Chinese and Western Medicine
Show Summary - August 17, 2009
Monologue.
Sharon welcomed the listeners and talked about the importance of water in life and life in water. She said that it is imperative for everyone to realize the importance of water, to drink plenty of water and to carry water with them if they are unsure of a water source. Dehydration, or lack of water, is out of control in our world and causes or contributes to ailments from allergies to obesity.
Guest: Effie Chow, PhD
Effie Chow, PhD (San Francisco, CA), "Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine."
Effie Chow was born in Canton, China and now lives in San Francisco. She has a PhD and is a licensed acupuncturist. Her specialty is integration of Eastern and Western healing arts, in which she claims to have obtained excellent clinical results, especially in the areas of cancer remission, asthma and healing from injuries.
There was a lengthy discussion about the focus, in Eastern/Chinese medicine and philosophy, on obtaining a balance, or a "chi." Chinese philosophy always strives for balance, with all things in moderation, as opposed to Western materialism, which strives for self-actualization (and too often material comfort and/or "fun").
It is essential, in striving for balance, to be aware of your water intake. Water is one of the underlying elements essential for life, along with earth, fire, and metal. If one element is missing, the result is death. If one element is insufficient, the result is disease.
Water should be pure and plain. Soups and juices are not really water, they are foods and cannot do what water does, which is to purify, transport, flush, filter and detoxify as well as nourish (you would not take a bath in soup or juice). Our bodies are 70% water, all of which must be maintained and replenished.
Many health products are dehydrating and should be taken with water. If you take a formulated medication, you should drink copious water with it. Food with not enough water is not as beneficial as food with water. If you are on chemotherapy, water can help avoid nausea and may reduce hair loss. And remember that Westerners tend to overindulge in most things, which should be balanced - at least - by increased water intake.
Regarding children, they tend not to want to drink plain water even though it is especially important for a growing body. Feeding a baby sugar water is a VERY bad idea. Sharon strongly believes that infants should be given supplemental water but some pediatricians disagree. This could enhance their taste for pure water later in life.
There was some talk about delivery rooms, which tend to have very dry, climate controlled air and high-intensity lighting (although that the high intensity lighting has been eliminated in most delivery rooms).
If the individual is healthy and in balance (microcosm) …
That contributes to the health and balance of the planet (macrocosm).
We must learn to live in harmony with the planet and its gifts. That means being less self-centered. Ms. Chow believes that each human is here for a reason and has a gift to contribute to the Earth and to humankind. But if their focus is only on "materialism, they cannot accomplish this.
Each of us has the tools to be healthy, happy and balanced for many lifetimes. Never underestimate your power or the spark of God within. Earth is whispering - Never say Goodbye!
Categories: Alternative medicine and therapies; health and wellness; water and philosophy; 2009