The advance of modern medicine has been so profound for so many generations that most of us never pause to consider the accuracy of the fundamental principles behind most medical treatments. Core among all sacred truths in medicine is the universality of the causes and solutions to disease.
Yet this view is finally changing as our genetic and chemical understandings increase, and many now feel that the universal approach is not sub-optimal method to heal, but actually may also be the cause of chronic disease in many individuals.
By treating us all the same, modern medicine has missed the point that we are each dynamically individual with natural (and positive) variations across the core function of our biologic systems. In fact, as we uncover the complex interplay of genes, epi-genes and environmental factors, we now know there is a wide variety of chemical operational variation among humans.
So what is most important is not what your lab results say about the exact chemical nature of your blood or other bodily samples as compared against the mythical "normal human," but what is the interplay of your biology, your energy and your environment.
Systems medicine treats the core operations manual of the human body as an information system with DNA and genes operating not as a simple recipe to "make us," but instead, DNA is a complex decision making program that operates in the individual context and environment to express its amazing instructions into the actual cellular life that comprises each of us.
There are many gains to be had in ignoring our diversity and pushing ahead with the study of medicine that helps as many as possible, and yet, this core universal applicability model of medicine also dead ends many patients in "chronic" uncurable conditions, e.g. autism, fibromyalgia because no universal solution may exist.
Yet a "cure" may exist for these patients through a different approach to their own individual needs and expressions. Our biochemical individuality, like our energetic individuality is from our personal source of being and purpose, and thus systems medicine asks more of its patients, just as it asks more of its doctors.
The doctors of the future must be co-collaborators with patients in manifesting health through a patient study and understanding of each individual's needs. It means training doctors not on a disease by disease basis but on a system by system basis, focusing on the interplay between health and attitude in patients.
Likewise, patients of the future must know more about themselves. In Bio Sense Suit terms, the pilot of the suit is in the best position to run and understand diagnostics. Doctors will be there to help, as will an individual genome map, and yet systems medicine, if done right, empowers patients to take control of their own care and health.
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