Three Forces/Faults

Traditional medicine is complex and diverse, relying heavily on ancient wisdom and concepts. There are three forces that are often present in traditional medical practices, which are often intertwined and interact to shape and influence diagnoses, treatments, and beliefs about disease and healing. These three forces are the intuition of the practitioner, empirical medical knowledge, and cultural or spiritual beliefs. The first force, the intuition of the practitioner, is almost always present in traditional medicine. The provider is given great responsibility, as their intuition is seen as a guide for diagnosis, treatment, and healing. Practitioners rely heavily on their wisdom in determining the best course of action. They have an intrinsic understanding of the human body and spirit based on years of experience. It is the intuition of the practitioner that allows them to make connections between the physical symptoms and clients’ spiritual and emotional well-being. The second force is empirical medical knowledge. This refers to learned medical knowledge that is based on observation, experimentation, and the scientific method. Traditional medicine practitioners often use empirical medical knowledge to inform their practice, drawing on the wisdom of the ancients and current researchers. This knowledge can be used to diagnose and treat disease, as well as recommend preventive health measures. The third force is cultural or spiritual beliefs. This includes ideas about how disease is created, as well as how it can be prevented or treated. Traditional medical practitioners often rely heavily on cultural and spiritual beliefs when caring for their patients. These beliefs inform their diagnosis and treatment plans, often in ways that are not based on empirical evidence. These three forces in traditional medicine often interact and overlap to shape the approach taken when diagnosing and treating illness. Understanding these forces can help healthcare providers better understand the complexities of traditional healthcare, as well as more effectively support and treat patients.