Traditional Health
Systems and Their Role
The following section gives an overview
of traditional systems of medicine and examines their role in addressing
healthcare challenges of elderly. Traditional medicine
refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant,
animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and
exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent
illnesses or maintain well-being.” (WHO 2002) Further the term complementary
and alternative medicine (and sometimes also non-conventional or parallel) are
used to refer to a broad set of healthcare practices that are not part of
country’s own tradition, or not integrated into the dominant healthcare system.
This is a broad and inclusive definition which makes it difficult to find a
region or a country without any form of traditional medicine. It is often known
through a variety of names such as traditional medicine, alternative medicine,
complementary medicine, natural medicine, herbal medicine, phyto-medicine,
non-conventional medicine, indigenous medicine, folk medicine, ethno medicine
etc., based on the context and the form in which it is practiced. Chinese
medicine, Ayurveda, Herbal medicine, Siddha, Unani, Kampo, Jamu, Thai,
Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, bone-setting, spiritual
therapies, are some of the popular, established systems (Payyappallimana 2010).
There is an emergent interest in both
developed and developing countries to integrate traditional medicine/complementary
and alternative medicine (TCAM) in public health systems. Diversity,
flexibility, easy accessibility, broad continuing acceptance in developing
countries and increasing popularity in developed countries, relative low cost,
low levels of technological input, relatively low side effects and growing
economic importance are some of the positive features of traditional medicine
(WHO 2002, Payyappallimana 2010).
Though these systems differ in their approach to clinical
principles or management methods they share a common worldview. According to
this the macrocosm (outside universe) and microcosm (living being) are
inherently related and have common elements. These systems also have similar
perspectives such as ecological centeredness, an inclusive approach to
non-material or non-physical dimensions, and holistic approach to health
management considering physical, mental, social emotional, spiritual,
ecological factors in health and wellbeing. “Fundamental
concept is that of balance - the balance between mind and body, between
different dimensions of individual bodily functioning and need, between
individual and community, individual/community and environment, and individual
and the universe. The breaking of this interconnectedness of life is a source
of dis-ease,” (Bodeker 2009:
37). Other unifying
attributes are their popular and public domain character and orientation to
prevention and self help. Mostly these systems focus on the functional aspects
of health and diseases, whole system approach to health, multi-causality,
subjective, qualitative, individualized and personalized management and
consider both physician and patients both as active agents in healing.
According to WHO between 60-80% of the population in developing
countries and a growing percentage in developed countries continue to avail
services of traditional medical systems (WHO 2002). However the slow official
response shows the lack of correspondence between public choice in health
seeking behavior and the policy processes in different countries. Proof of
efficacy, quality, safety and rational use continue to be major challenges in
the sector.
Increase in chronic diseases, better awareness about the limitations of
conventional medicine, growing interest in holistic preventive health,
increasing evidence of clinical efficacy, better clinical care, easy access
especially in rural areas and cost efficacy are some of the key reasons for the
resurgent interest in traditional medicine. In countries like India the per-capita
ratio of practitioners of TCAM is higher compared to conventional medicine. In
rural areas easy access, availability and cost are key aspects of utilizing
traditional medicine whereas in urban areas it depends on concerns about
chemical drugs and interest in natural medicines, limitation of conventional
medicine, greater information access are some of the reasons for accessing
traditional medicine. Thus in a public health context availability,
accessibility, affordability, utility, quality, efficiency and equity become
relevant in accessing healthcare (Payyappallimana 2010).
http://socialwork-samajkaryadahejjegalu.blogspot.com.br/2013/05/aging-population-in-india-health-system.html
No comments:
Post a Comment