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Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine
Essential Practice Point 4
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, the system of medicine that developed in China some millennia ago, emphasises working with the natural processes of the body to alleviate illness. Traditional treatments including herbs (taken orally or as teas), acupuncture and diet management are used to prevent and cure illness. The natural processes advocated by this traditional system have been used effectively to cure illness for centuries.
- The older Chinese community in Ireland tend to use herbs to address illness and complement it with Western medicine. Younger Chinese are tending to use Western medicine as a first option. It may be useful to check if herbs are being used and that their content does not counter the effects of any medication prescribed.
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Religious contacts and religious practices
Belief systems vary among the Chinese and some evidence suggests that some may subscribe to a fusion of beliefs. Many Chinese are likely to be influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese Folk Religion (these four belief systems are described above) irrespective of identified religious affiliation or apparent absence of religious affiliation.
Essential Practice Point 5
Contributors have indicated Buddhism is followed by the more established Chinese community, some of whom meet at a small Temple room in Dublin. There are also established ethnic Chinese Christian congregations in urban areas such as Cork, Dublin and Limerick. Some of the newer community, who tend to be younger, also follow Buddhism while others describe themselves as having no particular religious affiliation.
The religion followed will have implications for rituals and practices at major life events such as birth, critical illness and death. It is best to source the name of a spiritual contact for these purposes and if that is not available a personal contact who can advise the setting of the practices to follow.
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For those who are Buddhist and who do not have a formal contact the local Buddhist contact (developed by the healthcare setting from the contacts provided in the Buddhist section) is likely to be willing to assist.
Food and the content of medicine
Essential Practice Point 6
Diet varies by region, hence food preferences need to be discussed with patients. Those from Northern regions mainly eat wheat including noodles, bread and dumplings while those from Southern regions include rice in the diet.
At a minimum, the main meal each day should be culturally appropriate and arrangements need to be made to meet this standard.
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Gender issues and modesty
Essential Practice Point 7
Chinese women are comparatively modest and may prefer to be treated by a female practitioner, particularly when intimate areas of the body are being examined.
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Family dynamics and decision making
Chinese may prefer if a family member is not informed of a poor prognosis so that the person is given every opportunity to recover. Some may wish to have time to engage in spiritual practices, such as prayer and offering to the ancestors, in the hope of averting a poor prognosis. It is advised to discuss with family how a loved one will be informed of a poor prognosis.
Blood Transfusion and Organ Transplantation
Contributors indicate that blood transfusion and organ transplantation will need to be discussed and clarified with a person of Chinese ethnicity as there may be concern about these practices.
