WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
Source: PIB
GS II: Health
Overview
- News in Brief
- WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
- What are Traditional Medicines?
Why in News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush convened the first-ever global summit on traditional medicine in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
News in Brief
- Two-day global summit was inaugurated by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on August 17, Thursday.
- India has a rich history of traditional medicine through Ayurveda, including Yoga, which has been shown to be effective in alleviating pain.
- The Gujarat Declaration, the main outcome of this summit, will focus on the integration of traditional medicines in national health systems, and help unlock the power of traditional medicine through science.
Important Outcomes of WHO Global Summit
- Focusing on the role of traditional medical practices in addressing health challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash - The three main focus areas of the meeting include
- Health emergencies prevention
- Pharmaceutical sector cooperation
- Digital health innovations for universal health coverage.
- Global Centre on Traditional Medicines was established by the WHO.
- By the end of th 12,500 Ayush-based Health & wellness centres will be functional across e year, more than 12,500 Ayush-based Health & wellness centres will be functional across the nation, out of which 8,500 are already in place.
- The Ayush Exhibition Zone will be set-up with promises of an immersive experience with innovative and interactive kiosks.
- The Ayush VISA will facilitate global access to Indian traditional medicine systems and will usher in a new era of comprehensive healthcare.
What are Traditional Medicines?
According to WHO
The sum total of the knowledge, skills and practices indigenous and different cultures have used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness.
Key Facts
- Ancient Healing Systems
- Traditional medicines encompass a wide range of healing practices and systems that have evolved over generations.
- Examples include Ayurveda from India, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from China, Unani from the Middle East, and Indigenous healing practices from various cultures.
- Holistic Approach
- Traditional medicines often take a holistic approach to health, considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
- Treatments aim to restore balance and harmony within the individual and their environment.
- Natural Ingredients
- Many traditional medicines are derived from natural sources such as herbs, plants, minerals, and animal products.
- These remedies are often prepared in specific ways to extract their medicinal properties.
- Individualized Treatments
- Traditional healers assess each patient’s unique constitution, symptoms, and imbalances before prescribing treatments.
- This personalized approach acknowledges that individuals may respond differently to the same remedy.
- Cultural Heritage and Knowledge
- Traditional medicines are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, beliefs, and knowledge systems.
- They often incorporate rituals, ceremonies, and practices that reflect the cultural identity of a community.
Traditional Medicines in India
Traditional medicines in India have a rich history and continue to play a significant role in healthcare and wellness. Key points about traditional medicines in India
- Ayurveda
- Ayurveda is one of the oldest and most well-known traditional systems of medicine in India.
- It emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit.
- Ayurvedic treatments often involve herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, yoga, meditation, and detoxification practices.
- Unani Medicine
- Unani is a system of medicine that originated in ancient Greece and was later adopted and developed in India.
- It emphasizes the balance of the four humors in the body and uses natural substances such as herbs, minerals, and animal products to treat diseases.
- Siddha Medicine
- Siddha is a traditional system of medicine that originated in the southern part of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
- It is based on the concept of “Pancha Bhoota,” which refers to the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- Siddha treatments include herbal medicines, dietary recommendations, and yoga practices.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- While not native to India, TCM has gained popularity in the country.
- It includes practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and qigong.
- TCM focuses on balancing the body’s vital energy (qi) and the concept of yin and yang.
- Homeopathy
- Homeopathy is a system of medicine developed by Samuel Hahnemann.
- It is based on the principle of “like cures like,” where a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person is used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
- Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and believed to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.
- Integration with Modern Medicine
- In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating traditional medicines with modern healthcare practices.
- Many traditional remedies and practices have undergone scientific research to validate their efficacy and safety.
- Government Support
- The Indian government recognizes the importance of traditional medicines and has established regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) to promote and regulate traditional systems of medicine.
- Global Popularity
- Traditional Indian medicines have gained recognition and popularity beyond India’s borders.
- Ayurveda, in particular, has been embraced globally for its holistic approach to health and wellness.
- Cultural Significance
- Traditional medicines are deeply ingrained in India’s cultural heritage.
- They are often associated with festivals, rituals, and traditional practices that reflect the country’s diverse and ancient knowledge systems.
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