Healing is not only an application of a systematic model like the one that characterises Western medicine; it also requires a deep understanding of feelings. Healing also implores the spiritual connection that people have to exercise love and faith to each other and to Mother Earth and creation.
Holistic practices are not new in Jamaica. Before there was a university, the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care personnel demonstrated their love, faith and understanding as they relied on their inner strength as they worked diligently under poor circumstances and technology. Today, through the wonders of science and technology, we are now a global village. Any viewpoint, we take - medical, holistic or the dominant scientific viewpoint - involves faith and belief. Look at the wonders of creation that still mystify science yet create peace within oneself!
'Complementary' or 'alternative' techniques are actually traditional medicine, while what we know as medicine today is modern and quite 'alternative' to these practices. These are primary care techniques that have been practised in Eastern countries for over 5,000 years. The truth that our health professionals deny, is that there is a chronic shortage of caring medical practitioners and because there is the escalating cost of pharmaceuticals in developing countries, the majority of the population still relies mainly on 'traditional' practitioners and local medicinal plants to satisfy their primary health care needs.
Primary health care
Today, herbal medicines are assuming greater importance in the primary health care of individuals and communities, yet there is still no regulatory system in place for trained personnel to enjoy doing their work. This will enhance the bio-diversity and sustainability within our country, as these systems and practices will assist growers, processors, manufacturers, practitioners, the economy and the well-being of our people.
According to the Natural Products Alert Report from the World Health Organisation, one can estimate that 35,000 to 70,000 species have been used for medicinal purposes. In Asian countries, the use of herbal medicines has permanently remained popular due to the influence of history and culture. In China, traditional medicines account for 30 per cent of the total pharmaceutical consumption. In 2006, the global sale of herbal medicines amounted to more than US$62 billion. The Malaysian government estimates that sales of traditional medicine currently amounted to US$60 million. In Japan, between 1974 and 1989, there was a 15-fold increase in herbal sales compared with only a 2.6-fold increase in the sales of pharmaceutical products. According to India Times.com, India's share of this booming, global market was US$1 billion in 2006. The public in the Netherlands and Belgium declared themselves in favour of complementary medicine being available in the national health system as reported by Dr. Peter Fisher and Dr. Adam Ward of the London Royal Homeopathic Hospital.
The missing link
Holistic Healing is simply the missing link within our hospitals, clinics, homes, offices, laboratories and medical offices. Holistic healing is the answer for sustainable development in a country that needs healing. Those who refuse to embrace change need to say this prayer inwardly and open their minds and thoughts:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference!
This is for the Ministry of Health: It is time to remove the shackles and make the upward move, for Jamaica's economy and well-being.
Dr. Diane Robertson is a pharmacist and recipient of an honorary doctorate in complementary medicine for her work in herbs; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
