care. Clinicians are the ones who assess patients, diagnose illnesses, implement treatment plans, monitor progress, and provide follow-up care. Whether the care is ongoing, such as in the management of chronic diseases, or during a specific episode like hospitalization, clinicians are deeply involved in the patient’s healthcare journey. Some may provide primary care without a defined endpoint in the relationship, while others offer care upon referral or as ordered by another clinician.

What sets clinicians apart is not only their involvement in patient care but also their formal qualifications. They must have the appropriate education, clinical training, and licensure to practice in their respective fields. Moreover, each clinician works within a defined scope of practice established by professional and regulatory bodies, ensuring safety, accountability, and quality in the healthcare system.

It is also important to distinguish between clinicians and clinical staff. While clinical staff such as medical assistants or licensed practical nurses may support patient care, they typically do not operate independently or provide professional services under their own authority. Clinicians, in contrast, have the autonomy to assess, treat, and document care decisions directly.

Interestingly, the concept of a clinician is not confined solely to practitioners of modern or Western medicine. In countries like Malaysia, where traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is formally recognized, registered practitioners of these disciplines may also be considered clinicians, so long as they are legally authorized to practice. The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016, for example, regulates the qualifications and registration of practitioners in fields such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Traditional Malay Medicine, Ayurveda, and others. These practitioners provide direct patient care through diagnosis, treatment, and holistic management, within their own systems of healing. They too are clinicians in their systems of medicine and healthcare

While their methods may differ from those of modern medical doctors, their role in healthcare and their patient-facing responsibilities meet the criteria of a clinician. The critical distinction lies in the system of training and the framework of regulation under which they operate.

In conclusion, the term clinician has evolved to encompass a wide and diverse range of healthcare professionals, those who are qualified, authorized, and actively engaged in the direct care of patients. From doctors and nurses to pharmacists, therapists, and even traditional medicine practitioners, clinicians represent the heart of patient-centered healthcare. Recognizing the breadth of this term not only brings clarity but also deepens our appreciation for the many hands and hearts involved in the healing process.

The Unsung Sentinel: How Our Immune System Protects Us Every Mome

 

First, before I write, I was reflecting since two days ago how our body protects us after a patient who was constantly ill asked me how to defend himself against infection  

1. Our Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Immune System: The Silent Guardian of Life

2. The Body’s Invisible Army: A Tribute to the Marvel of Immunity

3. Immunology: Nature’s Masterpiece in Defense and Healing

4. The Unsung Sentinel: How Our Immune System Protects Us Every Moment

5. When Cells Stand Watch: The Symphony of Human Immunity

In my previous reflection titled “The Healing Properties of Our Body: Is Prevention Better Than Cure?”, I explored the body’s remarkable ability to heal from wounds, bleeding, and fractures. These injuries, though painful and sometimes traumatic, are occasional occurrences in our lives. In contrast, what we face every single moment is the constant, invisible threat of pathogenic organisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that surround us in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the surfaces we touch. These ever-present invaders pose a far greater threat to our survival than the visible injuries of trauma. It is therefore only fitting to devote deeper attention to the body's incredible defense mechanism, our immune system.

The human immune system is a sophisticated, multi-layered marvel designed to protect us against these microbial assaults. It is broadly divided into two interdependent arms: innate (non-specific) immunity and adaptive (specific) immunity. Together, they form a seamless and dynamic response to danger, swift and general at first, and then precise and enduring.

Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense. It includes physical and chemical barriers that act instantly to block invaders. The skin, our largest organ, forms a resilient wall that prevents pathogens from entering. Mucous membranes lining our respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts secrete mucus that traps pathogens before they can cause harm. Secretions like tears, saliva, and mucus contain enzymes such as lysozymes that dismantle bacterial cell walls. Meanwhile, the stomach’s acidic environment destroys most ingested microbes, and the cilia in the respiratory tract rhythmically sweep mucus and trapped pathogens upward and out of the lungs.

If pathogens breach these outer defenses, cellular defenders spring into action. White blood cells patrol the bloodstream and tissues, ready to detect and eliminate invaders. Among them, neutrophils are the most abundant and respond swiftly to infection sites. Macrophages, residing in tissues, engulf pathogens and clean up cellular debris. Dendritic cells act as scouts that gather foreign antigens and present them to the adaptive immune system. Natural Killer (NK) cells roam the body looking for virus-infected or cancerous cells, triggering programmed cell death or apoptosis in those deemed dangerous.

Inflammation is a hallmark of innate immunity. When tissues are injured or infected, the inflammatory response increases blood flow to the affected area, leading to redness and warmth. Blood vessels become more permeable, allowing immune cells and proteins to move into the tissue and create swelling. This targeted influx of immune components helps isolate the threat and initiate repair. The complement system, a group of proteins in the blood, also plays a role by enhancing phagocytosis, forming pore-like complexes in microbial membranes, and marking pathogens for destruction. Additionally, virus-infected cells release interferons to warn neighboring cells and inhibit viral replication.

If the innate system is the rapid response team, the adaptive immune system is the elite intelligence force. Though slower to act initially, it provides long-lasting protection through specificity and memory. Adaptive immunity is mediated by lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells, upon encountering a foreign antigen, transform into plasma cells that produce antibodies, proteins precisely tailored to bind and neutralize that specific invader. Some B cells become memory cells, which persist long after the infection is cleared and provide rapid protection if the pathogen returns.

T cells come in two main types. Helper T cells (CD4+) coordinate immune responses by releasing signaling molecules called cytokines, which activate B cells, macrophages, and other T cells. Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) directly kill infected or cancerous cells. These functions rely on the presentation of antigens by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. MHC Class I molecules, found on all nucleated cells, present antigens to cytotoxic T cells, while MHC Class II molecules on specialized antigen-presenting cells present antigens to helper T cells.

The body ensures that only the lymphocytes needed for a particular infection multiply through a process called clonal selection. When a lymphocyte binds its specific antigen, it rapidly multiplies, creating an army of identical cells ready to fight. Some of these become effector cells that actively combat the infection, while others become memory cells that provide immunity in the future.

Central to the adaptive response are antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. These Y-shaped proteins bind to pathogens in several ways. They neutralize toxins and viruses, mark invaders for phagocytosis (opsonization), activate the complement system, and clump pathogens together (agglutination) for easier elimination. There are five primary classes of antibodies, each with specific roles.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant and provides long-term protection. It can cross the placenta to protect the developing fetus. IgA is found in mucosal secretions such as tears, saliva, and breast milk, guarding mucosal surfaces from infection. IgM is the first antibody produced during an infection and is highly effective at forming immune complexes. IgE is involved in allergic responses and defense against parasites, while IgD is found on the surface of immature B cells and plays a role in their activation.

Some antibody classes have subclasses that offer specialized functions. IgG1 and IgG3 are highly effective in complement activation and opsonization, while IgG4 is involved in allergen responses. IgA1 predominates in blood, and IgA2 in secretions. Beyond natural antibodies, modern medicine now uses engineered monoclonal antibodies to target diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Examples include rituximab for lymphoma, trastuzumab for breast cancer, and omalizumab for allergic asthma.

Innate and adaptive immunity are deeply interconnected. Cytokines, chemokines, and antigen-presenting cells bridge the two systems, ensuring a coordinated and efficient defense. The beauty of this system lies not only in its power but in its constant vigilance. Every moment of our lives, this invisible army stands on guard, monitoring, responding, and remembering, without us even being aware.

Yet despite this natural marvel, modern medicine often rushes to intervene with antibiotics for every minor infection. This over-prescription has led to a crisis of antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria evolve to survive even the strongest drugs. Many of these infections could have been resolved by the immune system alone, had it been given the chance and support to do so.

However, immunity can be compromised. One of the most pervasive causes is malnutrition. Both macronutrient (caloric and protein) and micronutrient deficiencies impair the immune system. Protein-energy malnutrition leads to reduced production of immune cells, weakening both innate and adaptive responses. Deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, C, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and iron reduce the body’s ability to generate antibodies, mount T cell responses, and maintain the integrity of mucosal barriers. Malnourished children, especially in poorer regions, are more susceptible to measles, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections, with longer recovery times and higher mortality.

Chronic stress and sleep deprivation also impair immune function. Stress hormones like cortisol dampen lymphocyte activity and suppress inflammation, leaving the body vulnerable. Similarly, inadequate sleep reduces the activity of natural killer cells and weakens immune surveillance.

Environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals like lead and mercury further compromise immune defenses. Some medications, particularly immunosuppressants used for autoimmune disorders and organ transplants, as well as chemotherapy, suppress the immune system deliberately, increasing infection risk.

The good news is that immune health can be supported and enhanced. A balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins, nourishes the immune system. Regular moderate exercise enhances immune surveillance and cellular function. Sufficient sleep and sunlight, particularly for vitamin D synthesis, contribute significantly to immune regulation. Probiotics help maintain gut microbiota, a key component in immune homeostasis. Immunization, too, remains one of the most powerful tools to train and protect the immune system.

Reflecting on all these intricacies, one cannot help but marvel at the immune system’s design. Its complexity, adaptability, and intelligence defy mere randomness. It is not just a system, it is a silent, unceasing guardian that works around the clock to protect and heal us. Truly, as the Psalmist proclaimed, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Let us not take this guardian for granted. Let us nourish, respect, and support it—not only as individuals but as a society. The immune system is our first and last line of defense, and in honoring its design, we honor the miracle of life itself.

References:

1. Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., & Pillai, S. (2022). Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System (6th ed.). Elsevier.
2. A foundational textbook covering innate and adaptive immunity, antibody classes, cytokines, antigen presentation, and more.
3. Parham, P. (2020). The Immune System (5th ed.). Garland Science.
4. Provides detailed explanations on MHC, T cell and B cell functions, and immune memory.
5. Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2001). Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease (5th ed.). Garland Science.
6. A classical reference for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of immunity.
7. Calder, P. C., Jackson, A. A., et al. (2000). Undernutrition, infection and immune function. Nutrition Research Reviews, 13(1), 3–29.
8. https://doi.org/10.1079/095442200108728982
9. Discusses the impact of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies on immunity.
10. Katona, P., & Katona-Apte, J. (2008). The Interaction between Nutrition and Infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 46(10), 1582–1588.
11. https://doi.org/10.1086/587658
12. Explores how infection worsens malnutrition and how poor nutrition impairs immune response.
13. World Health Organization (WHO). Nutrition and immune function.
14. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
15. A concise overview of nutrition’s role in immune health and disease vulnerability.
16. Chinen, J., & Shearer, W. T. (2004). Secondary immunodeficiencies, including HIV infection. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 113(5), 957–968.
17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2004.03.030
18. Miller, A. H., et al. (2009). Chronic stress and immunity: mechanisms and clinical implications. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America, 29(2), 293–307.
19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iac.2009.02.007
20. Covers how stress and neuroendocrine responses impact immune function.
21. Ventola, C. L. (2015). The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: Part 1: Causes and Threats. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 40(4), 277–283.
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378521/
23. Explains the danger of antibiotic overuse and rising bacterial resistance.
24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, 2019.
25. https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/threats-report/2019-ar-threats-report-508.pdf
26. Carter, P. J., & Lazar, G. A. (2018). Next generation antibody drugs: pursuit of the “high-hanging fruit”. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 17(3), 197–223.
27. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd.2017.227
28. Discusses monoclonal antibodies used in cancer, autoimmune disease, and allergic conditions.
29. Mahase, E. (2020). Covid-19: What have we learnt about immunity, reinfection, and vaccines? BMJ, 371, m4347.
30. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4347
31. A recent article touching on immune memory, vaccine responses, and antibody roles.
32. Nieman, D. C., & Wentz, L. M. (2019). The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 8(3), 201–217.
33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009
34. Demonstrates how moderate exercise enhances immune function.
35. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
36. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
37. Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). The role of vitamin D in immune function. Nutrients, 12(4), 1031.
38. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041031