How Do You Know That?

John Redden, March 24, 2015 in Reflective Essays

What all herbal medical traditions have in common is some kind of inherent world- view. In order to understand the view, we need to see not just static images but a motion picture. The intrinsic qualities of the paradigm are revealed when we observe the pattern of the changes as they occur. All the components of a static system can be arranged to relate to each other but, when the forces of transformation are included, deeper truths are revealed. The process always starts with observation and perception. We have begun to see and know when we experience some kind of pattern recognition.

How do we reach this state of cognition? Most modern medicine is based on Cartesian logic i.e. analytic reductionism. If we break something down into small enough parts we can isolate a conclusive fact , which may or may not be useful in the context of the moving picture. Holistic cognition, on the other hand, is based on synthetic and inductive reasoning. Instead of concluding a fact, we conclude that a principle is at work. By perceiving the forces that are involved, we can learn to understand this moving picture and can make predictive statements. From a photograph, can you tell if the sun is setting or rising? Knowing whether we are entering day or night is important to some.

How do we reach this state of cognition? Most modern medicine is based on Cartesian logic i.e. analytic reductionism. If we break something down into small enough parts we can isolate a conclusive fact , which may or may not be useful in the context of the moving picture. Holistic cognition, on the other hand, is based on synthetic and inductive reasoning. Instead of concluding a fact, we conclude that a principle is at work. By perceiving the forces that are involved, we can learn to understand this moving picture and can make predictive statements. From a photograph, can you tell if the sun is setting or rising? Knowing whether we are entering day or night is important to some.

In holistic understanding, the symptoms are not just a nuisance, but are an indication of the healing process underway. The herbal practitioner may want to augment them. A small cup of cayenne tea may increase the fever for a while, increase perspiration, and make the mucus thinner so it runs faster and drains easier. The danger comes when the herbalist practices “green allopathy”. This means treating a patient with herbs but in a reductionistic context – for example, by alleviating symptoms that may be integral to the real healing process. It is only slightly better than drug therapy. True healing comes when the process of transformation is perceived within the holistic context. If patients can gain an understanding of how they became ill and how they proceeded to wellness then they will have an opportunity to consciously be aware of the dynamic forces of life and the principles that guide them.

The next danger comes when we want to test our practitioners or evaluate their abilities. If all we do is question them on scientific facts and their understanding of the different relevant medical sciences, anatomy, physiology, bio-chemistry, etc, then we are no closer to knowing if they can work in a holistic context and help effect true healing.

Traditional medicine generally has a world- view that may perceive order and principles on a cosmic level. Often working within a social structure that reflects this world –view, traditional medicine can help re-integrate people to their rightful place in the grand order. Notions of religion and science are so interwoven as to be inseparable.

Also, in the training of traditional medicine there are two orders of understanding and knowledge. There is a type that comes from the normal studies of nature and people. The second kind of knowledge and understanding comes by initiation. There is a revelation within and transformation of the very consciousness of the traditional healers. As they advance along their path, their ability to heal comes not just in correct diagnosis and choice of herbs, but also in their ability to imprint the wisdom and understanding of the world-view they are trained in upon their patients. As self-healing is an intrinsic property of all life, then the initiation into health is akin to musical resonance. The traditional healer creates a microcosm of the right conditions within and tries to educate or “lead out from” the patient the same by directing the patient’s attention to their own inner condition. As said earlier, it is the conscious awareness of the principles and forces of life that brings about total health.

How do we go about testing a traditional healer? In societies where they function openly, there are elders who confer titles upon and recognize the authority of those especially gifted others. These elders have been acknowledged by their peers and their community in a large web made of many chains that stretch over time.

Can we begin to find a way to acknowledge herbalists who cannot be measured by any standards of our modern urban society? Does the holistic paradigm not beg for a new way to set standards?

We must be careful that, as we herbalists become acknowledged members of the healing community, we do not allow ourselves to be corrupted by forces that pretend to represent the common good. It would be a sad irony if, in order to work within the government regulated medical system, we redefine ourselves in reductionist terms and act like green allopaths.