The inability to effectively process and heal trauma is one of the defining marks of Western civilization and one of the primary problems that all of global culture is afflicted with. Arguably, most of us are sick. If given a chance to really take a closer look, nearly everyone has something physiologically, biologically, psychologically, emotionally or environmentally out of balance.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Problem
Integrated Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Problem Resolution
Conclusion
References
Research Objectives & Key Themes
This thesis examines the inadequacies of the Western allopathic medical model in treating chronic illness and psychological imbalances, arguing that the industry's reliance on convenience and profit-driven pharmaceutical interventions ignores the essential role of spirituality and holistic, nature-based healing systems.
- The limitations and ethical failures of the current biomedical model.
- The importance of reintegrating ancient shamanic and earth-based medicine.
- The impact of lifestyle, stress, and nutrition on global health epidemics.
- Proposing an integrated healthcare model that includes spiritual and entheogenic therapies.
Excerpt from the Thesis
The Problem
The problem within our inability to effectively deal with illness in the modern world is that we no longer acknowledge spirit in our medicine in the same way the ancient healing systems of every civilization have done. The French metaphysician René Guénon once noted this general shift in Western values from quality to quantity in his seminal text The Reign of Quantity. In a similar way, Egyptologist Schwaller De Lubicz designated Western consciousness as an increasing “mentality of complexity”, that he saw in distinct contrast to older more archaic civilizations, which he asserted were in some ways more advanced than our own (Lubicz, 1998).
In the 1500s the word illness meant “bad moral quality.” The etymology of the word disease is from Old French, dis or des means “to lack, without or away” and aise or ease means “comfort” (Onions, 1992). In fact, the word misfortune was often interchanged with the word disease in Old French (Onion, 1992). The etymology of health in Old English comes from hal or “wholeness or being whole,” and means “good omen” in Proto-Germanic (Onion, 1992). The Old Norse etymology is from the word helge or “holy and sacred” (Onion, 1992). Within these definitions is a common thread, the idea of being without—a need to return to homeostasis and be complete. It could be argued that within these etymologies, the entire world is sick. However, to look more closely at the problem of sickness, it is important to consider the state of the world’s health today.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the state of global illness as a form of imbalance, highlighting the failure of Western medicine to process trauma and its preference for synthetic over natural remedies.
The Problem: Explores the etymology of health and disease, arguing that the modern shift toward mechanistic, profit-driven medicine has disconnected humanity from nature and spiritual well-being.
Integrated Literature Review: Synthesizes research on the mind-body connection, the efficacy of traditional earth-based medicines, and the scientific potential of entheogens in treating chronic psychological conditions.
Critical Analysis: Critiques the influence of pharmaceutical profit motives on clinical practice and the negative health outcomes resulting from industrial agricultural practices and over-prescribing.
Problem Resolution: Proposes shifting toward an integrated medical model that incorporates CAM therapies, spiritual practices, and personalized, patient-centered care strategies found in other cultures.
Conclusion: Reaffirms that modern medicine is incomplete without spiritual integration and advocates for the legalization and responsible use of entheogens as a path to reclaiming individual and collective health.
Key Terms
Allopathic Medicine, Biomedical Model, Biopsychosocial Model, Chronic Illness, Entheogens, Holistic Health, Integration, Mechanistic Approach, Neo-shamanism, Phytomedicine, Psychosomatic, Shamanism, Spirituality, Western Civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of this thesis?
The thesis argues that modern Western medicine is insufficient because it treats the body mechanistically while ignoring the spiritual dimension of health, and it advocates for integrating ancient healing traditions and entheogenic therapies.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The key themes include the disconnection between man and nature, the failure of the biomedical model to address chronic issues, the influence of pharmaceutical profits on care, and the potential for shamanic and spiritual practices in clinical settings.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The goal is to analyze the failures of the current medical paradigm and propose a new, more effective model that expands upon the Biopsychosocial model by including spirituality and natural medicine.
What research methods are employed?
The author utilizes an integrated literature review, analyzing historical, etymological, and scientific sources to build a case for changing contemporary approaches to health and illness.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections cover the history of medical thought, the link between convenience and illness, the impact of industrial agriculture on gut health, and the ethics of pharmaceutical incentives.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms like Biopsychosocial Model, Entheogens, Shamanism, Allopathic Medicine, and Holistic Health.
How does the author define the "Problem" in the context of global health?
The problem is defined as an existential and systemic imbalance where modern society prioritizes quantitative, mechanistic treatments over the qualitative, holistic, and spiritual needs of the human being.
What role does the author envision for entheogens in modern medicine?
The author envisions entheogens as powerful, spiritually-connected tools for healing deep trauma, addiction, and depression, suggesting they should be part of a discretionary, safe, and controlled medical framework.
How does the author view the pharmaceutical industry?
The author views the industry as largely profit-driven and ethically compromised, suggesting that their marketing of convenience and synthetic drugs contributes to, rather than solves, the global health epidemic.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Lopes (Author), 2014, The resurgence of spirit in medicine. A return to our holistic roots, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/306398
