HSS 1101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Alternative Medicine, Endocrinology, Biomedicine

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HSS 1101
• Professor: Tien Nguyen

Document Summary

Reductionist approach to health: breakdown of the human body to its most fundamental parts (systems: neurology, immunology, endocrinology, pathology, physiology) Rationale: understanding these mechanisms show allow healing of the body when one or more of the systems deviate (during disease) Invasive (targets a specific system but affects the entire body) The inherent challenge: potential to disempower the individual. Loss of autonomy (self-responsibility) of their body and well being. Holistic approach to health: unification of the systems that comprise the human body, including the surrounding environment in which it interacts (harmony of physiology, psychology, and environment) Rationale: healing occurs when the body and mind are in rhythm with nature. Non-invasive (does not affect healthy parts of the body) How life expresses through the human body (origins of health) Inherent challenge: using traditional scientific research methodologies (eg reductionist approach), results are not definitive. Reductionist health: severe and life threatening illness, to be treated immediately. Holistic health: a balance of lifestyle factors, everyday.