Oriental Therapy - Alternative Therapy Term Paper

There is much irony to be found in the opinion that all illness begins in the mind, because many doctors and alternative healers make this claim but yet are unwilling to admit that psychic illnesses are real. The Japanese people struggle with an honest discussion of psychiatric illnesses, as they often come to their doctors with somatic complaints. Yes, they may have headaches, stomachaches, or other issues, but it is the goal of the doctor to determine what is causing these problems. Internal medicine doctors should look for physical reasons for these issues, but should also be open to the idea that no physical cause may be found (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2001). If that is the case, it is possible that the person is depressed, and that mental health counseling can be beneficial (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2001). Until the stigma of mental health and depression can be removed, however, Japanese people who need treatment for depression are not likely to receive it in the same way an American would receive treatment for that illness. There is no need to change Japanese culture entirely where depression is concerned, but tying Western and Eastern techniques together could benefit both Japanese and American sufferers of depression.Both East and West must be fused from the standpoint of medicine and treatment in order to have a successful plan to alleviate depression. In order to combine these beliefs, one must fuse shiatsu, acupuncture, bathing, herbs, diet, exercise, social support, spiritual or religious support, Western diagnostic tools, prescription drugs, and cognitive therapy into something that will have the highest likelihood of being successful. There is no reason for the Japanese to give up their Eastern ways. These ways are culturally influenced and in many cases they are effective ways of handling depression. However, Western options can also be beneficial and these options can and should be incorporated as part of a treatment plan for patients dealing with depression.

References

Dale, J., Sorour, E., & Milner, G. (2008). Do psychiatrists perform appropriate physical investigations for their patients? A review of current practices in a general psychiatric inpatient and outpatient setting. Journal of Mental Health, 17(3): 293 -- 298.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S.….....