Traditional medicine encompasses holistic health practices, skills, knowledge, and beliefs from different cultures, using nature-based remedies like herbs, spiritual therapies, and manual techniques to maintain health or treat illnesses, often passed down generations. Key systems include Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani, focusing on restoring balance in mind, body, and environment, with many people in developing nations relying on it for primary care. The World Health Organization supports its safe integration with modern medicine through research and policy
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Key Characteristics
- Holistic Approach: Views health as balance between mind, body, spirit, and environment, not just absence of disease.
- Nature-Based: Relies heavily on plants (herbal medicine), minerals, and animal products.
- Cultural Roots: Deeply embedded in specific cultural histories, passed down through generations.
- Diverse Practices: Includes acupuncture, yoga, meditation, herbal remedies, dietary changes, and spiritual healing.
Examples of Systems
- Ayurveda (India): Balances the body's three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) using herbs, diet, and lifestyle.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Uses herbs, acupuncture, and techniques to balance qi (energy).
- Unani (Middle East/India): Based on balancing four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile).
Modern Context & Integration
- Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM): When used alongside or instead of mainstream medicine, it's often called CAM.
- Integration: Efforts, led by the WHO, aim to integrate evidence-based traditional practices with modern medicine for comprehensive care.
- Research: Growing research explores the safety and effectiveness of traditional remedies, like herbs for pain, circulation, and immune support.
