Sibyl and Zoe Coldham join Mason on the show today, to share about their documentary, Journey To The West, an award-winning film that follows the journey of Chinese medicine into Western culture, exploring the roots of the profession, and the many obstacles it has faced, especially within the realm of consciousness held by mainstream medicine and allopathic thought. 

Journey to the West navigates between an in-depth exploration of Chinese medicine's struggle for legitimacy and a serene unveiling of Chinese medical philosophy. Weaving historical and contemporary plot lines, to reveal the intricacies of a profession that seeks acceptance and understanding by the Western medical model at large.

Throughout the podcast Sibyl and Zoe speak passionately from the heart, discussing the film's inception, creative process and their overarching intention; to tell the story of Chinese medicine in a way that is accessible to a wide audience.

The women express that limitations in the Western education system, including the curriculum often offered, stand as great obstacles to the continuing legacy and authentic practice of the craft. Highlighting that the methodologies of the scientific model, particularly the placebo effect as applied to acupuncture, should never get in the way of the actual medicine.

They go to share why energetic medicine can not be accurately measured in the same way as a pharmaceutical drug, where the placebo is a dead entity, and results against an active constituent will never compare.

Western medicine's political terrain is also covered, particularly within the context of the UK's National Health Scheme, who's views on Chinese medicine differ greatly from those here in Australia. An aspect of the conversation that allows us to understand the influence of social ideology on the integration of Chinese medicine and acupuncture into mainstream systems of healthcare at large. 

The duo emphasise the importance of understanding the philosophy and principles of Chinese medicine and the need for practitioners to continue their work with patience and perseverance.

An illuminating chat today, offering many thought provoking concepts for us all to marinate on.

Dive in and enjoy.

 

Sibyl, Zoe & Mason discuss:

- The challenges Chinese medicine faces in the West.

- The scientific model and its limitations when applied to Chinese medicine.

- Where Chinese medicine fits within an allopathic system.

- Why Chinese medicine can't change to appease the limitations of the education system. 

 

Resource Guide:

Film Links
Journey To The West Website
Journey To The West Instagram

Related Podcasts
The Body Electric and Chinese Medicine with Dr. Daniel Keown (EP#150)

<div data-sanitized-data-pm-slice= "2 2 ["aiblock",{"prompt":"","preview":false,"block":{"id":"blk_01HMQQZ09FP9J4F5X1WK9PT1FG","status":"succeeded","type":"prompt","selected_variation":0,"variations":["# Episode Summary: Navigating Preconception and Women's Health with Jennifer Ward\n\nIn today's episode of the Superfeast podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Ward from Halsa Health, a passionate practitioner specializing in women's health and preconception care. Our conversation delved into the intricacies of preparing for pregnancy, the importance of individualized care, and the power of simple, sustainable health practices.\n\nJennifer shared her insights on the difference between studying naturopathy at a bachelor's level and the deep dive that a master's degree entails, particularly in the niche area of preconception. We discussed the concept of integrative health and how combining medical knowledge with practices like naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can exponentially benefit patients.\n\nA significant portion of our discussion centered around the preconception phase. Jennifer emphasized the importance of preparing the body for pregnancy, not just in terms of fertility but also for ensuring a healthy legacy free from hormonal imbalances or the effects of long-term contraceptive use. We explored the delicate balance between being informed and becoming overwhelmed by the plethora of information available on preconception care.\n\nJennifer also highlighted the often overlooked role of partners in the preconception journey. She stressed the importance of involving them in the process, not only for support but also because their health and stress levels play a crucial role in successful conception.\n\nStress, as a pervasive issue in our fast-paced lives, was another critical topic. Jennifer pointed out how chronic stress can hinder conception and the importance of creating an environment where the body feels safe enough to reproduce. She offered practical advice on managing stress and tuning into our body's natural rhythms through simple acts like getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, and practicing gratitude.\n\nAs we wrapped up the episode, Jennifer reminded us of the importance of individualized care. She encouraged listeners to seek professional guidance tailored to their unique needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to preconception and health.\n\nFor those interested in learning more about Jennifer's work or seeking personalized women's health support, you can find her at Halsa Health on social media or reach out to her directly.\n\nThis episode was a reminder that the journey to motherhood and beyond is deeply personal, and taking the time to listen to our bodies and seek out the right support can make all the difference.\n\n---\n\n*Note: The summary is based on the provided transcript and may not include all topics discussed in the full podcast episode.*"],"configuration":{"id":"blk_cfg_01HJ2S3GKP6KNWY1AG077H167A","type":"prompt","name":"Summary","description":null,"markdown_value":null,"prompt_value":"Write a summary for this podcast episode from the perspective of the podcast host","archived_at":null,"saved":true},"prosemirror":[{"type":"rootblock","content":[{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":1},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Episode Summary: Navigating Preconception and Women's Health with Jennifer Ward"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"In today's episode of the Superfeast podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Ward from Halsa Health, a passionate practitioner specializing in women's health and preconception care. Our conversation delved into the intricacies of preparing for pregnancy, the importance of individualized care, and the power of simple, sustainable health practices."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Jennifer shared her insights on the difference between studying naturopathy at a bachelor's level and the deep dive that a master's degree entails, particularly in the niche area of preconception. We discussed the concept of integrative health and how combining medical knowledge with practices like naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can exponentially benefit patients."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"A significant portion of our discussion centered around the preconception phase. Jennifer emphasized the importance of preparing the body for pregnancy, not just in terms of fertility but also for ensuring a healthy legacy free from hormonal imbalances or the effects of long-term contraceptive use. We explored the delicate balance between being informed and becoming overwhelmed by the plethora of information available on preconception care."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Jennifer also highlighted the often overlooked role of partners in the preconception journey. She stressed the importance of involving them in the process, not only for support but also because their health and stress levels play a crucial role in successful conception."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Stress, as a pervasive issue in our fast-paced lives, was another critical topic. Jennifer pointed out how chronic stress can hinder conception and the importance of creating an environment where the body feels safe enough to reproduce. She offered practical advice on managing stress and tuning into our body's natural rhythms through simple acts like getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, and practicing gratitude."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"As we wrapped up the episode, Jennifer reminded us of the importance of individualized care. She encouraged listeners to seek professional guidance tailored to their unique needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to preconception and health."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"For those interested in learning more about Jennifer's work or seeking personalized women's health support, you can find her at Halsa Health on social media or reach out to her directly."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"This episode was a reminder that the journey to motherhood and beyond is deeply personal, and ta