Traditional Medicine

Traditional Medicine refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illnesses. Traditional medicine has been used for thousands of years with great contributions made by practitioners to human health, particularly as primary health care providers at the community level.

History

The history of Traditional Medicine is as old as mankind. The use of herbs and plants as the first medicine is a universal phenomenon. Every culture on earth, through written or oral tradition, has relied on the vast variety of natural chemistry found in healing plants for their therapeutic properties.

Types of Traditional Medicine

There are many different systems of traditional medicine, and the philosophy and practices of each are influenced by social conditions, environment and geographic location, but these systems all agree on a holistic approach to life. Well-known systems of traditional medicine include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine (which has origins in India and is today practiced all over the world), and Traditional African Medicine.

Traditional Medicine Today

In recent years, the use of traditional medicine has expanded globally and has gained popularity. It is also now being included in many national health care systems. In some Asian and African countries, up to 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its great potential, traditional medicine faces many challenges such as quality assurance, people's knowledge, and the sustainability of medicinal plants. It is also often perceived as a last resort, to be used only when modern medicine fails.

See Also

• Herbal Medicine
• Holistic Medicine
• Alternative Medicine