Accurate differentiation between diseases and symptoms is essential for proper and definitive treatment. However, errors in diagnosis and the lack of clear differentiation between diseases and symptoms create uncertainty in treatment.
For centuries, this issue has been overlooked. Instead, efforts have been focused on finding better treatments for these uncertain and vague symptoms, often resulting in either failures or temporary solutions. These temporary solutions primarily involve the use of narcotics and sedatives. As far as real treatment and complete cure are concerned, the medical world is largely unaware. Where satisfactory treatment for any symptom has been found, it is not due to systematic medical knowledge but rather an unexpected blessing from nature or the revelation of some hidden mystery. Examples include the effects of mercury in treating syphilis and the properties of sulfur in treating scabies, which have been accepted as treatments.
Causes of Errors in Differentiating and Diagnosing Diseases and Symptoms
Whenever a painful symptom emerged in a patient, it was considered a disease in itself, and treatment was initiated without relating the symptom to any specific system of the human body. For instance, if someone experienced abdominal pain, efforts were made to alleviate it with medication. If relief was achieved, it was deemed successful. However, when the same medication was administered for the same condition or another ailment, relief was not always attained. Subsequently, other medications were tried. If one of them provided relief, it did not necessarily work for the same condition elsewhere. This cycle continues to this day. The same scenario applies to other symptoms like inflammation, fever, and colds. In chronic conditions, the treatment outcomes are not only disappointing but also painful, indicating the failure of modern therapeutic methods.
The reality is that the failure of these treatments stems from the belief that pain or other symptoms in the abdomen or elsewhere in the body manifest differently. Thus, a single medication cannot provide relief for all variations. However, this diverse manifestation of symptoms has not been adequately considered or studied. It is worth pondering the following truths:
1.
Why do different forms of pain occur?
2.
How do different types of pain arise in the same organ?
Investigating Diseases and Symptoms
It is an established fact that any symptom in a part of the body, whether it is pain, inflammation, fever, or a cold, or whether it involves the expulsion or retention of substances, will stem from a malfunction in an organ or a disorder in the blood. We can label these as chemical or mechanical issues. These mechanical issues, which cause functional disturbances in organs, will always fall into a limited number of categories. We should understand all these categories in one go rather than attempting to understand each symptom anew every time it appears. For instance, let's consider the stomach and its mechanical functions. There are only three possible scenarios:
1.
The functions of the stomach become excessively active beyond moderation.
2.
The functions of the stomach become less active than normal.
3.
There is a structural defect in the stomach itself.
There is no fourth scenario. So why not document the symptoms of excessive activity thoroughly? Similarly, document the symptoms of decreased activity and the defects in the organ's structure. By doing this, we can record every malfunction in the form of symptoms. Then, whenever we encounter a symptom related to the stomach, we can always correct it by understanding it under the appropriate functional or structural defect, thus approaching a definitive treatment and achieving complete success.
We can apply the same approach to chemical changes, such as imbalances and deficiencies in qualities and humors, fluctuations in blood elements, or issues arising from germs and toxic substances. If we are fully aware of the disorders and symptoms caused by these changes in a specific part or organ, there is no reason why we cannot accurately identify and address the chemical and mechanical changes and their symptoms in any part or organ of the body.
The Reality of Diseases and Symptoms
Considering the above facts, we still need to distinguish between diseases and symptoms. This can be done by categorizing the malfunctions of organs and their natural functions, whether mechanical or chemical (although both are interrelated), under diseases. For example, conditions like pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura), enlargement of the heart, or congestion of the heart, along with accompanying symptoms like fever, weakness, diarrhea, and constipation, should be considered symptoms. Although pneumonia and pleurisy are not the correct names for these diseases, as they involve symptoms like pain, cough, fever, and phlegm, these examples are provided for clarification. Pneumonia and pleurisy are inflammation of the lungs and pleural membrane, respectively, and are opposite diseases, even though many physicians and doctors treat them as similar diseases.
Further Exploration into Mechanical and Chemical Issues
The human body can be compared to a highly complex machine where every part, big or small, plays a critical role. Mechanical issues refer to the physical and functional disturbances that can occur within this machine. When we speak of the stomach’s mechanical functions, for instance, excessive activity may lead to hyperacidity or peptic ulcers, reduced activity may cause indigestion or gastroparesis, and structural defects might include hernias or tumors. Thoroughly documenting these conditions and their symptoms allows us to better understand and treat them effectively.
Chemical issues, on the other hand, involve biochemical processes and imbalances within the body. Blood chemistry, enzyme levels, hormone balances, and the presence of pathogens or toxins all fall under this category. For instance, an imbalance in blood sugar levels can result in diabetes, while a deficiency in thyroid hormones can lead to hypothyroidism. A comprehensive understanding of these chemical changes and their symptoms is equally crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Let’s consider a practical example to illustrate these concepts. Suppose a patient presents with chronic abdominal pain. The first step is to identify whether this is a mechanical or chemical issue. If the pain is due to a mechanical issue such as a gastric ulcer, the treatment would focus on reducing stomach acid and allowing the ulcer to heal. If the pain is due to a chemical imbalance like increased bile acids, then the treatment would target restoring the chemical balance.
Similarly, in the case of a patient with a respiratory condition such as pneumonia, we should not only focus on alleviating symptoms like cough and fever but also on understanding the underlying mechanical issues (e.g., inflammation of the lung tissue) and chemical issues (e.g., bacterial infection). By categorizing and addressing both aspects, we can develop a more effective treatment plan.
Historical Context and Modern Medicine
Historically, the approach to medicine has evolved from mystical and religious interpretations of disease to a more scientific and evidence-based practice. Ancient civilizations often attributed diseases to supernatural causes and treated symptoms with herbal remedies, rituals, or prayers. The advent of modern medicine brought a paradigm shift, emphasizing the importance of scientific research, anatomy, and biochemistry.
Despite these advances, the challenge of differentiating between diseases and symptoms remains. Modern medicine has made significant strides in understanding the pathophysiology of diseases, but it still grapples with the complexity of human biology and the interplay between various bodily systems.
The Role of Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical treatments with alternative or complementary therapies, offers a holistic approach to health care. This approach emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Integrative medicine recognizes that symptoms are often interconnected and that a comprehensive treatment plan should address all underlying causes.
For instance, an integrative approach to treating a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome would not only involve addressing potential mechanical issues such as sleep apnea but also chemical imbalances such as thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and even psychological factors like stress and anxiety. By considering all these elements, integrative medicine aims to provide more effective and personalized care.
Conclusion: A Call for a Paradigm Shift
In conclusion, accurately differentiating between diseases and symptoms is fundamental to advancing medical practice and improving patient outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in how we approach diagnosis and treatment, moving from a symptom-based model to one that considers the underlying mechanical and chemical issues. By thoroughly understanding and documenting these issues, we can develop more effective and personalized treatment plans.
Reflecting on these facts, one should consider whether any medical system in the world has shed light on the nature of diseases, their names, classifications, diagnoses, causes, and symptoms following this principle. No, absolutely not! In the following articles, we will first analyze other medical systems according to this principle and then explain the principle itself. Under this principle, we will clarify and analyze the reality of diseases and symptoms. As a result, definitive treatments will emerge, leading to a revolutionary advancement in the field of medicine, unmatched by any other medical system or modern science.
Ultimately, this approach holds the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine.
