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Medical Pluralism

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Running Head: MEDICAL PLURALISM IN WESTERN SOCIETY 1

Course Project: Medical Pluralism in Western Society
July 31st, 2015

Introduction & Objectives: Through the course of Health and Society, we explore different techniques and remedies for the use of individual’s health. We have come to an understanding that even in a Western society that is dominated by western biomedicine, there are still correspondence with alternative medicine and spiritual healing that is used when dealing with diseases and other related health illnesses. Since Canada has a multicultural society, individuals may visit doctors, psychologists, paediatrician, and physicians, and at other times we seek chiropractic solutions, relaxation techniques, massage, prayer, herbal therapies, special diets, folk remedies, acupuncture, yoga, or homeopathy in pursuit of having a healthier life. There is not always a conflict between non-western medicine and Western biomedicine. Though the two may have different forms, procedures, norms, regulations, and values, Canada has come to rely on both for a solution to their health. The process by which people take advantage of a variety of health techniques and strategies that are based on different models of health and healing is what has come to be known as medical pluralism. (Woronko) For the objective of the interview, I was tasked with analyzing how medical pluralism contributes and is utilized in individual lives in Canada. For my interviewee I chose someone who has remarkable experience with both western biomedicine and alternative medicine. The person that I have chosen for this interview is a Sikh woman that is from Indian decent and resides in Canada with her family. Since she is a mother of two children that are

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