In this article the author, one of the first dental practitioners to qualify for membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, also qualified in acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Functional Medicine, discusses the way in which, in his opinion, we should be approaching health and healthcare. Western medicine is becoming increasingly a financial monster, creating its own needs and products. Whereas it has been very successful in the saving of life and limb, this only constitutes 10% of total health needs. For the rest, a for more holistic approach should be tried.
As each one of us is unique, medicine should address the individual rather than the condition and the cause rather than the symptoms. Our genes are like a sophisticated manual, which enable us to carry out tasks within our environment. While we cannot change our genotype, except for the worse, we do have influence on our phenotype, or outcome. Genes are triggered by our lifestyle and diet and factors in the environment. They in turn affect the release of mediators, which communicate through neuro-transmitters, which can be closely associated with the meridians of Eastern medicine. The chemicals are produced by courtesy of enzymes and it is the state of the enzymes, which should be the most important factor in assessing and improving health. Enzymes control our vital functions such as waste disposal, communications, absorption of nutrients, clear airways etc. Vitamins and minerals necessary for good enzyme function are taken in through our diet.
In the management of patients we need to address antecedents, triggers, mediators, signs and symptoms. We need to reduce the load of pathogens and toxins in the body by using remedies such as herbs and homeopathy and activating the appropriate enzymes; prioritise affected meridian or neurotransmitter, and appropriate amino acid, vitamin and mineral; individualise essential fatty acids for cell membrane health and check the need for bioflavonoids and specific probiotics. This will give the body all the tools needed for healing.
