Traditional medicine

Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.

Traditional medicine items

Various Systems of Traditional Medicine

AFRO CULTURAL MEDICINE AND HEALING

Different cultures around the world have developed their own specific traditional medical systems, often deeply rooted in spiritual or philosophical principles. Some notable examples include:

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• Ayurveda: Originating in India, Ayurveda aims to balance the mind, body, and spirit using a comprehensive holistic approach that can include diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM encompasses many different practices, including acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, dietary therapy, tai chi and qi gong.
• Traditional African Medicine: This system incorporates herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and a belief in ancestral spirits.
• Native American traditional healing: Includes a range of traditional health care practices evolved among indigenous peoples in North America.

Practices and Therapies

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Traditional medicine involves a broad spectrum of therapies, including:

• Herbalism: Use of plants and plant extracts to treat disease.
• Acupuncture: Practice in which thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points.
• Moxibustion: A form of heat therapy where dried plant materials are burned on or near the surface of the skin.
• Cupping therapy: A type of alternative therapy that originated in China, where heated cups are applied to the skin to create a vacuum and encourage healing.

Effectiveness and Safety

While some traditional medicine practices have been studied extensively and found to have significant health benefits, others have been less well researched. Furthermore, issues related to standardization, quality control, and safety also exist.

Regulation and Integration into Modern Healthcare Systems

Various countries have different approaches to the regulation and integration of traditional medicine into their healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for greater recognition and integration of traditional medicine in national healthcare systems where these practices are prevalent.

See Also

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Ethnobotany
• Ethnomedicine

References

Traditional medicine Resources
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