Bridging Western Medicine and Eastern Wisdom - A Healthcare Professionals Perspective

Bridging the gap between Western and natural medicine involves educating people from all walks of life on the value of practices like Ayurveda and other holistic approaches to health. It’s important to understand that these modalities are not mutually exclusive but can work together to enhance overall health and well-being.

Over the past year, I’ve recognised that blog interviews, particularly with healthcare professionals, can be a valuable way to promote understanding between modern medicine and natural healing practices. I’m fascinated by the paths of those who have transitioned from conventional medical roles to embrace natural medicine, leaving behind the white coats and stethoscopes. As we often look to teachers, doctors, and spiritual leaders for guidance, I hope these stories will inspire and offer new perspectives on this important conversation.

My mission is to inspire those who feel called to explore natural healing methods, as well as those who are still seeking clarity on which healing path resonates most deeply with them.

Recently, I had a patient in her early 20s who had been contemplating Ayurvedic treatment for her ongoing battle with endometriosis. After a failed surgery and the regrowth of her endometriosis, she is now considering Ayurvedic medicine. However, she expressed fear about pursuing a natural approach, even though her gynaecologists other option at this stage is inducing early menopause. This hesitation, despite the severe alternative, highlights a common fear among many people towards natural treatments, even when they are likely the safer option.

Let me begin this series of interview blog posts with my own journey, the face behind Chikitsa, Gemma Randles.

My journey in healthcare began 12 years ago in the field of Radiography. I thoroughly enjoyed my studies, particularly the scientific aspects and the meaningful patient interactions. However, I often found myself asking "why?"—seeking a deeper understanding of the human body and existence that was not addressed in my anatomy and physiology classes. When I began studying Ayurvedic Medicine, that missing "why" was beautifully answered. It allowed me to connect the dots between the mind, body, and soul, and to truly understand the holistic nature of our being.

What are the main differences between my work as a Radiographer and Ayurvedic Practitioner?

The working environment. As a radiographer we are in lead lined rooms, with no windows and no natural light. This really affected me, especially during the winter. When i see my Ayurvedic clients i am able to work in bright spaces with natural light, this may seem a minor difference to some, but this made a huge difference to my mental health and mood in the work setting.

Ayurveda focuses heavily on preventative care and lifestyle adjustments. How does that differ from the diagnostic and treatment approaches in radiography?

Western medicine often takes a reactive approach, addressing health concerns only after they have fully developed, rather than intervening when early signs and symptoms first appear—when conditions are typically much easier to manage or reverse. A common example I’ve encountered as a radiographer is early-onset osteoarthritis. When patients come in for an X-ray at this stage, it's unlikely that any visible changes will appear on the scan, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t underlying activity that cannot be detected. At this point, the patient usually returns to their GP with limited options—often a steroid injection, which may or may not provide relief, and advice to wait several years for a potential knee replacement. Considering this, wouldn't it be more beneficial and equitable for patients to have access to alternative methods, such as Ayurveda, where evidence-backed research supports its ability to slow the progression of osteoarthritis?

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey from radiography to Ayurveda?

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have the opportunity to support my patients throughout their entire healing journey, in contrast to my previous role as a radiographer, where I was confined to a specific aspect of care (and I hold great respect for the important work of my colleagues in that field). I feel a much stronger connection with my patients now, guiding them from a state of imbalance to one of health. Witnessing their transformation throughout this journey is genuinely inspiring.

What advice would you give to healthcare professionals interested in exploring holistic or alternative medicine?

Don't dismiss an idea until you’ve truly explored its possibilities. For General Practitioners today, i feel it is essential to investigate a variety of health and healing methods to provide the best care for patients. Courses on social prescribing have seen significant growth, and even small steps in this direction can greatly benefit individual patients. This approach can alleviate pressure on the NHS and reserve resources for areas where they are genuinely needed, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction for all healthcare professionals when workloads are more manageable.

References

• Ayurvedic Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic ReviewMehta, S. S., Choudhary, V. A., & Kharat, A. S. (2021). Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 12(2), 257-265. https://doi.org/10.1177/21565872211014026

• Efficacy of Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled TrialGupta, S., & Singh, A. (2021). Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology, 52(8), 1408-1417. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaa456

• Janu Basti in the Management of OsteoarthritisAdyant Ayurveda. (2023). Janu Basti in the management of osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://adyantayurveda.com/best-ayurvedic-treatment-for-osteoarthritis/

• Lad, V. (2002). Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental principles (Vol. 1). Ayurvedic Press.