Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness

Cultural diversity in health and illness (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Discussion 2 Respond to this Danielle Asian Culture Tai chi is common in the Asian culture to promote health. It utilizes meditative aerobic movements and a relaxing setting. This daily form of exercise allows people to stay active and in-tune with their body. Tai chi can co-exist with Western medicine practices by being offered to patients as a healing mechanism. Many studies have been done that led to conclusions stating the positive effect that tai chi has on health in regards to many health issues including depression, anxiety, arthritis, and aging (Micozzi, 2015). Acupuncture, common in Asian cultures, is used to restore health by piercing the body with distinct needles at specific points called meridians. The body had 365 meridians that spread throughout the body with channels on the skin.

It is believed that piercing these points will help heal the body internally (Spector, 2009). Acupuncture can co-exist with Western medicine practices if people in the medical field familiarize themselves with the practice and what it brings to the table. It is important that every aspect of health be considered so that each patient receives the best treatment possible. Herbal remedies is another common element used among Asian cultures to improve and restore health. Many herb and spices are used as healing agents for many different ailments. This practice is very technical in the way it is utilized as many plants need to be harvested at specific times to be most beneficial (Spector, 2009).

Many of these herbs and spices are available and used today when an alternative remedy is sought out. This practice can co-exist with Western medicine practices when the practitioner has knowledge of the herbal remedies and is open minded enough to use them in place of harm pharmaceuticals. An example of these uses in Western medicine is when my kids' pediatrician suggested using eucalyptus to treat my daughter's ear infection instead of going straight to antibiotics. She has also suggested putting the eucalyptus on my kids' feet and then putting socks on them at night to help with colds and such. Another example of utilizing these practices along with Western medicine would be me seeking out alternative solutions to my headaches.

I have stopped relying on pharmaceuticals to help with the pain and have been seeking out ways to find and treat the cause. I have found chiropractic and massage therapy, tried a reiki session, and am currently seeking out an acupuncturist because that has been suggested to me many times. I have found some relief with the chiropractic and massage therapy, but no cure yet. Daily exercise is also important.

I don't do tai chi specifically, but I have done yoga classes and other workouts and I do notice that I feel much better and have less frequent headaches when I stick to a routine. References Micozzi, M. S. (2015). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders. Spector, R. E. (2009). Cultural diversity in health and illness (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.