Taoism and Phi Cultural Health and Illness Believes Health and Illness Beliefs of Taoism
Taoism is a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that significantly influences the health and illness beliefs of its followers. Central to Taoism is the belief in the balance of two opposing forces, yin and yang, which represent negative and positive energies, respectively. These forces are believed to govern all aspects of life, both material and spiritual. Health, from a Taoist perspective, is maintained when yin and yang are balanced, while illness arises from an imbalance between these forces.
The concept of balance extends to the idea of hot and cold elements in food and medicine. In Taoism, foods and drugs are classified as either hot or cold, with the belief that maintaining a proper balance between these elements is essential for good health. For example, meats, sweets, and spices are considered hot, while rice and vegetables are regarded as cold. An imbalance in the consumption of these foods is thought to result in illness. This belief is reflected in Taoist practices of dietary therapy, where the appropriate combination of hot and cold foods is used to restore balance and promote healing.
In Taoism, mental illness is seen as the worst kind of illness and is believed to be a curse from heaven. It is thought to result from a failure to maintain proper balance in life, which includes the right amount of rest, food, and work. This belief system emphasizes the importance of harmony with nature, with the idea that human beings should strive to align themselves with the natural order through a philosophy of non-action, or wu wei. Taoism also places great importance on family ties, respect for elders, and the authority of men in the household, which influences their approach to health and healing.
Phi Health and Illness Beliefs
Phi is a spiritual belief system that involves the worship of the spirits of deceased ancestors, animals, and nature. Followers of Phi believe in the existence of good and bad phi, which can influence health and illness. In places believed to possess a strong bad phi, individuals must perform rituals and make offerings to appease the spirits before engaging in activities such as building a house or tilling land. Failure to respect the presence of phi is believed to result in illness or even death.
When someone falls ill due to bad phi, redemption is sought from a phi priest. These priests perform special rituals and offerings to rid the afflicted person of the negative influence of the spirits. The importance of elders is central in the Phi philosophy, with followers adhering to the guidance of older family members and striving to avoid conflict by conducting themselves with hospitality, generosity, and respect. This philosophy, like Taoism, emphasizes family cohesion and respectful social behavior.
Response to Medical Advancement Regarding Health and Illness in Nursing Education
The cultural beliefs of Asian/Pacific Islander groups, including Taoism and Phi, stress harmony in life and a balance of nature. Shame is avoided at all costs, and families are the cornerstone of social life, with elders respected and ancestors worshipped. These values shape their response to medical advancements and healthcare. In many Asian cultures, children are highly valued as they carry on the family legacy and are expected to care for aging parents. The role of women, however, remains subordinate, with women following the advice of their parents while unmarried, their husbands while married, and their children when widowed.
These traditional beliefs often conflict with the Western medical model, which emphasizes individualism and biomedical approaches to healthcare. For example, Western medicine is based on the belief that external forces, such as bacteria and viruses, cause disease, whereas Eastern medicine focuses on the idea that the body functions as a whole, with each organ having both a physical and mental role in illness. Eastern medical practices often include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and techniques such as cupping and coin rubbing, which are foreign to many Western practitioners.
These differences can lead to misunderstandings in the healthcare system, especially when immigrant populations seek care. Many immigrants from Asian cultures tend to seek healthcare only in crisis situations, as they may not view routine medical care as necessary. When they do engage with the healthcare system, their reliance on traditional remedies and alternative medicine may cause them to withdraw from Western treatments or fail to follow prescribed regimens. This can lead to perceptions of non-compliance among healthcare providers who may not fully understand the cultural context.
For example, some Southeast Asian cultures classify both foods and illnesses as hot or cold, in line with the principles of yin and yang. If an illness is believed to have a hot origin, consuming cold foods is thought to restore balance and health. Similarly, many Asian patients expect to receive medicine, often in the form of injections or pills, when they seek medical care. If no medication is prescribed, they may feel that the care provided is inadequate unless an explanation is offered.
Additionally, cultural beliefs about blood and surgery often cause fear and reluctance among patients. Many Asians believe that removing blood during tests weakens the body and that blood is not replenished, leading to fear of routine blood tests. Surgery is also viewed with suspicion, as it is believed that it could release the soul from the body, resulting in further harm or even death.
Nursing Education and Cultural Competence
In light of these cultural beliefs, it is essential for nursing educators to incorporate cultural competence into their curricula. Understanding the cultural context of health and illness helps nurses provide more sensitive and effective care to their patients, especially those from Asian/Pacific Islander backgrounds. Teaching nursing students about the philosophical underpinnings of Taoism, Phi, and other cultural systems equips them to navigate the unique challenges that arise when treating patients with diverse beliefs about health.
Moreover, nursing education should address the disparities in health literacy and access to care that affect Asian American communities. These barriers, such as language difficulties and cultural misconceptions, can prevent patients from seeking care or fully understanding their treatment options. It is crucial for nurses to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers, whether through the use of medical interpreters, educational materials in multiple languages, or community outreach programs.
Nurses must also be aware of health disparities that disproportionately affect specific Asian American populations. For example, Chinese Americans are at higher risk for hypertension, Filipino Americans have elevated rates of diabetes, and Vietnamese Americans face a significant burden from hepatitis B and liver disease. Nursing education should emphasize preventative care and screening programs that address these specific health risks while considering the cultural beliefs that may influence patients’ decisions to seek care.
Conclusion
The health and illness beliefs of Taoism and Phi highlight the importance of balance, harmony, and respect for nature in achieving well-being. These cultural philosophies present unique challenges and opportunities in nursing education and healthcare delivery. By understanding and respecting these beliefs, nurses can provide more culturally sensitive care, promote better health outcomes, and bridge the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to health. Educating nursing students about these cultural beliefs, along with the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, will help create a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.