Healing Across Cultures: Pathways to Indigenius Health Equity

By Graham Player Ph.D.

Embark on a transformative journey through Indigenous health in Australia with "Healing Across Cultures," authored by Graham Player, with contribution from Hugh McClung. Drawing on over forty years of experience as a health clinician and educator, Dr. Player brings a wealth of knowledge in holistic health, disease prevention, and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. Hugh McClung, a seasoned healthcare and technology entrepreneur, renowned author of health and longevity books, with expertise in AI applications in personalized care, contributes a unique perspective to this exploration.

 

In this enlightening work, Dr. Player's personal narrative intertwines with his clinical and professional insights, offering a unique perspective on Indigenous health disparities and traditional healing practices. Despite being denied family ties to his Aboriginal heritage, Dr. Player's commitment to contributing positively to Indigenous culture shines through in this profound exploration.

 

Explore critical topics such as mental health, chronic diseases, and the impact of government policies on Indigenous health outcomes through the lens of seasoned healthcare professionals dedicated to holistic well-being. Dr. Player's expertise in holistic health and functional medicine approaches enriches this narrative, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of health that encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and environmental aspects.

 

Embark on this thought-provoking journey that bridges traditional healing practices with contemporary methodologies and AI, emphasizing the importance of cultural determinants and community-controlled health services in achieving equitable healthcare for Indigenous Australians. "Healing Across Cultures" not only educates but also inspires readers to reflect on the complexities of Indigenous health in Australia while advocating for positive change and understanding across diverse cultures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Graham Player
• Release date: Apr 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224424740

Graham Player Ph.D.

Dr. Graham Player is a well-known figure in the health and wellness industry with a career spanning over four decades. He started his clinical career in 1979 when he established his own Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine practice in Sydney, Australia. Subsequently he opened another practice in Warwickshire, England from 1981 to 1986. In 1985, he moved to Hong Kong and set up another Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine practice, which he ran successfully for 23 years until retirement in 2010. Since retirement from clinical practice, he has remained actively involved in the healthcare industry as a researcher, author, seminar speaker, advisor, and cancer coach. He founded Naturally Cancer Free in Hong Kong in 2013 and has been educating and helping individuals overcome cancer through natural methods. In addition to Naturally Cancer Free, he also co-founded MyDocNow in 2014 through 2022, which served as a telemedicine platform connecting patients with doctors. In 2021, he established BeWellAgain, a health and wellness consultancy center, where he serve as a Functional Medicine and traditional Chinese Medicine Consultant Practitioner. As part of his commitment to the industry, he has given numerous talks and seminars to groups, private medical clinics, and the Hong Kong Cancer Society, on natural approaches to cancer and chronic disease prevention. His expertise in natural healing and preventative methods has also led to him advising integrative cancer and functional medicine clinics on the integration of these methods. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the health and wellness industry, and his expertise has helped guide many individuals to achieve better health outcomes.

Book preview

PREFACE

This transformative journey through Indigenous health in Australia is aptly titled Healing Across Cultures. It is authored by Graham Player, with contribution from Hugh McClung.

Drawing on over forty years of experience as a health clinician and educator, Dr. Player brings a wealth of knowledge in holistic health, disease prevention, and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. Hugh McClung, a seasoned healthcare and technology entrepreneur, renowned author of health and longevity books, with expertise in AI applications in personalized care, contributes a unique perspective to this exploration.

In this enlightening work, Dr. Player's personal narrative intertwines with his clinical and professional insights, offering a unique perspective on Indigenous health disparities and traditional healing practices. Despite being denied family ties to his Aboriginal heritage, Dr. Player's commitment to contributing positively to Indigenous culture shines through in this profound exploration.

Explore critical topics such as mental health, chronic diseases, and the impact of government policies on Indigenous health outcomes through the lens of a seasoned healthcare professional dedicated to holistic well-being. Dr. Player's expertise in holistic health and functional medicine approaches enriches this narrative, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of health that encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and environmental aspects.

Embark on this thought-provoking journey that bridges traditional healing practices with contemporary methodologies and AI, emphasizing the importance of cultural determinants and community-controlled health services in achieving equitable healthcare for Indigenous Australians. Healing Across Cultures not only educates but also inspires readers to reflect on the complexities of Indigenous health in Australia while advocating for positive change and understanding across diverse cultures.

The final chapter presents a comprehensive set of recommendations that encompass applying the principles of functional medicine, recognizing the significance of positive connections and status, and implementing contemporary methodologies and tools tailored to better analyse and support Indigenous health.

Advocating for the application of functional medicine principles, which focus on understanding the intricate web of interactions in a patient's history, physiology, and lifestyle to prevent or reverse illness, emphasizes a proactive approach to healthcare.

The importance of positive connections and status is underscored in promoting well-being within Indigenous communities, highlighting the role of cultural determinants in shaping health outcomes.

Urging for the implementation of contemporary methodologies and tools designed to analyse and support Indigenous health more effectively, emphasizes the need for innovative approaches that align with traditional healing practices while addressing modern healthcare challenges.

These recommendations collectively aim to foster holistic well-being, empower communities, and drive positive change in Indigenous health outcomes.

Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Indigenous health in Australia. It summarizes vital statistics, issues, and determinants; discusses the role of historical and social factors; analyses the impact of government policies and health services; and showcases community programs that deliver positive, culturally appropriate care.

Its purpose is to suggest and elicit recommendations for providing equitable, high-quality healthcare to Indigenous Australians.

The text comprises information regarding Indigenous health, from the burden of chronic disease to health rights and justice, and the Closing the Gap campaign initiated by the Australian government.

To provide you with context it is important to understand who the authors are of this book, and why they are committed to this topic. Therefore please refer to About the Authors at the end of the book.

1. 

INDIGENOUS HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA

Indigenous health encompasses the physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing. This broad, holistic concept of health is fundamental to understanding Indigenous wellness. Connections to land, culture, spirituality, family, and community are central to Indigenous notions of health. Definitions also emphasize the importance of self-determination and community governance in delivering culturally safe healthcare. Indigenous conceptions of health contrast with Western notions of health as simply an absence of disease encompassing physical, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual domains. Appreciating this distinction is vital.

Stark health inequalities persist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have:

lower life expectancies,

higher rates of chronic and infectious diseases,

higher infant mortality rates,

and poorer self-reported health.

Closing these gaps is a national imperative