International Journal of Integrative Medical Sciences

931-939

Authors: Carl Camelia 1, Sateesh Babu Arja *2, Kumar Ponnusamy 2, Nimra Deivassagayame 2.

While the use of Traditional, Complimentary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is substantial, it continues to exist at the periphery of allopathic medicine. This article provides a global scenario with the strengths and weaknesses of the present health care systems. Availability, affordability, and accessibility of healthcare coupled with uneven growth and the double burden of diseases have become major concerns around the globe. This article emphasizes the need for mindset change from illness-disease-drug centric curative to person-health-wellness centric preventive and promotive approaches. It highlights the innovation deficit faced by conventional allopathic medicine and delineates the significant benefits of the integration of conventional medicine with traditional, complementary and integrative therapies in the medical curriculum. Medical heterogeneity is a rising trend, and people are trying to explore various options, including allopathic, complementary, and alternative medicine. In such a situation, knowledge from Yoga, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine/Acupuncture, and Homeopathy may play a vital role. We can progress with an appropriate model by integrating allopathic medicine with traditional medicine systems for affordable health care. Several medical scientists have contributed positive reflections and benefits of integrative approaches to health. These provide not only clear insight into the historical roots of the healing traditions of traditional and complementary medicine, but also into the entire concept of integrative approaches to health.