Is a cooperation between Eastern and Western Medicine possible in Bulgaria?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bulgarian patients are increasingly looking for Eastern (traditional) medicine (EM) as an addition to their basic treatment. In order to avoid a conflict between the methods of Eastern and Western medicine (WM) in Bulgarian conditions, it is necessary to determine the possibilities for their joint application. AIM: The purpose of the article is to explore and present the opportunities for cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine in Bulgarian conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review and content analysis of bibliographic sources, relevant scientific articles and Bulgarian legislation normative acts were performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: WM affects the symptom, focuses the treatment on individual organs and systems providing fast results, but the treatment has its side effects. Eastern medicine treats the individual in his entirety, mostly without side effects, cures the root cause, but the results are obtained through a prolonged treatment. Disadvantages of both types of medicine: alternative medicine is unable to deal with diseases that arise in people from the West due to contaminated environment, noise factors, impact of chemical agents, etc.; in WM there are cases of sustained and irreversible health effects caused by iatrogenesis. In recent decades in Europe and around the world, the practicing of EM techniques has been implemented as part of the prophylaxis and as a complementary therapy next to drug treatment. CONCLUSION: Bulgarian legislation regulates the training and practicing of some methods that are part of alternative medicine ("unconventional methods"). The EM methods have their place in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Bulgarian patient. A cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine is possible in Bulgarian conditions.

Информираност, Отношение И Готовност На Българина За Използване На Методите На Източната Медицина

“…кои методи са разрешени за използване в България и при какви условия. [10] Регламентираните в Закона за здравето и в Наредба №7/01.03.2005 г. неконвенционални методи не влизат в пакета от здравни дейности, осигурен от НЗОК. [1,3] Съвкупността от изброените факти вероятно намалява доверието на хората в ефективността на нетрадиционните методи и ограничава потреблението им.…”

SWOT analysis of Eastern Medicine developments in Bulgaria

“…Moreover, WHO recommends in its Strategy/2014-2023 that Traditional Medicine (including EM) should be integrated into the healthcare systems of each and every country (34). The EM methods have their place in the prophylaxis and treatment of the Bulgarian patient (8). The analysis reveals that there are both strengths and opportunities for the modern developments of EM in Bulgaria.…”