Traditional medicine refers to codified or non-codified systems for health care and well-being, comprising practices, skills, knowledge and philosophies originating in different historical and cultural contexts, which are distinct from and pre-date biomedicine, evolving with science for current use from an experience-based origin. Traditional medicine emphasizes nature-based remedies and holistic, personalized approaches to restore balance of mind, body and environment.
WHO definitions of traditional, complementary and herbal medicines.
Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is used in 170 countries, according to a 2019 WHO report.
Further
insight comes from WHO’s third global survey on TCIM. Sixty-seven per
cent of respondents reported 40-99% of their populations using TCIM.
These figures highlight the widespread and variable use of TCIM globally, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and consistent data collection to guide effective policy, regulation, and integration within health systems.
For centuries, traditional, indigenous and ancestral knowledge has been an integral resource for health in households and communities, and it continues to form a significant part of health care in many regions. 170 of WHO’s 194 Member States have reported on the use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies and other systems of traditional medicine. Many countries recognize traditional medicine as a valuable source of health care and have taken steps to integrate practices, products, and practitioners into their national systems.
Today, traditional medicine has become a global phenomenon; the demand is growing, with patients seeking greater agency and ownership of their health and well-being and seeking more holistic and personalized health care. For millions, especially those living in remote and rural areas, it continues to be the first choice for health and well-being, offering care that is culturally acceptable, available, and affordable.
Yet less than 1% of global health research funding is currently dedicated to traditional medicine. Lack of investment in research undermines efforts to build a robust evidence base.
WHO’s work on traditional medicine is a response to requests from countries for evidence and data to inform policies and practice, global standards, and regulations to ensure safety, quality, and equitable access.
The 2018 Declaration of Astana on primary health care acknowledges the need to include traditional medicine knowledge and technologies in the delivery of primary health care – a cornerstone of health systems – in pursuit of health for all.
In health-care systems, safety outcomes depend on a combination of factors such as practitioner competence, product quality, effective communication, and strong regulatory support. Adverse events, medication errors, or compromised product quality can arise in any field of health care, not because the systems themselves are unsafe, but because safety relies on how care is delivered.
Both traditional medicine and biomedicine have established approaches to promoting safety. When supported by appropriate training, quality assurance, and clear practice frameworks, traditional medicine is usually a safe and trusted source of healing.
As in biomedicine, strengthening patient safety in traditional medicine also involves augmenting the broader health-care environment around it. This may include improving documentation, supporting research, ensuring consistent quality standards, and building regulatory systems that protect both practitioners and patients. By focusing on these enabling factors, traditional medicine can continue to contribute safely and effectively to public health.
Source: WHO
