A harnessing of biomedicine’s strengths in disease detection, acute condition management, and vital system stabilization

The approach of Western biomedicine has proven its value in allowing scientists to break down complicated systems into manageable parts for analysis and comprehension. It is at its best in disease detection using advanced technologies, as well as in local and acute conditions management. It has also proven effective in stabilizing the body’s deteriorating system. CEWM practitioners draw upon these strengths in managing patients’ illnesses and monitoring their condition.

Reliance on traditional Chinese medicine’s concept of balance

Similar to the concept of homeostasis in Western medicine, one of the underpinning principles of traditional Chinese medicine is the concept of balance. In TCM, balance is important to consider both at the physiological level as well as in terms of lifestyle choices.  Continued stressors of different types will deplete the body’s reserve, leading to chronic imbalance and resulting in the disruption of the smooth flow of energy and blood in the body. Such stagnation often leads to muscle spasms, which hinders blood flow and results in inflammation. Complications from these symptoms result in further health consequences if not addressed at an early stage. For this reason, CEWM clinicians rely on TCM diagnostic approaches that access the body’s state of balance or imbalance early-on, and treat accordingly.

Trust in the body’s innate ability to heal

Biomedicine is indispensable when the illness becomes too overwhelming for the body.  When this happens, more invasive or potent interventions such as synthetic drugs, surgical procedures, or radiation are often called for. On the other hand, TCM, like many other forms of complementary and alternative modalities, embraces the body’s innate ability to heal, and utilizes therapeutic methods targeting at harnessing the body’s own chemicals and regulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. CEWM treatments and self-care recommendations are specifically designed to draw upon the body’s ability to heal, and our clinicians are trained to trust the body’s healing process more so than any specific medical technique.

A flexible and comprehensive approach for personalized care

Within the East-West health framework, practitioners at CEWM have developed a comprehensive approach that is flexible and can be adapted to each patient’s particular needs for that specific point in time. Our body is in a state of constant flux, and we prescribe individualized recommendations with the knowledge that as the body gradually makes improvements towards health, treatments must be modified according to the state of the person. Our clinicians place strong emphasis on therapeutic interventions that can naturally stimulate the body to repair itself. They utilize a combination of external stimulation of trigger and acupuncture points, along with lifestyle counseling and health coaching. Our teachings about self- care include the safe and effective use of dietary measures, supplements, over-the-counter medication, and body-mind exercises.

Commitment to finding the root causes behind the manifestation of symptoms and diseases

Before practitioners can help patients deal with their symptoms, they must identify and understand the root causes of their ailments. Unfortunately, biomedical approaches often miss these underlying conditions due to an emphasis on acute symptoms. Practitioners at CEWM thus begin by gathering a detailed history of their patients, including complete health histories with descriptions of their upbringing, experiences at all stages of life, work, exercise routine, and psychosocial, nutritional and other lifestyle factors. Inadequate coping strategies, chronic stress, and even remote traumatic experiences trauma are some of the common causes of underlying imbalance. In-depth knowledge about the whole person informs the diagnosis and helps the formulation of treatment strategies. This process requires time and, most importantly, a trusting relationship between provider and patient.

Commitment to treating the whole patient by addressing the local and the global

From the whole systems standpoint, each organ system in the body functions as a complex entity that interacts with all other systems in the body. The therapeutic interventions utilized at CEWM are based on the interconnectivity between all the systems in the body. In addition, stressors originating from the social and physical environment correlate directly with a person’s wellbeing. These factors range from family relationships and work pressures to pollution of air and weather changes. Treating the whole person at CEWM therefore means dealing with the individual as well as the person’s interaction with the environment.

Active engagement in prevention and the cultivation of health 

In the East-West model of care, the journey towards health requires the active participation of both the patient and the practitioner. While the practitioner’s role includes getting to know the patient and administering appropriate care to each individual, the patient must understand that prevention and cultivation of health remain a personal responsibility. As one ages, the body’s internal reserve slowly deteriorates, and its innate ability to heal itself gradually becomes compromised. Yet by embracing the elements necessary for the prevention of illnesses and incorporating components essential to successful living into one’s life, wellness can be achieved and maintained.

Safe, effective, and affordable care

With health as the foundation for all other activities in life, the rising cost of medical care, coupled with the declining wellbeing of the national population, has led to crisis at all societal levels. This means decreased quality of life for the individual, stress and tension in the family, and decreased productivity for the work force. In fact, many American personal bankruptcies have resulted from medical expenditures. By using less invasive treatment and lifestyle modifications, the integrative East-West model of care does not require highly advanced technologies or expensive procedures. Whether it is for those striving to regain control of health or for those hoping preserve their well-being, everyone can learn and benefit from this comprehensive East-West approach that is safe, effective, and affordable.