By Molly and Izabel
Introduction
Taiwan has a rich tradition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other indigenous healing practices. Through our program, we’ve been given the opportunity to explore a variety of health services here in Taiwan, such as the Fu Jen Medical Hospital and the Taiwan General Hospital’s Traditional Medicine Unit, Faxiang’s Health Center, and Mary’s Hospital Taitung. Through these tours, we’ve witnessed how integrating traditional methods with modern healthcare can offer a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare, thereby improving positive health outcomes for patients with varying aliments.
Personal Story: Doctor visit
During my stay at Fu Jen Catholic University, I started noticing a rash form on my face and a sore in my throat. I informed one of my supervisors of the arising health concerns I had, and they told me that we could go visit the doctor that day. The college has a hospital on campus which makes seeing the doctors very accessible to college students and others living in the area. Once I checked in, I was able to be seen by the doctor in less than 30 minutes. This is unfamiliar to my usual experience waiting at a doctor’s office without an appointment, which generally takes at least 1 hour of waiting to be seen. Outside of the office was an electronic number counter that told you where you are in line to being seen by the doctor according to the number, they give you at the front desk after checking in. This makes waiting to for the doctor way less anxiety provoking and eliminates the questioning of when you will be seen next.
Image 1: Electronic number counter at Fu Jen University Clinic.
During my check-up with the doctor his treatments started with solutions such as “getting more sleep,” “eating more fruit” and “de-stressing before I go to sleep,” before he talked about treatments involving pharmaceuticals. Even when I mentioned taking antibiotics, he was very hesitant to prescribe them to me before I tried the other routes. I was shocked since the Western hospital settings that I am used to relying heavily on pharmaceuticals for health-related treatments. Hospital settings in Taiwan use a combination of traditional and western medicine, and view patients through the mind and the body to be able to heal. The doctor knew that stress was adding largely to the reasons for my poor immunity in relation to the symptoms I was having. He prescribed me two different ointments, one for my face and one for my throat. The total for the ointments and the doctor’s visit without having insurance was only $20 USD. In America being uninsured and attending a doctor’s visit would cost me anywhere from $300 to $600 USD. This fact left me in awe as I think about how affordable being seen by the doctors is in Taiwan compared to the US and made me feel more at ease and willing to go to the doctors at an earlier stage of my illnesses.
Hospital Integration
We learned that some hospitals in Taiwan have integrated TCM departments alongside conventional Western medicine departments. This allows patients to access both types of care, and healthcare providers can collaborate to provide a holistic treatment plan.
Patient Choice
In Taiwan, patients often have the freedom to choose between Western medicine and traditional treatments. This patient-centered approach allows individuals to decide which treatment modality aligns with their beliefs and values. We were told during the traditional medicine presentation at Taiwan General Hospital that during the pandemic, patients could choose from three different treatment options: they could do their treatment solely following Western medicine, using herbal medications, or utilizing both methods.
Comparison of Elements in Modern vs Traditional Medicine
Modern medicine is a multifaceted field that relies on several key components to provide effective care. Pharmaceutical drugs, developed through rigorous research and clinical trials, form a fundamental aspect of treatment. The integration of advanced technology, such as MRI machines and CT scans, enhances diagnostic capabilities. Evidence-based practices anchor modern medicine, drawing from scientific studies and clinical trials to establish treatment efficacy. The field thrives on specialized healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, radiologists, and pharmacists, each contributing expertise in their specific domains.
Image 2: Group photo taken in front of Fu Jen Hospital’s “MAC” pod during the tour. Left to right: Arthur Kreiter, Dr.Tammy Bray, Izabel Kickner, Hana Nakamura, Molly Warner, Kinjal Patel, Dr. Gary Lin, Head Nurse Ching-Yu Huang, and Dr. Wei-Lun Liu.
Images 3-5: Fu Jen Hospital’s “MAC” pod structural elements include measuring device screens to evaluate body measurements, such as body temperature and vital signs, of a patient.
In comparison, traditional medicine encompasses a diverse range of practices deeply rooted in ancient philosophies and natural healing methods. Central to many traditional medicinal systems is the concept of “Chi” or “Qi,” representing the vital energy believed to flow through the body, and imbalances in Chi are thought to be at the root of various illnesses.
Image 6: PowerPoint slide from a presentation on “Chi” at Taiwan General Hospital.
Natural treatments, showcased through methods like cupping, acupuncture, gua sha, herbal medicines, supplements, and diverse massage techniques, form the foundation of traditional medicine’s approach. Herbal remedies, particularly prominent in regions like Taiwan, are derived from plants and are extensively used to address a broad spectrum of health conditions. Embracing a holistic approach, traditional medicine interconnects the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patient. Practitioners, including herbalists, acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctors, and other trained healers, apply specific methods and philosophies to ensure a comprehensive and interconnected approach to healing.
Image 7: OSU student Arthur Kreiter is shown getting cups applied to his neck by Doctor Ho-Lin (Henry) Lu at Taiwan General Hospital’s Traditional Medicine Unit, as OSU Teaching Assistant Kristen Yang observes.
Preventive Health Practices
Preventive health is a cornerstone of traditional medicine, deeply ingrained in Taiwan’s healthcare system to foster overall well-being. The incorporation of health-beneficial food and drinks into the daily lives of Taiwanese individuals stands as a testament to this approach. During our stay, we’ve noted common practices, including the regular consumption of tea and soymilk, the widespread incorporation of tofu in a variety of meals and desserts, and the preference for less sweet dessert options, reflecting a prevailing cultural norm.
Images 8-10: Some of the foods we’ve enjoyed serve as evidence to the above claim, including black sesame balls over ice, shaved ice with mango and taro balls, and aiyu jelly.
Personal Story: Acupuncture
I have struggled with a jaw disorder called “TMJ” for the past 10 years of my life and it can flare up at times, which can be uncomfortable. My TMJ started to get a flare up while we were staying in New Taipei, and I had heard from other sources that acupuncture can help relieve tightness from TMJ. I asked my supervisor to help me research places nearby that specialize in acupuncture. I was able to be seen by the acupuncturist within the same hour that we called the facility to find out if they were busy that day. I only had to pay $9.25 USD for being a new client and another $9.25 USD for the acupuncture without having Taiwanese insurance. In the US, the price for one acupuncture session without being insured is around $75 to $120 USD. I was met by the doctor after only waiting 10 minutes and without an appointment. He made me feel very calm and safe as he informed me of the process that was about to take place on my jaw. He inserted three acupuncture needles in different locations around my jaw joint. I felt very relaxed as I waited for about 15 minutes with the needles in my jaw. It was painless and done efficiently.
Image 10: OSU student Molly Warner getting acupuncture done on her face.
Image 11: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that is commonly used to relieve discomfort and pain in the body. It is known as the body’s qi, or energy, that can be interrupted and thus will result in pain or discomfort in the body. The model shows the main points of the body that acupuncturists can use to insert an acupuncture needle and relieve stress in certain affected areas in the body.
The Institute for the Blind of Taiwan
During our time in Taiwan, we were able to get massages done at a fantastic foundation called “The Institute for the Blind”. We were fortunate enough to tour the building and learned that this institution started in 1951 through a collaboration with the USA. Offering many courses, the institute caters to diverse interests, providing free education for those who have suffered vision loss after accidents. The institute ensures a holistic approach to education, from training muscles through pottery to mastering the art of dancing, cooking, and playing musical instruments.
The institute aims to alleviate stress on affected families by providing specialized skills training, particularly in massage services, enabling individuals to earn money. The meticulous one-on-one training conducted by empathetic blind teachers benefits around 800 people annually. Participants also have the opportunity to receive a free guide dog, fostering independence for the visually impaired.
Operating from 10 am to 10 pm with a team of 10-20 skilled therapists, the institute serves over 5,000 clients monthly. Despite high demand, insufficient funds highlight the ongoing need for community support. While partially aided by the government, all funds for guide dogs come from fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of donations to sustain this impactful cause. The institute’s commitment is evident through its foundation, with a recent encounter showcasing its initiatives’ global reach and impact. Donations can be made at the front counter to further support this noble cause.
Image 12: OSU Students Pose For A Picture with Service Dog Ellie. Left to right: Izabel Kickner, Hana Nakamura, Arthur Kreiter, Kinjal Patel, Molly Warner, and Ellie.
