Editorial: The increasing relevance of traditional medicine systems for the primary health care sector and general practice: global research perspectives
Year: 2025
Type: editorial
Abstract: In the context of global health care challenges, traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) systems have gained increasing attention due to their potential to improve primary health care and beyond. 1 This editorial addresses the importance of TCIM in addressing unmet health care needs, particularly in the primary care setting. As traditional medicine gains greater recognition worldwide, initiatives such as the recent WHO Summit on Traditional Medicine -culminating in the Gujarat Declaration 2 -highlight the value of integrating TCIM approaches on a global scale. These summits advocate evidence-informed and culturally sensitive incorporation of TCIM to improve health outcomes and at the same time recognize the long-standing role of traditional practices in health care and for well-being across diverse populations. 3 The body of research presented in this topic highlights the role of TCIM in addressing diverse health issues. Studies range from analyzing the efficacy of traditional herbal medicines to exploring TCIM approaches that support holistic health, providing global perspectives that shape our understanding of the potential of TCIM in modern healthcare settings. ) presents a systematic review and metaanalysis on acupuncture's efficacy in managing obesity, pointing at its role as a complementary approach to weight management in TCIM.The works presented highlight the multiple potential applications and benefits of TCIM and underscore its value as a patient-centered approach. 4 The WHO summit on TCIM has accelerated efforts to systematically integrate evidence-informed TCIM into global healthcare systems, recognizing its cultural relevance and its costeffective contribution to health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas. In Germany, for example, acceptance of TCIM is high, indicating a cultural need and readiness for integrative health policies that include both biomedicine and TCIM practices. 5 Continued research, education, and policy integration of TCIM are critical to promoting a health paradigm that values both traditional and scientific knowledge systems. 6 These efforts support the vision of the WHO Gujarat Declaration on TCIM, which advocates for an integrative approach to health care that respects traditional wisdom while at the same time advancing modern health practices.As TCIM obviously gains momentum globally, its integration into primary health care could address critical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in the areas of chronic disease management, preventive care and health promotion. The studies presented here support the growing role of TCIM in global health, and future research will be critical to its further development and scientific validation in healthcare systems. This topic is a testament to the potential of TCIM to improve health care accessibility, promote sustainable practices, and enrich the diversity of health care knowledge. The papers in this topic not only highlight the therapeutic potential of TCIM, but also emphasize the need for robust scientific methods to validate and integrate these practices into modern healthcare, in line with the sustainable development goals of the WHO 7 .The writing of this editorial was partially supported by ChatGPT to condense all 16 manuscript abstracts from this topic for this editorial.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4406132334