Biophysics Week 3

Would you support the development of a “bionic” person?

I find this to be a tricky topic, because the main reason of concern is replacing humans. While a bionic person can be very useful, say in doing things/chores that seem daunting to the every day person, they are now starting to dabble in human intelligence. Eventually, will everything just be computers?  I think using a bionic person for things that generally can go wrong due to human error (such as surgeries, building parts, etc) are good, I'm cautious to see how much further the development of a bionic person will go. Will our children be cared for by bionic nannies? It's interesting yet still scary to think about, but I don't doubt that is what the future may hold. Especially since we're becoming so dependent on technology. Personally, I'm not for or against the development of it, just....cautious.

What is your opinion of the issues raised in the article “Could this $300 headset transform the lives of 'locked-in' patients?”

 

Since I haven't really known anyone that has had to deal with ALS or someone they knew, I can't really imagine the difficulty and turmoil that one would experience day to day. It's such an unfortunate thing, and the fact that they basically become "locked-in" is upsetting, because there's nothing that can really be done for them. Until now with this headset. I think it's great that there's something being worked on to help those with ALS to communicate, but i do believe there are still many flaws. There seems to be more hesitance on it versus confidence, and I wander if it's also because many of the families are willing to do anything to help. Of course, this doesn't come cheap at all, so it really is only for the selected few that are able to afford it. Ideally, it seems like a wonderful device.  But realistically, there's been nothing that proves it works.

Biophysics Week 2

Acupuncture as effective energy medicine

I agree with this statement wholeheartedly. Being in school for TCM, I don't think it's possible to disagree with this. We've all experienced the energy and power of a what needles can do to the body, even if for just a short amount of time.  The needles channel your body's energy, and even the practitioners. That's why you wouldn't want to go to an acupuncturist who doesn't have good qi and is weak, because you won't get better. Qi is such a important component of health, and we're taught that with low amounts of it, you can't really be healthy. I think that looking at your whole body as a whole versus just the symptoms is much more effective, and benefits you in the long run. That's the advantage of TCM versus western medicine. In order to fix a symptom, you must see what's the root of that system. 

What conclusions can you draw from Kirlian photography

Overall, I think that Kirlian photography is such an interesting thing! The fact that using a high frequency, high voltage, and low-amperage-electrical field shows the auras of people or objects in a photograph is remarkable. While there's no mystery as to how these auras are photographed, the exact science of what is being photographed is still up for interpretation.  The future of kirlian photography seems promising, and a great alternative/supplement in diagnostic medicine! 

Human intent as it affects health

In TCM, we learn that our intention is such a huge component of medicine. As we're placing the needle into a patient, we should have good intention: our minds should be clear, we should be focused, and we shouldn't be thinking of anything but that moment where the needle is being inserted into. Intention is everything, and without good intention it won't yield good results. Even with regular medicine, we learn that the mind is such a powerful tool. That's why there's the placebo effect. If you really believe that something will work (or not work), then there's a good possibility your body will go into that mindset and physically do whatever it needs to do.

Biophysics Week 1

I know I’m a “living system” because…….

When I think of living systems, I automatically think of oxygen, carbon dioxide, breathing, and food. Living systems require these things to survive, and without them, they're considered not living. While some systems may be more complex than others, human  beings are the most complex in our world.  I also think that non living systems don't have an impact on others, while living systems do. If the smallest living system, such as plankton, were to become non existent, then the entire food chain would be extinct. It would affect every single thing including humans, and our planet as we know it would be non-existant.

Biophysics and Traditional Chinese Medicine

I feel like as TCM becomes more popular, it's constantly being compared to biophysics, which is essentially all things western medicine. I think it's a pivotal point in time because as TCM becomes more popular, it'll change (in either a positive or negative way). While on one hand, it will encourage more people to try acupuncture and create more job opportunities which is a good thing. However, I think it will also cause a shift in how TCM will work. If it becomes regulated, practitioners will have to conform to western ways and may be restricted in some of the things, such as prescribing certain herbs. I think overall it's a good thing that they're being integrated, but it's still a question of if or what will change.