Studying Traditional Oriental Medicine involves learning to interpret and categorize the pathological phenomena of patients, a process known as differentiation of pathogenesis. The challenge in studying Oriental Medicine stems from the complexity of diagnosis, often due to a lack of observational habits.
Thorough observation of phenomena is crucial for interpretation and differentiation. Developing observational skills for diagnosis is essential for anyone studying this phenomenological medicine.
However, these skills are honed more through repetitive practice than through books or teachers. Observation is a kind of habit. The practice of observing itself is a significant part of studying this field of medicine.
Observation of humans is not limited to medical professionals. Anyone can observe people. Psychologists, artists, writers, and scientists all engage in human observation. Patients who naturally observe tend to recover more quickly. No matter how much a practitioner observes, it is challenging to observe more closely than the patient themselves. If a patient has observational skills, the physician should heed their insights.
As the general public becomes familiar with Oriental Medicine, awareness will expand, and when patients understand this medical philosophy, their treatment will progress more rapidly. Thus, I believe education in Oriental Medicine is necessary for the public. This discussion about popularizing Oriental Medicine is based on the premise that it does not seek profit through medical practice, and such education can elevate beyond philosophical cultivation to a level where individuals can observe and care for their own and their families' health.
When consulting with patients, I encourage them to carefully observe their own symptoms. It is important to note reactions after eating, responses after exercising, and the body's and mind's reactions to the environment. When the focus of observation turns inward, stability increases and health improves. There doesn’t have to be a right answer in observation. By beginning to observe, we start to distance ourselves from disease.
An Oriental Medicine practitioner with an observation habit becomes skilled in diagnosis and moves toward expertise. A person with observational habits gains the power to heal themselves. Therefore, observation serves as a guiding principle in my life as a practitioner of this medicine. As someone whose profession involves observing patients daily, I also observe myself. Self-observation is not easy. Although I am an Oriental medicine practitioner, I also experience illness and pain.
For me, Oriental Medicine is an endless study of observing myself, my family, and humanity.
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