Technology's Role

One of the aspects of TCM that I am still attracted to is the simplicity behind its philosophy in healing and treating a patient. As we continue to evolve as a society, the advent of technology has certainly evolved along with us. There is a place for technology in most aspects of our society. It does aid us in being more efficient in our endeavors.

However, the increase in the reliance of technology by Western physicians is a bit concerning to me. When I was growing up, the technology a doctor used was for taking X-rays or an Ultrasound. These technological advances definitely helped the doctor make a better diagnosis and, thus, treatment. I am still very appreciative of the use of technology in this way.

In fact, I, as a TCM practitioner, use some technology in my practice. I use it for aiding me in my ability to diagnose better. I have undoubtedly been much more precise in gathering information such as Blood Pressure, Temperature and Range of Motion. The more accurate information I obtain, the better the treatment will be.

If technology has only helped me as a practitioner, why am I concerned with its continual advances? For one, in TCM, the subjective factors I gather is just as important to these objective measures in evaluating the illness. I have discussed thoroughly discussed this topic in previous blogs. Therefore, skills that can only be perfected by the TCM practitioner, himself, is still most important. The two most prominent of these skills is Tongue diagnosing and Pulse diagnosis.

My main concern with Technological advancements in healthcare deals with how it is affecting the role of the practitioner. Again, Western medicine provides the clearest example of this. I feel that human to human interaction is best in the treatment of a human. The practitioner should always take the center role with areas such as Technology only there to aid him in his treatment…