As much as I don't really like menstruating (who does?), I don't think I would want to mess with my natural cycle. The pill is so new that, even though current studies show that it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, it is hard to say what hidden side effects it has.
However, it gives women a choice over the traditional pill. If some women wants to take chances with it, at least it is an option.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Reintroduction of the American Bison
I don't fully understand the question: "How would you prioritize the reintroduction of the American Bison?"
Prioritize in what context? What are we comparing to here?
I think it is geat to reintroduce the American Bison back to the wild so they won't extinct. I suspect though that the government only do this because buffalo meat has gotten popular and there is profit to be made.
Regardless of the intention, it is great that the American Bison is restored in the Great Plains. It is good for the native americans, and the ecosystem. I do wonder if the population of the American bison will ever get too much and upset the current balance. Or maybe it is a good thing since we can only call our current state is such an imbalanced one.
Prioritize in what context? What are we comparing to here?
I think it is geat to reintroduce the American Bison back to the wild so they won't extinct. I suspect though that the government only do this because buffalo meat has gotten popular and there is profit to be made.
Regardless of the intention, it is great that the American Bison is restored in the Great Plains. It is good for the native americans, and the ecosystem. I do wonder if the population of the American bison will ever get too much and upset the current balance. Or maybe it is a good thing since we can only call our current state is such an imbalanced one.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The End Goals of Social Ecology
Sounds good to me. I like the focus of social ecology on the transformative learning and the emphasis on "thinking about the big picture, while at the same time being willing to act in small meaningful ways"
When enough people are willing to start leading an ecological lifesyle by changing a little bit at a time, it will add up to be a lot.
When enough people are willing to start leading an ecological lifesyle by changing a little bit at a time, it will add up to be a lot.
Why ecosystems are both strong and fragile
When imbalances in an ecosystem occur, the ecosystem will find ways to correct it until a new balance is achieved. It is flexible and can adapt to different kinds of changes. The ecosystem is strong that way.
However, it is also fragile because any changes in one "component" may have a chain effect and cause changes in many other "components" in the ecosystem. The ecosystem will keep trying to adapt and re-balance until a tipping point is reached and ecosystem won't be able to sustain itself anymore.
It would be a point of no return. It is scary to think that we may be reaching that point.
****
It reminded me of a dialog in this French movie La Haine (Hate):
"Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper?" asks Hubert. "On his way down past each floor, he kept saying, to reassure himself, 'so far so good... so far so good... so far so good.' Then he hits the bottom. How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land."
However, it is also fragile because any changes in one "component" may have a chain effect and cause changes in many other "components" in the ecosystem. The ecosystem will keep trying to adapt and re-balance until a tipping point is reached and ecosystem won't be able to sustain itself anymore.
It would be a point of no return. It is scary to think that we may be reaching that point.
****
It reminded me of a dialog in this French movie La Haine (Hate):
"Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper?" asks Hubert. "On his way down past each floor, he kept saying, to reassure himself, 'so far so good... so far so good... so far so good.' Then he hits the bottom. How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land."
Eight-Point Deep Ecology Platform
I do agree with the principles.
I think Point 8 might the hardest for people: "Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an abligation directly or indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes."
I think a lot of people knows the importance of a balanced ecosystem but not aware what actions they can take to maintain it. (or how some of their actions may harm it).
It is especially hard if the community you live in doesn't subscribe to this belief. It is easier for people to start changing their lifestyle when they see that everyone around them make the changes too. Conversely, it is really hard to make changes when everything around seems to go against it.
I think Point 8 might the hardest for people: "Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an abligation directly or indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes."
I think a lot of people knows the importance of a balanced ecosystem but not aware what actions they can take to maintain it. (or how some of their actions may harm it).
It is especially hard if the community you live in doesn't subscribe to this belief. It is easier for people to start changing their lifestyle when they see that everyone around them make the changes too. Conversely, it is really hard to make changes when everything around seems to go against it.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Deal that Saved the Whale
I think it is a great idea. But we can't really tell how well this strategy works until at least 10-20 years later. Unfortunately, good systems with good intentions don't always last. Power struggle and greed always seem to get in the way.
Anyway, a sidenote on tourism-When I was in Venezuela, I talked to the owner of the hotel that I stayed in. He told me how when tourists joined all-inclusive packages (hotel, entertainment, food, transportation), it is always the travel agencies that make money. The local people don't make much money on those deals at all.
Anyway, a sidenote on tourism-When I was in Venezuela, I talked to the owner of the hotel that I stayed in. He told me how when tourists joined all-inclusive packages (hotel, entertainment, food, transportation), it is always the travel agencies that make money. The local people don't make much money on those deals at all.
Western Approaches to HIV/AIDS
Western medicine seems to understand the mechanism of how HIV is transmitted and how it works in our system.
While it is easy for me to say that we should have a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS or cancer, because I am healthy. I honestly don't know if I had one of these diseases that I would opt for an all-out Chinese medicine treatment either. I just don't know.
While it is easy for me to say that we should have a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS or cancer, because I am healthy. I honestly don't know if I had one of these diseases that I would opt for an all-out Chinese medicine treatment either. I just don't know.
Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?
If someone has a positive attitude towards life, lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, that is the best way to strengthen immune system, and would have longer lasting results. Chinese medicine certainly embodies this way of thinking, with preventive modalities that enhance health, such as qigong and balanced diet, so I think TCM can help strengthen the immune system.
But studying TCM may not strengthen our immune system!...as TCM students are reported to be more pale and worn out after just one year of TCM studies.
But studying TCM may not strengthen our immune system!...as TCM students are reported to be more pale and worn out after just one year of TCM studies.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Are our genes still being shaped by natural selection?
Daoism and Chinese medicine believes that change is the only constant. If our ancestors had evolved to adapt to their environment so we are what we are now, why should we think that the change would stop now?
I don't even know how we could have gone through so much civilization and complicated our world and our lives to reach this point of humanity where people still like to fight each other and destroying our own planet and our souls.
How is it possible that we live in a society with all the technological advances and we are using up two-thirds of world resources and yet most of us can't even eat as well as the primitive humans?
And how about the intelligence of our bodies and the intuition that we've lost gradually over the thousands of years of civilization. That's signs of changing genes right there.
Yes our brains might have gotten bigger, but I don't think we can measure intelligence that way.
I don't even know how we could have gone through so much civilization and complicated our world and our lives to reach this point of humanity where people still like to fight each other and destroying our own planet and our souls.
How is it possible that we live in a society with all the technological advances and we are using up two-thirds of world resources and yet most of us can't even eat as well as the primitive humans?
And how about the intelligence of our bodies and the intuition that we've lost gradually over the thousands of years of civilization. That's signs of changing genes right there.
Yes our brains might have gotten bigger, but I don't think we can measure intelligence that way.
Chinese Medicine Approach to Cancer
Western approach to cancer treatment is based on destruction of cancer cells, while chinese medicine's approach is to restore the harmony of the body so that the body can be strong enough combat cancer cells. CM is about treating the whole organism.
I saw this book "Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Complementary Cancer Care"
...and it looks very interesting. However, right now, if I read one more TCM book, my brain's gonna fry. Maybe during the term break.
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Harmony-Integrating-Traditional-Complementary/dp/0968948804/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/102-8260728-1207334
I saw this book "Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Complementary Cancer Care"
...and it looks very interesting. However, right now, if I read one more TCM book, my brain's gonna fry. Maybe during the term break.
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Harmony-Integrating-Traditional-Complementary/dp/0968948804/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/102-8260728-1207334
Our understanding of cancer
It does seem like we understand cells better than ever. Based on western science approach, because we understand the most basic part of an organism, and how cancer happened at a cellular level, that means our understanding cancer gets more sophisticated.
I guess the real test is if we can cure cancer better because of this understanding.
But at least my understanding of cancer got a little better after last week's class. I kept picturing cancer cells as these anarchic guerilla soldiers trying to organize armies to overthrow the central government of the country they live in.
I guess the real test is if we can cure cancer better because of this understanding.
But at least my understanding of cancer got a little better after last week's class. I kept picturing cancer cells as these anarchic guerilla soldiers trying to organize armies to overthrow the central government of the country they live in.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Week 6 Assignments for the Nature of Life
First of all, sorry for blogging late. It was a hectic week last week and I figure rather than just rushing through the assignment, now I can really take the time to absorb the material and present my thoughts.
HOW DO I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LIVING AND NONLIVING SYSTEMS
According to the Santiago Theory of Cognition, Cognition is the defining factor for distinguishing the living and non-living. Maturana and Varela states that cogition is "the activity involed in the self-generation and self-perpetuation of living systems."
That sounds the same as autopoiesis to me" Also, "any system that can actively sense conditions in its environment and independently react to those conditions is exercising cognition.
To Maurana and Varela, this is why a bacteria is a living being and a rock is not. I thought about the many things that are by this definition "non-living" that seems alive. For example, crystals, a mandala,some artworks, handmade things or food I eat, while they are not autopoiesis systems, they certainly can have a feeling of aliveness to them.
While these objects are not "living", they can absorb energies from living beings. If we are sensitive enough, we can certainly feel the energies absorbed and given out by these non-living objects. For me, that's one of the factors of deciding whether I like a work of art or not--if it has enough Qi and can can draw my mind into a "state of alignment" with the rhythm of the universe's pulse.
Conversely, there are people I know who are so numb to what's going on the world and go through life without reacting to the world with an independent mind. I can barely see them as living at all.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE USE OF LANGUAGE AND TOOLS IN CHIMPS
This reminds us that we are not the only species who can use tools or language.
Also, observing how chimps communities use languages and spread knowledge in how to use tools can give us insights in how early humans develop these skills.
CHINESE MEDICINE GAINING RESPECTABILITY IN THE WEST
We live in exciting times when CM is gaining respectability in the west...and the east! It may sound funny, but in places like Hong Kong, which used to be a British colony, CM has been considered an irrational, old-fashioned folk medicine for a long time, esp. by younger generations. It was only in recent years that Hong Kong has CM programs in universities and start to regulate chinese medicine. That's exciting news.
Talking to my family and my "westernized" friends about CM is usually a frustrating experience and I am always subjected to ridicule. However, when I look back at the path that led me to accepting acupuncture, I understand where they are coming from. I never used to give CM much thought. None of my Chinese friends (and family) believe in acupuncture or had much experience with it, even though a few of them use herbs regularly. It was not until my caucasian friends telling me their positive experience with acupuncture that I started became more interested in it.
I can't wait till the day when I can heal people and then maybe my family and chinese friends will believe that CM is valid.
Right now, a lot of grounds in medicine (East & West) are shifting. It is exciting to be participating in this change. At the same time, as an oriental medicine student, I feel tremendous responsibility to learn this medicine well. Because I know that in the future, every time I give a treatment, or even just diiscussing this medicine with people, the experience will make an impression on those who are still doubting our profession.
HOW DO I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LIVING AND NONLIVING SYSTEMS
According to the Santiago Theory of Cognition, Cognition is the defining factor for distinguishing the living and non-living. Maturana and Varela states that cogition is "the activity involed in the self-generation and self-perpetuation of living systems."
That sounds the same as autopoiesis to me" Also, "any system that can actively sense conditions in its environment and independently react to those conditions is exercising cognition.
To Maurana and Varela, this is why a bacteria is a living being and a rock is not. I thought about the many things that are by this definition "non-living" that seems alive. For example, crystals, a mandala,some artworks, handmade things or food I eat, while they are not autopoiesis systems, they certainly can have a feeling of aliveness to them.
While these objects are not "living", they can absorb energies from living beings. If we are sensitive enough, we can certainly feel the energies absorbed and given out by these non-living objects. For me, that's one of the factors of deciding whether I like a work of art or not--if it has enough Qi and can can draw my mind into a "state of alignment" with the rhythm of the universe's pulse.
Conversely, there are people I know who are so numb to what's going on the world and go through life without reacting to the world with an independent mind. I can barely see them as living at all.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE USE OF LANGUAGE AND TOOLS IN CHIMPS
This reminds us that we are not the only species who can use tools or language.
Also, observing how chimps communities use languages and spread knowledge in how to use tools can give us insights in how early humans develop these skills.
CHINESE MEDICINE GAINING RESPECTABILITY IN THE WEST
We live in exciting times when CM is gaining respectability in the west...and the east! It may sound funny, but in places like Hong Kong, which used to be a British colony, CM has been considered an irrational, old-fashioned folk medicine for a long time, esp. by younger generations. It was only in recent years that Hong Kong has CM programs in universities and start to regulate chinese medicine. That's exciting news.
Talking to my family and my "westernized" friends about CM is usually a frustrating experience and I am always subjected to ridicule. However, when I look back at the path that led me to accepting acupuncture, I understand where they are coming from. I never used to give CM much thought. None of my Chinese friends (and family) believe in acupuncture or had much experience with it, even though a few of them use herbs regularly. It was not until my caucasian friends telling me their positive experience with acupuncture that I started became more interested in it.
I can't wait till the day when I can heal people and then maybe my family and chinese friends will believe that CM is valid.
Right now, a lot of grounds in medicine (East & West) are shifting. It is exciting to be participating in this change. At the same time, as an oriental medicine student, I feel tremendous responsibility to learn this medicine well. Because I know that in the future, every time I give a treatment, or even just diiscussing this medicine with people, the experience will make an impression on those who are still doubting our profession.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)