The Influence of Paradigms on Health Care
Our health and well-being approach is significantly shaped by the paradigm through which we perceive health and its attainment. In this context, a paradigm refers to a pattern, model, or standard that structures our thoughts and actions. It’s not just a set of practices and techniques, but a way of understanding and analyzing that shapes our worldview, including our perception of what is possible.
For example, Western medicine adheres to a paradigm that values the scientific method, objectivity, and the use of technology for precise diagnosis and treatment. It perceives disease and illness as something that needs to be rectified or eradicated, and health is narrowly defined as the absence of disease.
The Shortcomings of Western Medicine
While Western medicine is highly effective in emergency and life-saving situations, its intensive methods may not be suitable for all health conditions. The use of potent, active treatments often carries negative side effects and requires a highly trained expert to administer. Issues may arise when such intensive techniques are used in non-emergency situations.
Making Well-Informed Health Care Choices
To avoid unnecessary intensive treatments, it’s crucial to have a logical decision-making process. This process is not intended to replace professional medical advice, but rather to empower individuals in understanding their available options and making well-informed decisions.
The Six Steps to Pragmatic Health Care Choices
- Returning to the Source: This involves resting, sleeping, or meditating to allow self-correction to take place.
- Becoming Informed: Learn about your condition and understand the pros and cons of your available treatment options.
- Nourishing and Regenerating: Begin to nourish yourself and rebuild your body.
- Stimulating or Sedating: If the previous steps do not resolve your condition, consider treatments that push beyond your current state.
- Using Drug-like Remedies: If necessary, use remedies that override current symptoms and give the body time to activate its self-healing actions.
- Intervening in the Body’s Natural Energy Flow: This is the last resort and involves techniques that directly intervene in the body’s natural energy flow, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Implementing All Necessary Steps
In a safe and comprehensive care system, all these steps are addressed in sequence, avoiding unnecessarily aggressive actions. Each step builds a stronger foundation for the body to heal itself in the next step. The speed at which you move through these steps depends on various factors, including the actual situation, your support system, past experiences, your knowledge, and even your gut feelings.
By following this decision-making process, you can eliminate the guesswork, confusion, fear, and feelings of powerlessness often associated with health care decisions.
