The Structure of Canadian Health Care System

             The structure of the Canadian health care system is an ever-changing institution which tries desperately to match the care they provide with the values they hold true. Health care providers have begun to take a holistic approach to care, trying to ensure an individuals health, not only physical, but emotional, psychological and interpersonal. The technology, quality and availability of care are at its highest levels ever, yet people are still unsatisfied with the current system. If the problem isn"t with the availability and quality of health care, then where does it lie? Medical practitioners have applied their holistic philosophy in all areas of health care, except the actual treatments themselves. They are treating a disease or illness as something which must be treated and cured, rather than something which one must strive to prevent. The act of treating a disease or an illness, in traditional Chinese medical practice, is like digging a trench long after the battle has begun. Oriental medical practices are founded on the philosophy of yin and yang which emphasises the importance of universal balance and harmony. Their method of treatment is a truly holistic one in that the idea of healthy living is deeply embedded into every aspect of their culture through this philosophy and through the long medical history of the Chinese people. Oriental medicine prescribes a continuous intake of the proper nutrients through herbal use to regulate the bodies internal yin and yang, creating a harmonic balance of mind, body and soul.

             The origin of Chinese medicine is traditionally associated with three legendary Emperors; Fu Hsi, Shen Nung, and Huang Ti.

             Fu Hsi became Emperor in 2852 b.c. He is said to be responsible for the most profound accomplishment in the history of China, the text I Ching. Thought to be the oldest book in Chinese history, it contains the foundations of all Chinese philosophy in the doctrine of yin and yang.

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