Traditional medicine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in cultural theories and beliefs. This includes various approaches utilized across different societies, regardless of whether they are scientifically understood. These practices are employed for maintaining health, preventing illness, and managing both physical and mental health conditions [1].
In many countries, traditional medicine is either recognized as a legitimate medical profession, such as in the United States, or as an allied health profession. However, despite its significance, the WHO’s international guidelines on osteopathic training, crucial for the profession’s development, were published in 2010 under its traditional/complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) department [2].
Key tenets of traditional medicine include viewing the patient holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, as well as acknowledging the innate capacity of the human body for self-healing. These principles align closely with the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, and they are explicitly outlined in the WHO publication. Nevertheless, the degree to which these principles should be integrated into mainstream Western healthcare to ensure ethical, well-informed, and patient-centered care remains ambiguous.
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