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Question posed by Althea:

I'd be intersted to learn more--if applicable--if you have ever had patients who had not progressed as well who turn out to have mitochrondial disease, defined as "disorders in which the body lacks the ability to produce adequate energy to perform all of its functions. The body systems most dependent on this energy are the brain, muscle, heart, kidneys and liver. Affected individuals often have many problems that can include developmental delays, seizures, weak muscles, and many other difficulties such as heart problems and liver disease"

Do you see this as just another western named thing that Chinese Medicine will help? Is IC part of a mito-illness, or the other way around? Or all all chronic illnesses essential cellular mito dysfuncions, IC included?

ANSWER:

First-- The definition of mitochondria is--an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers (cristae).

Second: I think one important thing about medicine to is to give repsect to each person or group of people whom are trying to look at the human body as the whole that it is and working to balance it in a way that is consistent with their particular system. Mitochondial dysfunction is one of those methods.The issue for me is that there are different ways to get from point A (unwellness) to point Z (health). Just like traveling, you can choose your vehicle-many of them good options. One needs to find the vehicle they feel most comfortable traveling in and in an area with signs they can best understand, but the person inside is still the same. The differences lie within the phraseology and the tools. 

I think Chinese medicine gets a bit of a bad "rap" sometimes because people view its "simplistic" terminology as a base. But, in fact each term encompasses many specific aspects of physiology. And, in my opinion, the perspective that this system allows often provides an ability to create change that may not be able to be effected otherwise. I say this, not to imply that other ways of practicing are inadequate, but rather to underscore the fact that they are simply different vehicles used to reach the destination of health. 

I hope this brings light to your question. If not, let me know.

 

Dr.M

 

Comments

headley.patty@gmail.com's picture
headley.patty@g...

Very interesting and helpful question and answer. Thank you.