Author: Cecilia Jiang, First Year, Undeclared
Amount Request: $1300
Different types of drugs are targeted to not only specific parts of the body, but also different parts of the world. As Western Medicine is designed to attack specific dysfunctions and diseases with artificially modified or constructed “magic bullets,” Chinese Medicine takes a different approach. Implementing more natural forms of matter, it improves one’s health holistically by fighting the roots of health problems. Because of Chinese Medicine’s soothing nature, it may be well suited for treating the elderly. As there is no obvious treatment for diseases like Alzheimer’s or other unpleasant side affects to aging, understanding an alternative form of medicine can benefit the elderly, their families, and the general medical world. To truly gain wider acceptance in the western scientific community, Chinese medicine needs more scientific evidence.
I plan to study Chinese Medicine’s ability to facilitate a healthier process of aging for humans. The main goal of my proposed research project is to ignite research on Chinese Herbal Medicine’s role in assisting the process of aging. Currently, researchers from predominantly Asian countries have determined certain chemical compounds in Chinese medicine, but few have investigated components that ease the process of aging. One of my subgoals is to investigate the differing efficacies that result from different forms of Chinese medicine. I propose to travel to Taipei, Taiwan to compile interviews of Chinese medical practitioners, patients’ personal experiences with and views on Chinese herbal medicine, and photographs of certain herbs and forms of herbal medicine. Back at the University of Virginia, I will present my project to the University community through the means of a publication and a series of presentations. My vision is for the University community to continue spreading interest in Chinese herbal medicine to the rest of the country, and research on Chinese herbal remedies will then increase immensely.
How can we secure healthy aging? How can we treat Alzheimer’s? How can we preserve human cognitive functions? The answers may lie in plants.
