Western and Oriental Gynecology

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, around the world, historically gynecology practices and perspectives on medical care often vary with societal cultures and religious beliefs and practices. The author points out that the Western approach to medicine is evidence-based, which most individuals think has a scientific basis for the diagnostic and treatment techniques that range from observation to invasive techniques. The paper relates that Oriental medicine, with its cultural roots in Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, stresses therapeutic interventions, which are relatively non-invasive and includes recommendations on diet, exercise and medication that the patient performs themselves and practitioner administered therapies that incorporate for example cupping, the burning of herbs, acupuncture or medicinal herbs brewed as a tea.

Table of Contents:
Gynecology Defined
Western Medicine
Oriental Medicine
Case Study
Western Intervention
Oriental Intervention

From the Paper:

"A more contemporary approach to Oriental medicine states that fibroid tumors are usually associated with a "sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in animal fats and refined foods (white flour and sugar) cause[ing] a buildup of toxins." As such, a diet limiting these types of foods and a blend of Chinese herbs to reduce the tumor and increase blood circulation to aide in detoxifying the patient are utilized. Once fibroid tumors are suspected, or are diagnosed through traditional Western medical methods and the patient subsequently seeks treatment from a physician specializing in Oriental medicine. "the treatment is usually invasive. For fibroid tumors, heated herbal abdominal wraps are used to increase lymph node drainage while magnetic therapy can be used to stop the tumor growth and associated inflammation (Woods, 2000). Additionally, acupuncture treatments, ranging from several times a week to monthly are usually indicated (Wood, 2000).

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beers, M.H., Porter, R. S., Jones, T. V., Kaplan, J. L. & Berkwits, M. (2006). Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories. Retrieved on June 6, 2006 from http://www.merck.com/ mrkshared/mmanual/section15/chapter188/188d.jsp
• Bell, S. E. (1995). Gendered medical science: Producing a drug for women. Feminist Studies. Retrieved on August 7, 2006 from http://www.highbeam.com/library/ doc3.asp?DOCID=1G1:18896097&num=38&ctrlInfo=Round20%3AProd%3ASR%3AResult&ao=&FreePremium=BOTH&tab=lib
• Bray, D. A. 2002. Gynecology - women's health. Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Information. Retrieved on August 7, 2006 from http://tcm.health-info.org/gynecology/gynecology-general.htm
• Gynecology. (2004). The American Heritage(r) Stedman's Medical Dictionary (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Hall, J. J. & Hall, D. J. (2006). Case report - the forgotten hysterectomy: The first successful abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the United States. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Retrieved on August 7, 2006 from http://www.greenjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/107/2/541

More papers on Western and Oriental Gynecology:

• Case Study # 129318 : "Western vs Oriental Approach to Gynecology"
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• Comparison Essay # 65814 : "Occidental and Oriental Culture"

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