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Medical practices and treatments vary widely across the world. Many of the practices and therapies used fall under two names, Eastern medicine and Western medicine. These two categories encompass an overwhelming amount of diagnostics and treatments. Yet their overall goals are to sustain the health and longevity of humans. One of the best ways to compare them is to assess their efficacy in practice. By looking at the research of the world’s longest living people, the Okinawans, it is much easier to see the interdisciplinary approach they take to health. By comparing the rates of a single disease such as coronary heart disease in America, a predominately Western medicine practicing society, to Okinawa, a predominately Eastern medicine practicing society, gives a clear picture of the different practices effectiveness. Through evidence-based medicine one can start to see where Western medicine could benefit from changes in their health care approaches to disease prevention and integrating alternative therapies to increase health and longevity.
Alternative medicine can fall under many different categories, which is one reason that can lead it to be a very difficult field to define. Since there does seem to be so much ambiguity on what alternative medicine is and the many areas it may fall under it makes it more difficult to obtain validity in the medical field. Alternative medicine is often defined quite liberally to include a large range of therapies anywhere from the use or vitamins, massage as well as other practices, which may not be considered to fall into what is described as conventional medicine (Willcox 16). Western medicine is what is generally considered to be conventional medicine. Where as alternative therapies are generally associated with Eastern medicine. Alternative medicine is found along side or in conjunction with many other terms. Some of the terms found alongside alternative medicine are complementary medicine and integrative medicine. Complementary medicine is described by Bradley J. Willcox as, the idea of healing arts working alongside conservative practitioners in a complementary fashion. This approach implies that Western medicine is the primary system and that other approaches such as Eastern Medicine are inferior, and are used only to complement the main approach (Western medicine) (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16). Willcox also touches briefly on the term of integrative medicine, the type of medicine that merges the benefits of all approaches into one healing art, which he describes as being the best of all worlds. (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16) So despite the many terms that fall under alternative medicine causing it to be rather confusing, in the end all seem to have the same basic principles. All of the definitions tie in the concept that their approach to medicine pull together many disciplines to maintain and treat health and disease.
One extensive research study that has been performed on a population, which uses an integrative medical approach, is the “Okinawa Centenarian Study”. This study has been performed over the course of 25 years studying the health and longevity of the Okinawa people. This population was so fascinating considering their large population of persons 100 years of age or more. In Okinawa there is an average of 34 persons 100 years of age or older per hundred thousand, which is remarkable with the current world life expectancy being 66. The United States centenarian population is significantly lower with five to ten per hundred thousand (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 5). This prompted Dr. Suzuki to start research at the University of Ryukyus to find their secret to longevity. He looked at medical records, age verification documents, performed comprehensive biochemical tests, dementia screens, activity of daily living assessments (ADLs), nutritional surveys of over six hundred Okinawa centenarians B, (Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 15). Willcox brings up some great connections on how medicine has become more integrated since the beginning of the study. Wilcox gives one example of growth is in the field of nutrition and its effect on a person’s health. Willcox states, “Nutritional research was generally considered unscientific and unproductive, not much of a contribution to science or medicine.” (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 14). In fact, when we mentioned the low rate of heart disease among the Japanese to our medical and graduate teachers, we were told, “It’s all about genetics. Nutrition has nothing to do with heart disease.” An entire discipline is now devoted to the study of connections between nutrition and disease, called nutritional epidemiology (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 15). This research has been able to shed light on the importance of the integration of many disciplines in the health field. The Japanese have been able to share some of their holistic health practices in their everyday lives, to support the importance of integrative health for personal health and disease prevention throughout the course of this study. Willcox talks about how the effect of the Japanese open-minded philosophy to medicine has helped Western medicine. The philosophy of herbal medicines is finally taking root in the United States, where the National Institutes of Health have established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to create evidence based approaches for evaluating alternative medical practices (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16). Throughout the course of this research American medicine has shown more of a push towards incorporating more or an interdisciplinary look at health and disease prevention than previously.
Incorporating a more comprehensive look at health, lifestyle and disease is important and as mentioned with the Okinawa study seems to be effective. The people of Okinawa are a testament of the efficacy of this comprehensive approach. They are proof of evolutionary biology findings, which say we are built to last about 120 years (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 6). Yet in Western society the health of people starts declining between twenty or thirty reducing life expectancy and also quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization life expectancy has improved globally. In 1998 the World Health Organization calculated the global life expectancy to be sixty-six as opposed to forty-eight in 1955 (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 327). Although longevity of life is an indicator of health, it is only a small portion. The World Health Organization recognizes that very fact with saying, “increased longevity without quality of life is an empty prize (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 327).” To truly indicate health a person needs to look at quality of life. In the Okinawa study quality of life was referred to as health expectancy. Health expectancy is more simply defined as, the number of years expected to be lived in good health (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 327). Robert M. Kaplan has studied quality of life for decades; it is hard to define since there are different people whom base their quality of life off being able to achieve certain tasks or maintain a particular life style. One example of the different ways of judging quality of life would be, from a clinical standpoint based on ones ability to return to optimal functioning, such as abatement of symptoms, ability to return to work, returning to physiological or biochemical norms. The criteria for quality of life may be different in a patient’s perspective, such as the ability to enjoy themselves and fulfilling household duties (Walker, Rosser 346). Despite any debate over the actual definition of quality of life or health expectancy, few would say they would like to live twenty or more of their last years with dementia or in decrepitude. Yet according to the World Health Organization in 2000 the United States was ranked twenty-fourth in terms of health expectancy (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 327). This made the United States lowest ranked among the developed countries. Japan ranked number one and Okinawa fell right near the top as well. According to these health expectancy rankings by the World Health Organization, Americans not only die younger, but they also spend more of these years disabled. Even with America and Okinawa both possessing the latest in medical technologies, Okinawans have a better life and health expectancy (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 327). The Okinawans have seemed to find the key to long lasting health by using an integrative medical approach allowing them to use the medical technologies and equipment far less frequently while still being effective.
One disease that is reduced in Okinawans due to their integrative medical approach is coronary heart disease. Yet coronary heart disease is ranked as the number one cause of death in America. Although, the prevalence of coronary heart disease death in Okinawa is ranked as some of the lowest in the world. This lower rate of coronary heart disease in Okinawa is marked by many different statistics and scientific findings. According to the Okinawa study, Okinawans have 80 percent fewer heart attacks than North Americans. Also found in the study of those Okinawans who have suffered from a heart attack, they are more than twice as likely to survive. Yet the reduced rate in heart attacks and recovery rate is not the only evidence of low incidence of cardiovascular disease in Okinawans. Another remarkable finding was discovered in regards to heart health upon looking at autopsies of deceased Okinawans. Upon looking at the condition of the heart there were both typical attributes as well as some more surprising finds. The heart showed many normal age-associated changes yet other typical attributes where remarkably absent (Bernstein et al. 1196). Some of the changes that were notable were, the aorta was free of age-associated dilation and was free of atherosclerotic narrowing and calcification. The most unexpected part with these findings was the condition of the heart, considering the age range of those autopsied was between 100 and 103 years (Bernstein et al. 1196). When comparing the low rates of heart problems of the Okinawa people to the 425,425 deaths in America from coronary heart disease, overall what ultimately needs to be looked at is the differences in treatment between Okinawa and America (American Heart Association).
Coronary heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries due to a fatty build up called plaque (American Heart Association). Some of the treatments range from drug therapies, surgical therapies and lifestyle changes. All of these treatments are used in Western or American medicine. Many of these treatments are also used in Okinawa. Yet even with these treatments being used in both Okinawa and America most of the treatments are applied differently in the different cultures. Some of these treatments in America are used more readily than others. One treatment that is readily used in Western medicine is a coronary angiogram. This diagnostic test is used on more than a million US patients each year and cost about $10,000 each (Winslow). In this test a catheter is threaded into the heart and with an X-ray movie is taken to look for obstructions. These obstructions can cause chest pain or increase the risk of a heart attack. When a significant obstruction is found this test can help a cardiologist decide if the patient should undergo a coronary bypass procedure or if a stent should be implanted to help alleviate the problem. Although, according a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, around 20% of people referred for angiograms were not previously diagnosed with heart disease. Yet these patients ended up receiving the test based purely on family history, possible symptoms and other nonspecific reasons. In this study it was found that 62% of patients did not have any evidence of significant obstructions (Winslow). Of these performed angiograms 39% were determined to not have coronary-artery disease. Yet during this study doctors stood behind the procedure claiming, “a normal test doesn’t automatically indicate an angiogram wasn’t necessary”. They further said “A finding of an absence of disease can be important information for both doctors and patients.” Despite the coaxing of doctors that the procedure can be helpful especially if symptoms are present, it is known that chest pain symptoms can be caused by a number of other problems such as indigestion, a stomach ulcer, muscle pain or spasms among many other health issues. This procedure also does not come without the risk of complications. Some of the complications that can occur are but not limited to, hemorrhage, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke and allergic reaction to dye. With procedures such as coronary angiograms being used with little evidence of necessity, it seems reasonable to look at other options before performing invasive procedures. Cardiologist Chet Rihal of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota seems to also agree “We’ve got to get much smarter about how we’re ordering and interpreting tests.” (Winslow). Integrating more complementary and alternative treatments such as those successfully used in Okinawa and other cultures into American medicine may help some of these more invasive procedures be avoided.
Some of the main contributors to the reduced rates of many diseases including coronary heart disease in the people of Okinawa, which falls under the primary care category, is diet. The Okinawa diet concentrates on a high-carbohydrate, low-calorie, plant-based diet. This diet is found to be the best for long-term health when well balanced. The high-carbohydrate, low-calorie, plant-based diet minimizes the risk for heart disease, and cancer along with helping people to stay slim, and look youthful as the Okinawan people (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 67). This diet is very different to the more recently popularized low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, which have not been found to have any proven health benefits (Ornish et al. 2003). The United States food guide pyramid follows the higher carbohydrate diet principle that proves to be beneficial [Figure A]. Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health published in the leading medical journal Science some of the important missing some elements of a truly healthy diet. The following are the factors that were found to be missing, 1) The top of the pyramid ignores important differences among types of fats, 2) The dairy section should emphasize low-fat choices, and two to three servings a day may be too much, 3) Potentially health-promoting fish and beans are lumped in the same group with red meat. This gives the false impression that the two to three servings a day of red meat might be healthy, which it reality it would not, 4) Vegetables and fruits should receive stronger emphasis, 5) The grain section should emphasize whole grains (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 75, 76). With the research done in Okinawa and taking into consideration the concerns with the United State food pyramid an Okinawa food pyramid has been made [Figure B]. With the Okinawa food pyramid, the benefit of their diet is easier to see. The Okinawans consume a large amount of vegetable and soy food, which has shown to greatly reduce cancer (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 73). Some contributors in the Okinawans low levels of LDL cholesterol, and high HDL cholesterol, which can help to fend off coronary heart disease, is their cooking methods as well as their low intake of meat. The main cooking method used among the Okinawans is low temperature stir-fry. The Okinawans use one the healthiest oil on the market to cook with, canola oil. Canola oil is healthier that olive oil because it is low in saturated fat and contain heart healthy omega 3 polyunsaturates. Also since very few eat meat, less than ten percent of their diet comes from meat, this helps to reduce their saturated fat intake (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 72). The Okinawans diet is a key player in their overall health and disease prevention.
The diet of Okinawans is very similar to the diet used in the lifestyle change program incorporated in the study conducted by Dr. Ornish. One study conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish looked at the outcomes of people partaking in an Intensive Lifestyle Change program. Dr. Ornish implemented his Intensive Lifestyle Change as a primary care approach to coronary heart disease. Those involved in the study were people who through a noninvasive quantitative coronary arteriography where determined to have coronary atherosclerosis (Ornish 2002). Half of the participants in the study were assigned to a control group where they underwent “usual care” for heart disease. The typical treatment group participants were put on lipid lowering drugs and given lifestyle recommendations but no largely significant changes we taken. Those in the experimental group were part of an intensive lifestyle program that included, a 10%- fat vegetarian diet, moderate aerobic exercise, stress management training, smoking cessation as well as group psychosocial support (Ornish 2002). The intensive lifestyle program did prove to be extremely successful in many ways. The experimental group adhering to the lifestyle change program displayed significant positive changes in percent diameter stenosis, cardiac events and LDL and HDL levels over a one-year period (Ornish 2004). These positive changes continued among the experimental group participants over the next 5 years. The efficacy of this primary care program was proven by the continued success and improvement of the participant’s cardiac health for a five year period. The results also support the ability for program adherence over an extended time period, in this case five years (Ornish 2007). Percent diameter stenosis improved 4.5% in one year and a 7.9% after five years for the experimental participants, where as the control group there was a 5.4% relative worsening in one year and 27.7% worsening after five years (Ornish 2004). Over the five-year research study those who were in the control group experienced 2.25 cardiac events per patient as opposed to the 0.89 events per patient in the experimental group. As for the comparison of LDL cholesterol levels between the control and experimental groups, the results were similar. The LDL cholesterol levels where reduced similarly by the lifestyle change program as well as the lipid-lowering drugs (Ornish 2005). Yet those taking part in the experimental comprehensive change program showed improvement over one year and actual regression of coronary heart disease over five years. This improvement and regression with the experimental group was far better than the results of those in the control group on lipid lowering drugs (Ornish 2007). Overall the comprehensive life change program was cheaper, showed compliance and over a long-term basis reversal of coronary heart disease. This study supports the benefits of nutritional and healthy lifestyle as found with the study of the Okinawa lifestyle and nutritional practices. With emphasis on primary care in American medicine overall medical costs could be lowered and Americans could live a longer, better quality of life similar to the Okinawans.
Lifestyle change programs are a large part of helping coronary heart disease patients in America. Although in Western medicine lifestyle change programs often in to form of cardiac rehabilitation programs, which are usually put into effect after a procedure such as coronary bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty, pacemaker and those who has had a recent heart attack. These lifestyle change programs are often referred to as secondary prevention program. Much of Western medicine does take a secondary approach even through primary care has shown to be effective in both Okinawa and studies conducted in America. A secondary approach in medicine is when health treatment is started until a medical problem or symptoms occur. The difference with a primary approach as used in Dr. Ornish’s study and is implemented in the lives of Okinawans, is that measures of health are taken before any symptoms or medical problems have occurred. Many secondary prevention programs have shown to be successful for reducing further heart issues for patients with coronary heart disease. These programs incorporate, smoking cessation, dietary counseling, exercise program and other prevention advice (Ornish 2001). Primary prevention has been a huge factor in the health and longevity of the Okinawan people and proven to be successful for coronary heart disease reversal through Dr. Ornish’s study. If American were to implement more primary prevention programs when risk factors are recognized Western medicine could also avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as coronary angiograms like the Okinawans.
Although Western medicines secondary approaches still have their place and are found to be beneficial to the health of people around the world. One example of this is that Okinawa has displayed high life expectancy for decades, yet it was not until Western medicine was available to all citizens that health improved further and life expectancies soared to the top. Okinawa, Japan and Hong Kong have more in common than having the highest life expectancies in the world (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 67). The other unique aspect of these locations other than having the highest life expectancies is their medical approaches. Okinawa, Japan and Hong Kong all incorporate both Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. These populations use of natural and herbal tonics far exceed that of North America’s (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 67).
Some of the herbal supplements, which have shown to be successful for coronary heart disease and some of the main contributors, are garlic (allium sativum), Crataegus hawthorn and Commiphora mukul (gugulipid). Garlic (allium sativum) has been valued as an herbal medicine for centuries (Mashour et al. 2225). Recently its medicinal properties have been more closely examined by the scientific community. Through this research garlic has been found to have many beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Some of the benefits found in numerous studies are, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elastic properties of the aorta and reducing triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels (Mashour et al. 2229). In a study looking at the consumption of 7.2g of aged garlic extract compared to a placebo, garlic was found to have beneficial effects on cholesterol level. Compared to the placebo there was a 6.1% reduction in total serum cholesterol levels as well as a reduction of 4.6% in LDL cholesterol levels. Similar positive effects have been found with long-term garlic powder intake on aortic elasticity when compared to control group not consuming garlic powder daily (Mashour et al. 2229). Although garlic’s exact impact on cardiovascular health is still somewhat controversial garlic has shown to have benefits on cardiovascular health. Crataegus hawthorn has been found to have similar effects to garlic in regards to it’s benefits on triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. Crataegus prevents cholesterol accumulation in the liver by enhancing cholesterol degradation to bile acids (Mashour et al. 2228). With these benefits Crataegus may inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. During a recent study Crataegus was actually shown to clearly improve cardiac performance in patients with class II heart failure. One of the most promising aspects of Crataegus hawthorn is its benefits and lack of side effects. Crataegus also seems to be as efficient if not more than many inotropic drugs used in Western medicine (Mashour et al. 2228). Commiphora mukul (gugulipid) has also been found to have a lipid lowering effect in a double-blind study. The study found that Commiphora mukul (gugulipid) reduced LDL levels by 12.5% (Mashour et al. 2230) Although Commiphora mukul (gugulipid) may reduce LDL cholesterol it also carries a risk. Commiphora mukul was found to affect the bioavailability and therefore the effectiveness of some Western used cardiac drugs namely propranlol hydrochloride and diltiazem hydrochloride (Mashour et al. 2230) These are just a few herbal remedies to help coronary heart disease as well as other ailments and diseases. Many people are discovering the world of herbal remedies for many reasons. In many cases these herbal remedies have fewer side effects, and comparable benefits than their drug equivalent. This is one reason herbal medicines are gaining popularity as an alternative for modern drug therapies in the United States. Although recognition seems to be among individuals looking for more options and are often being overlooked as a possibility by medical doctors. Although with doctors not making note of herbal remedies dangers can arise. Not only are doctors not giving the possibility of more treatment options, they maybe overlooking a patients current use of herbal remedies putting a patient at risk for some particular courses of treatment. Considering the growing interest of herbal medicine doctors should educate themselves with the benefits and risks of using an herbal remedy. The education of doctors in herbal medicine could help America take a step towards integrating Eastern and Western medicine potentially bringing us closer to Okinawan health.
Yet much of the problem in Western medicine is rooted in how alternative therapies are generally not accepted as legitimate. The largest way that the Okinawa study has helped to shift a little more attention to alternative therapies and what in America we call evidence-based medicine. Evidence-based medicine allows us to rely on statistics and epidemiology to gauge the effectiveness without bringing in biases (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 15). By using statistics to analyze medical data it brings about a fair analysis of all treatments even if it is an herbal supplement or a prescription drug. Yet still when the United States is compared to other countries such as Germany and Japan we are still behind in the acceptance of alternative therapies. In Germany for instance they have a government agency dedicated to evaluating the efficacy of alternative therapies such as herbs (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 15). The United States has slowly begun to accept the idea of alternative therapies by having The National Institutes of Health institute the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to help evaluate alternative therapies. However, the United States still needs to work on helping to incorporate alternative therapies considering the citizens are seeking more therapies than what is typically offered (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 15,16). A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 showed almost 50 percent of patient had used some form of an alternative therapy (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16). Willcox makes a great analysis of this problem in Western medical practice. The main reason so many people are consulting practitioners of alternative medicine is that they are dissatisfied with what the mainstream has to offer (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16). People are tired of going to their medical doctors, asking about alternatives to standard approaches to health, and either being scolded, laughed at, or simply told “it’s not proven.” Physicians are frustrated too. We are told by insurance companies what tests we can order, how much time we can spend with patients (usually too little), and that none of the alternative treatments are covered. In medical school, few of us are taught about nutrition, alternative medicine, or Eastern medicine, and if we spend too much time studying these approaches we will fail our board examinations. (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 16) Using more of an integrative approach by incorporating Western medicine and Eastern medicine is more of the approach used in Okinawa. Integrative medicine should further be taken into consideration in America based on what is found through evidence-based medicine.
During the Okinawa study they found that one of the main factors of health and life expectancy is access to health care. Countries with the highest life expectancies are those that provide health care to all their citizens (B, Willcox, C. Willcox and Suzuki 328). This was not the case for Americans until recently. In March 2010 President Obama signed H.R. 3590 into law. H.R. 3590 or the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” is to provide health care to currently uninsured individuals allowing health coverage to individuals who cannot otherwise obtain healthcare (Department of Health and Human Services). The passage of H.R. 3590 could be what ultimately brings Americans closer to achieving, health, longevity of life and raise Americans health expectancy closer to the level of Okinawa. Although the most important part with this bill is helping the medical community to be open to make changes to the current medical practices along with this new health reform.
There are many transitions that could be taken in medicine that could benefit the health of Americans with H.R. 3590. Some of these are emphasis on primary prevention programs, nutrition, and integration and education of Eastern medical practices such as herbal medicine and other alternative therapies. Although this is where they fall with the health care reform currently being put into place. For primary prevention programs the reform is planning on promoting evidence-based clinical and community prevention. These programs are hoped to be achieved by increased funding for local governments to improve community wellness, science based nutrition for families as well as small businesses receiving grants to provide comprehensive workplace wellness (Loeppke). This legislation also incorporates a pilot program to provide prevention programs to at risk populations. Some of the programs that will be offered to the at-risk populations will be, nutritional counseling, smoking and alcohol cessation, physical activity plans and stress management (Loeppke). Although, there is not a definition included in what will place a person into the at-risk category. This bill also include $15 billion to be provided for bringing prevention programs over the next ten years into workplaces, home and schools across the country. Through the funding put forth with the H.R. 3590 plan much hope is brought to increasing prevention programs, as well as incorporating nutritional programs which are currently lacking and unavailable to many Americans.
Coverage of alternative therapies, including herbal medicine with the H.R. 3590 bill is limited compared to the coverage of prevention programs (Oberg). Alternative therapies that will be covered are those that are “approved clinical trials” for life-threatening conditions. Yet for an approved clinical trial to be covered a person must fall into the category of a “qualified individual”. A “qualified individual” is defined as a person who’s participating health care provider has authorized their participation and provided that the individual has medical and scientific information establishing the individuals participation in such a trial is appropriate (Oberg). To fall under the category of an “approved clinical trial” it must meet one of the three following conditions, federally funded or approved, approved by the Food and Drug Administration or conducted by the federal government. One example of how a study could be placed in the category of approved would be a study, which is conducted or supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Oberg). Although the bill specifically targets life-threatening conditions and illnesses yet seems to speak little on the topic of alternative therapies for non-life threatening conditions. Alternative therapies such as herbal remedies and Eastern medicine like acupuncture seem to fall by the wayside in terms of treatments of non-life threatening conditions. Such therapies are not determined as “essential health benefits” as would be described by the Department of Health and Human Services, whom was a key player in the health reform legislature (Levey, Turner). Alternative therapy benefits over time for both life threatening and non-life threatening can be added if deemed to be effective, yet very few are available despite numerous studies of success (Oberg). Overall H.R. 3590 has taken a huge step towards providing preventative care yet lacks incorporating many therapies past the current established Western medicine in America.
The H.R. 3590 bill seems to be moving Western medicine more towards an integrated approach to medicine by incorporating primary prevention programs instead of relying so heavily on secondary medicine. However, there is still room for improvement with more integration of alternative therapies in Western medicine. Integrative medicine has seemed to run into the roadblock of validity in the field of Western medicine. Few seem to accept the importance of an interdisciplinary practice in medicine despite research proving its credibility. Hopefully with more continued research of alternative therapies America will come to except the potential of the many nontraditional medical practices have for enhancing the health of our nation.
Works cited
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Final Paper
16 years ago
