MANIFESTO FOR A NEW WORLD MEDICINE

Abstract

This keynote address present an overview of the New World Medicine, a way of approaching health and illness that is enlarging the premises, practices and structure of modern biomedicine, and attracting tens of millions of patients in the United States. The New Medicine, which is being developed jointly by physicians and other practitioners and patients in the United States, combines the precision of modern science with the wisdom of ancient healing. It explores and integrates the healing practices of many cultures including the herbalism, acupuncture, Tai Chi and Qigong of China, as well as such unconventional Western approaches as massage, homeopathy, chiropractic and prayer. It focuses on the interactions between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can direcdy affect health. It regards as fundamental an approach which respects and enhances each person's capacity for self-knowledge and self-care and emphasizes self-care techniques. It views illness as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation and health care providers as catalysts and guides in this process.