PEOPLE OF CHINESE HERITAGE & PEOPLE OF GUATEMALAN HERITAGE Present an essay discussing the health care beliefs of both heritages and if there is any similarity in both heritages health care. Please mention how the health care beliefs affect the delivery of evidence-based health care. The essay must be presented in an APA format, word document, Arial 12 font. The assignment must include at least 2 evidence-based references and 2 citations. A minimum of 700 words (excluding the first and references page) is required.
Health care beliefs play a significant role in shaping the healthcare practices and decision-making of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the health care beliefs of people of Chinese and Guatemalan heritage and explore the similarities between the two cultures’ health care practices. Additionally, an examination of how these health care beliefs affect the delivery of evidence-based health care will be provided.
In Chinese culture, health is viewed holistically, with an emphasis on the balance between Yin and Yang energies and the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely practiced and incorporates various modalities, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong exercises, to restore balance and promote overall well-being (Chen et al., 2014). The concept of “hot” and “cold” foods is significant in Chinese dietary beliefs, with hot foods believed to increase the body’s “yang” energy and cold foods believed to cool the body and increase “yin” energy (Leung et al., 2019).
Similarly, the health care beliefs of people of Guatemalan heritage are influenced by their Mayan ancestral heritage. Mayan healing practices emphasize a holistic approach, where physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are interconnected. Folk healing methods, such as the use of herbal remedies, steam baths, and spiritual rituals, are common (Chary et al., 2016). Traditional Mayan medicine acknowledges the existence of supernatural forces that can cause illness and therefore incorporates spiritual rituals and offerings to appease these forces and restore health (Van Leeuwen et al., 2019).
Despite the differences in specific practices, there are several similarities in the health care beliefs of individuals from Chinese and Guatemalan heritages. Both cultures prioritize the balance between physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, viewing them as interconnected rather than separate entities. Additionally, both cultures emphasize the use of natural remedies derived from plants and herbs to treat various ailments (Leung et al., 2019; Van Leeuwen et al., 2019). These similarities in health care beliefs suggest a shared belief in the importance of holistic approaches to health and healing.
The health care beliefs held by individuals from Chinese and Guatemalan heritages can influence the delivery of evidence-based health care. In many cases, individuals from these cultures may rely on traditional healing practices before seeking conventional medical care (Chen et al., 2014; Chary et al., 2016). This can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially impacting patient outcomes. Furthermore, the use of traditional remedies and therapies may interact with evidence-based treatments and medications, leading to potential adverse effects or reduced efficacy (Leung et al., 2019; Van Leeuwen et al., 2019).
Health care providers need to be culturally competent and aware of the health care beliefs of individuals from Chinese and Guatemalan heritages to provide effective care. By understanding these beliefs, providers can engage in open and respectful conversations with patients, integrating evidence-based practices with traditional healing methods when appropriate. This can help build trust and enhance patient-provider communication, ultimately improving health outcomes.
The integration of evidence-based health care into the beliefs and practices of individuals from Chinese and Guatemalan heritages may require a collaborative and patient-centered approach. Healthcare providers should strive to educate patients about evidence-based treatments, while also acknowledging and respecting their cultural beliefs and values. This can be achieved by providing culturally sensitive information, involving the patient’s family and community members in the decision-making process, and seeking to understand the patient’s perspective on health and healing.