Aging: Western Versus Eastern Approach

Western doctors won’t tell you that you can improve or heal poor digestion, forgetfulness, a bad knee, or other problems of aging, but it’s not their fault. They've been trained to see us as bodies—bags of bio-chemicals—and believe that little can be done for an aging body except to prescribe medication. Eastern-style health practitioners (Chinese, ayurvedic, and herbal) see consciousness, not the body, as primary and treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—which allows true healing to happen. Their approach includes more subtle methods of healing, such as herbs, breathing, and mantra meditation.