Healthcare is undergoing significant change. And I believe an integrated approach of oriental medicine (acupuncture and herbs), western medicine, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management is required for us to see any real breakthrough in long-term improvements in health and well-being.
Health reform has had some positive impacts, with more people insured, greater access to clinical data, more incentives to improve the quality of care, and health consumers having access to more information and choices than ever before. However, the aging population of the US and the resulting increased number of people with chronic diseases coupled with an alarming increase in adult and child obesity is creating a strong need for a more integrative approach to care and prevention…and one that actively includes acupuncture and oriental medicine.
It is not clear that the changes proposed in healthcare and western medicine will have a meaningful impact on the quality of care. The incentives in our system still reward activity vs. outcomes and the practice of western medicine (while critical to our health system) still primarily focuses on treating symptoms vs. the real underlying causes of stress to our bodies.
What I love about an integrated approach to oriental medicine is that it seeks to understand and treat the underlying condition of the body with the goal of transforming the patient to a higher level of long-term health, stability, and wellness. It focuses on healing the body in a sustainable way.
I grew up with oriental medicine in Taiwan and learned a lot from my grandparents when I was young. I am a strong believer in its effectiveness and have always wanted to be a practitioner. Opening the Center for Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica five years ago was a dream come true.
There appears to be a growing number of enlightened individuals in the patient and clinician population that sees the benefits of integrating eastern and western medicine. I am excited to be part of that movement. I aspire to be a conduit through which more health, longevity, and energy can flow for my patients.
