Revised: April 20, 2013
Accepted: June 18, 2013
Published online: September 9, 2013
Chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and type 2 diabetes are becoming much more common. The cost of maintaining patients inflicted with these diseases increases yearly. These diseases were less common prior to 1970. This paper will consider several questions. How do toxic lifestyles contribute to these chronic diseases What is preventive medicine How can traditional healing help educate people about disease prevention What is the traditional concept of balance and how is it important in modern medicine The dangers of obesity are discussed in terms of inflammatory adipokine and inflammatory fat production. Mechanisms of disease causation or promotion are reviewed for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and cancer. A preventive medicine approach to preventing or perhaps curing these diseases is given which involves treating toxic lifestyles and encouraging people to live in balance. The traditional concept of balance is explained in traditional Chinese medicine terms and in scientific terms. Yin and yang are cold and hot but can also be seen as agonist and antagonist. In addition, yin and yang can be seen as rest and exercise. When yin and yang are in balance, chi flows in the body. Chi is the flow of extracellular and intracellular signaling compounds and processes in the body. When the body is in balance, it can heal itself. The traditional concept of balance should be taught as a central principle of preventive medicine.
Core tip: When the body is in balance, the body can heal itself. Balance involves balancing rest and exercise, body fat and body muscle. Nutrition is critical to balance and requires balancing meat and vegetable/fruit intake. Preventive medicine should teach patients to exercise regularly, eat properly, drink no more than one alcoholic drink daily and avoid smoking. Following this protocol, patients can keep themselves thin, strong and in balance. This will prevent or perhaps cure chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and cancer.