By: Olivia Visser, Opinions Editor
Many people grow up believing that everything under the alternative medicine umbrella is false and misleading. However, this distrust can be particularly problematic when it carries over into traditional medicine. Evidence-based arguments fall short when considering the lack of funding for quality traditional medicine studies. But efficacy aside, you don’t need to practice a form of medicine to respect it. Western medicine often lacks a holistic approach that examines people’s body and mind as a whole system. These practices may not be for you, but it’s worth trying to understand why they’re important to so many people.
We must consider that what many of us now know as western medicine has roots in herbal medicine. Certain pain-relievers like morphine and codeine are still organically synthesized from opium poppies. Aspirin was originally derived from salicylic acid in willow tree bark. St. John’s wort has been found in multiple studies to alleviate mild depression. It’s dismissive to suggest that medicine is a recent invention. In reality, humans have been experimenting with plant-based treatments since time immemorial.
As with most things in life, any sort of treatment should be cautiously examined before proceeding. Traditional medicine doesn’t generally promise miracle cures or aim to replace necessary medical treatments like chemotherapy or insulin. Rather, it’s intended to complement clinical medical practices. You should always consult your family doctor before starting any medicine, herbal or otherwise. Some substances can interact with medications or preexisting conditions.
Those who judge traditional medicine overlook the value of healing practices that prioritize person over patient. Many Indigenous Peoples consider “a person’s physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual well-being,” and their “place in the community.” This sort of relational holistic care is preventative health care. The Centre for Disease Control reports that social connection has the ability to prevent certain physical and mental illnesses. Other studies have found that “Indigenous-led health partnerships can improve access to care, adherence to care plans and many health outcomes.” Access to traditional medicine practices is so important that it’s explicitly recognized in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.
It may feel straightforward to suggest we should respect people’s cultural practices. However, this respect is still direly needed — traditional medicine is frequently regarded as a lesser form of treatment because it’s lumped under the larger alternative medicine umbrella. For many people, healing goes beyond their body alone and extends to meaningful connections with land and community. For example, traditional Chinese medicine proposes that an imbalance of positive and negative energy can have health effects. Clinical studies have also found notable links between stress and physical illness. But my argument isn’t even that traditional medicine is as effective as western medicine. It’s that finding a common ground between what you practice and what someone else practices is worthwhile.
Recently, Kwantlen Polytechnic University announced the coming of Canada’s first traditional Chinese medicine bachelor’s degree. The decision has been met with both applause and criticism, as some feel traditional Chinese medicine is no more than a branch of pseudoscience. However, the degree is not a medical degree and is in no way designed to replace medical doctors. There are credible studies backing the use of acupuncture and certain traditional Chinese medicine herbs for minor ailments and chronic pain. At the same time, studies are still lacking regarding the safety and efficacy of many treatments. This is why we should welcome the program. Traditional medicine deserves education pathways that result in better regulations and standards of care. This must be done on a larger scale, but as individuals we can still reflect on our preconceptions and shift mainstream narratives.
Traditional medicine doesn’t necessarily assert that every illness has a natural cure, and it varies greatly between cultures and practices. My own prejudices surrounding traditional medicine kept me from exploring herbs that improved my mood and digestion. At the end of the day, we should be in favour of funding further studies about traditional medicine so we can practice it as safely and effectively as possible. Providing pathways within our communities for individuals to pursue these treatments could offset medical system strain and act as a powerful means of preventative care.
