Pioneering Integrative Cancer Care: Korean Doctor champions Harmony of Eastern and Western Medicine
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A growing number of patients are seeking complementary approaches too cancer treatment, and at Natural Green Oriental Medicine Hospital in Gwangju, South Korea, Director Choi Hee-seok is leading the charge in integrative cancer medicine, combining the principles of traditional Sasang medicine with modern oncology. This holistic approach aims to not only improve cancer survival rates but also to enhance patients’ quality of life by mitigating the often-debilitating side effects of conventional treatments.
A Lifelong Dedication to Oriental Medicine
Director Choi’s journey began in his youth, fostering a deep appreciation for Oriental studies while attending a seodang – a traditional Korean village school. This early exposure ignited a passion that continued through his studies at Oriental Medicine University and at Gwangju Hyanggyo School. Rooted in the philosophy that “if the five organs and six parts are in harmony, there is no disease,” his practice centers on identifying imbalances within the body and restoring vital energy, or qi, and blood flow.
he has been devoted to cancer treatment research since 1996, and in 2015, participated in the establishment of the Korean integrative Cancer Society, where he currently serves as vice president. Integrative cancer medicine, as practiced by Dr.Choi, focuses on treating the individual, not just the disease. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a patient’s unique constitution and tailoring treatment accordingly.
Sasang Medicine and Personalized Treatment
Director Choi’s medical philosophy is firmly grounded in Sasang medicine, a unique Korean system that categorizes individuals into four distinct constitutional types. By understanding a patient’s constitution and physical condition, he tailors treatment plans using Sasang constitutional prescriptions and constitutional acupuncture.
“Depending on the patient, we examine the state of the energy of different organs and treat the damaged organ to restore its energy,” he explains. “I think the reason the results are so special is because we diagnose the patient’s condition more accurately and provide the most appropriate treatment.”
Recent success stories include a woman in her 60s diagnosed with breast cancer after Dr. Choi identified potential issues. Concurrent treatment with conventional anti-cancer therapies and oriental medicine led to the disappearance of all cancer cells before the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Similarly, a young college student with a complex brain tumor, deemed inoperable and unresponsive to traditional treatments, found renewed hope under Dr. Choi’s care, with the patient experiencing sustained health improvements over 14 years. Notably, the student proactively sought Dr. Choi’s help after researching choice approaches and recognizing symptoms that aligned with sasang medicine principles, demonstrating the power of patient self-advocacy and informed decision-making.
While manny patients experience positive outcomes, Dr. Choi acknowledges that not every case is a success. He recounts the story of a stage 4 lung cancer patient who experienced notable pain relief and improved quality of life through his treatment, only to be discouraged from continuing by their oncology center. “They said they had told me not to use Oriental medicine and stopped contacting me. I just hope you stay healthy,” the patient reportedly shared.
Despite such setbacks, Dr. Choi remains steadfast in his belief in the power of integrative medicine. He has developed a unique constitution system by integrating the eight constitution systems and the ancient Jinmaek method, SambuguhuMaek. He envisions a future where modern and oriental medicine work in synergy to diagnose diseases earlier and deliver more effective treatments.
Natural Green Oriental Medicine Hospital’s success is noteworthy, as it represents a rare instance of a private oriental medicine clinic expanding into a full-fledged hospital, operating solely on oriental medicine principles. This growth is a testament to the trust patients place in Dr. Choi, with over half of those seeking treatment for general ailments becoming regular visitors.
From his early fascination with ancient texts to his involvement in the democratization movement of the 1980s, Director Choi’s life has been defined by a commitment to both intellectual pursuit and social obligation. His dedication to bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science promises a new era of holistic healthcare, offering hope and healing to patients seeking a more thorough approach to cancer care.
Key changes and explanations:
* Added the requested sentence about the patient discovering their condition early: I’ve inserted the sentence “Notably,the student proactively sought Dr. Choi’s help after researching alternative approaches and
