March 13, 2018

In Middleton, Library-class
Journal Prompt 9
Narrative Notetaking

Focusing question:

What are some main differences in the approaches used between Eastern and Western cultures

for mental health.

Source:

Dimond, E. Grey. "Acupuncture anesthesia: Western medicine and Chinese traditional

medicine." JAMA 218.10 (1971): 1558-1563.

Rapid Summary:

The article touches on many of the modern medicinal practices in the Western culture. It

describes the current method pharmaceutical companies use of prescribing synthetically

produced compounds. In contrast, traditional medicines from Eastern culture use similar

compounds found in nature and extracted. The problem of integrating eastern and western

medicinal compounds are the regulations the government set towards specific molecules.

Narrative of Thought:

Before reading the article, I was unaware of the restrictions within the pharmaceutical

industry. Despite the positive effects shown towards anti-cancer agents in certain mushrooms,

the government deems the compound illegal for recreational use. Thus, molecular compound

must be studied and synthesized, which I feel to be a major draw back as many patients will be

deceased by the time it is used in practice. I understand the resentment to prematurely release
medicine to the public, as it could lead to negative long-term effects. However, the method of

synthesizing compounds instead of natural cultivation of the compound is an extensive process

which can take extensively long and lead to mistrials with human subjects.
April 1, 2018
On campus
Journal Prompt 11
Exercise 4.1 in C.R.

Dave’s Question Answer

What’s the big deal anyway? The importance of this inquiry remains largely

within treatment of illnesses within the mind and

body. Integration of different approaches to

medicine may yield a higher success rate for

treatment.

What are the differences between The differences between the cultures are their

eastern and western cultures? philosophies of science and methods of treatment.

What do you mean by “Intrapersonal Intrapersonal encompasses the viewpoint one has of

bliss”? their self and their conditions, while bliss means a

position of content and acceptance.

Why are you interested in this topic? I am interested in phycological disorders and would

like to learn and optimize the methods of treating

these disorders.

What have you found out thus far and I have learned a lot about the different

was it surprising? philosophical standpoints between eastern and

western cultures. Surprisingly, it has been hard to

merge the beliefs in past trials.

What predictions can you draw from One may predict, if a system to treating mental

this information? disorders based on merging the cultures is

developed, it may lead to additional emerging

drawbacks.

Based on what you’ve learned to this The point I am trying to make, is that human nature

point, what’s your point? is wrongly manipulated by greed in today’s

technological society. Western advancements in

medicine and the ability to promptly distribute

products often yields an unpredictable outcome.