Analytical vs Relational Approaches to Healthcare
The way we see our health, illness and symptoms in our body greatly influences how we diagnose and treat health conditions.
I am a Western educated ex-engineer and I can relate to the Analytical Approach:
An Analytical approach understands the whole by isolating the object we are studying and then breaking it down into its constituent parts. Perhaps even breaking those parts down again and after understanding how the whole works, the approach is that we we can manipulate those parts and affect the whole to return the body to better health.
I am also half-Chinese, lived 10-years in China and an Acupuncturist and I believe in the Relational Approach:
A Relational approach, understands the whole by understanding what it is related to. Then, possibly changing one, or a group, of the related things and then observing how the whole behaves.
For Example: A child has a chemical imbalance in the brain. We can apply the analytical approach to measure and recommend medication on balancing that chemical imbalance. Then, we consider first applying a relational approach that assumes the imbalance is related to life-style factors: breathing, diet, rest, exercise and relationships, and so on. The assumption of the relational is that if we can provide the correct environment, the person’s whole being – or wellness – will rebalance and thus the chemical imbalance will naturally disappear. Should the relational approach fail to make significant change, we have medication that may make a positive difference. It may be that we find some benefit to both approaches applied together in an integrated way.
In my mind, these are both valid methods of investigation. Analytical is more experiment/study driven and based on changing the micro-parts to affect the macro-whole. Relational is more long-term observation driven, and focusses on changes to the macro-whole to affect the function of the micro-parts.
I believe we can use both these methods in an integrated healthcare system. Analytical approaches are generally best for emergency care while relational approaches tend to be better for prevention as well as minimal invasive approaches before relying on more invasive analytical approaches.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Tan L.AC. is a licensed Acupuncturist. After completing his degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Alex lived and practiced Chinese Medicine for 10-years in Beijing, China. A native-born Australian, the son of his Australian mother and Chinese father, Alex’s bi-cultural heritage helps him skillfully bridge Eastern and Western health perspectives. He believes the true power of Chinese medicine lies in a balanced approach towards prevention and treatment. Rooted in Chinese Medicine observation based theory & methodology over millenniums, Alex’s talent lies in delivering these Eastern healing modalities to his modern Western clients. For more about Alex click here
Alex runs a clinic in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona. Alex welcomes comments and questions to his articles. To schedule an appointment in person or telco-appointment click here
