This blog post summarizes key points from an article published at the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine in January, 2025. The article discussing WHO integration of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into global healthcare. It highlights the WHO’s efforts to use evidence-informed decision-making to safely incorporate therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine, aiming to improve patient care and expand treatment options worldwide.
The integration of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into mainstream healthcare systems is gaining significant attention globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading efforts to ensure that TCIM practices, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other culturally-based treatments, are not only recognized but also safely incorporated into evidence-informed healthcare systems. This move aims to create a balanced approach, combining the benefits of both modern and traditional medicine to improve health outcomes.
WHO) is increasingly recognizing the potential of Chinese Medicine (CM) to improve global healthcare outcomes. The integration of CM into mainstream health systems, guided by evidence-informed decision-making, is gaining momentum, with the WHO taking key steps to validate and promote these practices worldwide. Chinese Medicine, with its centuries-old foundations in acupuncture, herbal therapies, and holistic healing principles, offers valuable alternatives and complements to conventional medical treatments.
As more people globally turn to Chinese Medicine for its preventive and therapeutic benefits, the WHO is leading efforts to ensure these practices are both safe and effective. While Chinese Medicine has long been part of healthcare in many countries, the challenge has been to integrate it into formal health systems based on robust scientific evidence. To address this, the WHO is encouraging more research to demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of Chinese Medicine. This research is crucial to ensure that CM is not only accessible but also integrated into health policies that prioritize patient safety and care quality.
One of the key frameworks guiding this integration is the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for countries to adopt evidence-based policies that support the use of Chinese Medicine. The declaration emphasizes the importance of regulating and standardizing practices to ensure that CM therapies are both scientifically validated and applied safely. By establishing clear guidelines for its practice, the WHO aims to promote public confidence in Chinese Medicine while safeguarding the public’s health.
In 2024, the WHO held a significant side event to discuss how Chinese Medicine can contribute to building more inclusive and equitable healthcare systems. This initiative is particularly important for underserved populations, who often rely on traditional healing methods like acupuncture and herbal medicine. By integrating Chinese Medicine into healthcare systems, the WHO hopes to provide a broader range of treatment options and improve access to holistic care, especially in areas where conventional healthcare may be limited or inaccessible.
Ultimately, the WHO’s efforts underscore the importance of blending Chinese Medicine with modern medical practices. By ensuring that CM is integrated into evidence-based healthcare systems, the world can benefit from a more comprehensive approach to wellness that honors traditional knowledge while ensuring patient safety and optimal health outcomes.
Source:
- The Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2024.0837
