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TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: RELIC OF THE PAST OR DEVELOPMENT PROSPECT?

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: RELIC OF THE PAST OR DEVELOPMENT PROSPECT?

23 Sep
Posted By: Anastasiya Times Read: 1380

What do you prefer to be treated with when you get sick? Are you one of those who buys dietary supplements or stocks up on garlic / lemon / ginger with the first symptoms of flu? Or do you go straight to the doctor? What do you trust more - medicines or traditional remedies?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traditional medicine is the sum of knowledge, skills and practices derived from the experiences of indigenous peoples across cultures. In many countries, along with the term "traditional medicine", the concept of "complementary" and "alternative" medicine is used.

WHO has developed a traditional medicine strategy for 2014–2023. The plan was created to regulate, research, integrate traditional medicine and ensure the safety of its use.

Attitude towards traditional medicine in the world

Practices such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani, Anthroposophic Medicine, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Osteopathy are popular both in the US and around the world.

More than 100 million Europeans use traditional medicine methods. Even more people trust folk remedies in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.

In the West African states, traditional medicine is included in the curricula of medical universities.

In China, traditional medicine accounts for about 40% of all medical care, more than 90% of hospitals in China have traditional medicine departments. In the United States about 38% of adults and 12% of children used some form of traditional medicine.

A survey of 21,923 US adults found that 12.8% of participants took at least one herbal supplement. In another survey, 42% of Americans said they regularly use dietary supplements.

In many countries, traditional medicine, complementary and alternative medicine are partly covered by public and private insurance companies. This practice is used in France, Belgium, Germany, Finland. In Japan, health insurance includes the cost of acupuncture, moxibustion, Japanese massage, and judotherapy.

Why do people still use traditional medicine?

The first reason could be the availability of this type of assistance, which is especially important for developing countries with a serious shortage of doctors. Thus, the ratio of healers to population in Africa is 1:500, and doctors to population is 1:40,000. For millions of rural people, traditional healers remain the main provider of medical services.

The powerful influence of cultural and historical applications could be the second reason. For example, in Singapore and South Korea, where conventional health care is well developed, 76% and 86% of the population, respectively, still use traditional medicine.

Economy could also be a factor. Potential cost savings is a significant consideration when choosing a treatment method. A large study that included an analysis of the cost of physiotherapy and chiropractic therapy found that the total value of chiropractic therapy ($444) was only a third of that of physiotherapy ($1287) and general practitioner treatment ($1368).

The last reason is that traditional methods of treatment are considered natural, safe and non-toxic. Although this is far from the truth, a lot of people continue to believe in this notion.

Traditional medicine can have both harmful and beneficial effects. When choosing any method of treatment or prevention, you should always consult with your practitioner, especially if you have health issues or are currently taking other medications. Be cautious of contraindications between prescribed medications and herbal supplements that you’re planning to take, since various active ingredients may interact with each other or with other medication - either intensifying or neutralizing the intended effect.

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