The Rise of Integrative and Alternative Medicine on a Global Level

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Supportive and alternative medicine is gaining increased acceptance over time for its potential applications. Alternative medicine encompasses practices that are used instead of conventional medical treatments, many of which are ancient in origin [6]. Integrative medicine, however, is a comprehensive approach that combines conventional treatment with evidence-based complementary therapies, addressing the whole person [1].

Integrative medicine emphasizes the importance of prevention and personalized care. This approach can be beneficial in managing or slowing the progression of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer when used in a coordinated manner alongside conventional treatments [1].

The Globalization of Integrative and Alternative Medicine

The rise of integrative and alternative medicine is significant and has spread worldwide. For instance, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients was reported to be around 49% in a 2018 global review, indicating widespread adoption [4]. Applications of homeopathic treatments, aromatherapy oils, and herbal remedies showed an increase in use between the late 20th and early 21st centuries in many developed nations [2].

In Germany, St. John’s wort (an herbal remedy) is often used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression under medical guidance [5]. Globally, the market for herbal medicine is substantial, reflecting its continued popularity [5].

How Does It Benefit Us?

Integrative and alternative medicine practices often focus on holistic well-being, which can be valuable when addressing chronic conditions [3].

Many of the original concepts of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are aligned with and consistent with the ideas of primary healthcare, emphasizing prevention, self-care, and community engagement [3].

By offering a complete range of healthcare options, which may include conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies, the goal is to enhance the quality of life and potentially reduce the burden of certain chronic conditions [1],[3].

Extending Integrative and Alternative Medicine to Education

To standardize understanding and safe practice, a formal way of learning and understanding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has begun. Many global educational institutions are considering or have added modules on CAM to their curriculum [2]. For example, El-Olemy incorporated a module on CAM for undergraduate medical students to bridge the gap between traditional and conventional medicine [2].

These modules often include concepts such as:

Ayurvedic medicine has been explored for managing chemically induced liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) in preclinical and clinical research [5].

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is an evidence-based approach used to help treat psychological symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an established intervention that treats a wide range of psychological disorders among children and adolescents.

Concept & Growth of Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is often deeply rooted in culture and is the most widely used form of alternative medicine globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 80% of the population in some developing countries still relies on traditional medicine, often herbal, for primary health care [7].

The concept of herbal medicine extends to systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is popular in China and increasingly in the Western world. The unique dual medicine system in the Republic of Korea has led to the emergence of dual-licensed medical doctors, who hold licenses for both traditional Korean medicine and Western medicine.

Traditional systems, including Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, Japanese Kampo, and Indian Ayurveda, are essential resources for bio-prospecting (the search for new drugs from natural sources) [5].

Herbal Medicine Reforms: How & Why

The quality control parameters in many developing countries can be inconsistent for preparing herbal formulations. As a result, implementing a rigorous quality policy is necessary to ensure the safety, efficacy, and uniformity of herbal products [5].

Standardization of herbal products, including the correct identification of medicinal plants, is crucial for therapeutic value [5].

The specialized knowledge required to identify, sustainably collect, and process therapeutic plants is a valuable skill that needs to be conserved and formally documented for future use [5].

Integrating evidence-based CAM into primary healthcare centers can help validate and safely incorporate traditional medicines into the wider health system [3].

Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India & WHO

Recognizing the global importance of Traditional Medicine (TM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of India agreed on March 25, 2022, to establish the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, India [7].

The Government of India provided funding of $250 million for this initiative. The prime aim of this setup is to tap the potential of traditional medicine worldwide through modern science and technology, focusing on evidence-based research, data, and sustainability, ultimately to improve the quality of life for all [7].

View of WHO on Traditional Medicine

As per Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, “The integration of traditional medicine into health care systems could be a game-changer for people’s health and well-being” [7]. The WHO defines traditional medicine as the “Total sum of the knowledge, skills, and practices indigenous to and recognized by different cultures, used to maintain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical and mental illnesses” [7].

This umbrella definition includes practices such as:

Acupuncture

Herbal mixtures

Ayurvedic medicine

Traditional Osteopathy and Chiropractic (depending on the context and region) [6]

The use of modern techniques is accelerating the research and acceptance of traditional medicine. For instance, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to map potential drug targets, study global trends in traditional medicine, and virtually screen natural products for their pharmacokinetic properties. Functional MRI (fMRI) is used to objectively study brain activity changes after practices like yoga and mindfulness, which are common complementary therapies [5].

History is evidence of how humanity has benefited from natural products. For example, the active compound in Aspirin (salicylic acid) was originally discovered in the bark of a willow tree, and certain components used in early contraceptive pills were derived from the root of wild yam trees [5].

Conclusion

The rise of integrative and alternative medicine therapies is a global trend reflecting a desire for holistic and personalized care. Identifying new research avenues and integrating evidence-based practices through formal education will undoubtedly benefit humanity, provided it is grounded in scientific scrutiny and safety standards [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is integrative medicine, and how is it different from alternative medicine?

Integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies (like yoga, acupuncture, or certain herbal remedies) in a coordinated way. Alternative medicine refers to using a non-mainstream treatment instead of conventional medical treatment [6].

Why is integrative and alternative medicine becoming more popular globally?

People are increasingly seeking holistic approaches that address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Rising interest in preventive care, the preservation of cultural traditions, and a desire for approaches with potentially fewer side effects also contribute to this trend.

Is there scientific evidence supporting alternative therapies?

Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, mindfulness, and certain herbal remedies, have growing scientific backing and are often used within integrative medicine. However, the evidence base is highly variable across different therapies, and not all have sufficient clinical trials; it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new regimen to ensure safety and efficacy [4].

References

[1] Rakel, D. (Ed.). (2023). Integrative medicine (5th ed.). Elsevier. https://www.mea.elsevierhealth.com/integrative-medicine-9780323777278.html

[2] El-Olemy, A. T. (2024). The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the undergraduate medical curriculum: A review of the literature. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2022-0210

[3] Shirwaikar, A., Govindarajan, R., & Rawat, A. K. S. (2013). Integrating complementary and alternative medicine with primary health care. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/948308

[4] Wampfler, J., Raggi, A., Maich, V., & O’Connor, R. (2022). Global prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 70, 102859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102859

[5] Saggar, S., Mir, P. A., Kumar, N., Chawla, A., Uppal, J., Shilpa, S., & Kaur, A. (2022). Traditional and herbal medicines: Opportunities and challenges. Pharmacognosy Research, 14(2), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.5530/pres.14.2.15

[6] Ng, J. Y., Dhawan, T., Fajardo, R. G., Masood, H. A., Sunderji, S., Wieland, L. S., & Moher, D. (2023). The brief history of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine terminology and the development and creation of an operational definition. Integrative Medicine Research, 12(4), 100978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2023.100978

[7] World Health Organization. (2025, October 1). Traditional medicine: Questions and answers. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/traditional-medicine

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