The World Health Organization (WHO) is initiating a major shift in how it approaches traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). For the first time, the organization plans to actively research, regulate, and integrate these practices into mainstream healthcare systems worldwide. This move acknowledges the widespread use of TCIM – from ancient herbal remedies to modern practices like acupuncture and meditation – and seeks to harness its potential benefits using modern science.
A Growing Global Demand
For centuries, communities across the globe have relied on traditional methods for healing. In Africa, herbalists use plant-based remedies; in China, acupuncturists treat conditions ranging from chronic pain to migraines; and in India, Ayurvedic and yogic practices have been refined over millennia. Despite this long history, many of these systems have historically lacked rigorous scientific validation. The WHO’s new strategy aims to change that.
The move comes as more people seek alternatives to conventional medicine, driving a multi-trillion-dollar wellness industry. Many TCIM services operate outside formal health systems, paid for directly by patients, and often lack quality controls. The WHO recognizes this gap and aims to provide frameworks for safe and effective use.
Bridging Tradition and Modern Science
Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, leading the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, stresses the opportunity to leverage new technologies. “We can now study traditional medicine in ways that weren’t possible before,” she explains. Artificial intelligence, genomics, and brain imaging (fMRI) are being used to analyze the effects of practices like meditation and herbal treatments. For example, studies in Thailand are using randomized trials to validate herbal remedies for inclusion in the national essential medicines list.
The WHO will focus on building a robust evidence base for TCIM, with an emphasis on safety and efficacy. This includes developing regulations for practitioners and treatments and integrating effective practices into standard healthcare. The organization emphasizes that its approach is evidence-driven: if studies prove a system works, it will be supported regardless of its origins.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Quality
Some critics have raised concerns that this strategy could open the door to unproven systems like homeopathy. However, the WHO clarifies that homeopathy falls outside its definition of traditional medicine, as it is a relatively recent invention with weak scientific backing. The organization maintains that all approaches—biomedicine, TCIM, and others—must be evaluated based on evidence.
The WHO acknowledges that most TCIM services currently operate outside formal healthcare systems, which creates risks. The goal is to avoid unregulated practices by engaging with the field and providing safeguards.
A Path Towards Self-Reliance
The WHO’s decision is partly driven by the need for more sustainable healthcare solutions. As aid cuts force countries to rethink their health strategies, traditional medicine could offer a path towards self-reliance. The vast network of practitioners in countries like China and India could also help address global healthcare workforce shortages.
The WHO is not advocating for abandoning modern medicine but rather for integrating the best of both worlds. As Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general, stated at a recent summit in India, this is a “pivotal moment” for traditional medicine, recognizing its cultural importance and potential contribution to universal health coverage.
The WHO’s new strategy is not simply about validating old practices; it’s about unlocking a “treasure trove” of knowledge and ensuring that all people have access to safe, effective, and culturally appropriate healthcare options.
