Novel Model For Integrative Medicine Curriculum

ABSTRACT

While the use of Traditional, Complimentary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is substantial, it continues to existat 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 coupledwith uneven growth and the double burden of diseases have become major concerns around the globe. Thisarticle emphasizes the need for mindset change from illness-disease-drug centric curative to person-healthwellness centric preventive and promotive approaches. It highlights the innovation deficit faced by conventionalallopathic medicine and delineates the significant benefits of the integration of conventional medicine withtraditional, 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, TraditionalChinese medicine/Acupuncture, and Homeopathy may play a vital role. We can progress with an appropriatemodel by integrating allopathic medicine with traditional medicine systems for affordable health care. Severalmedical scientists have contributed positive reflections and benefits of integrative approaches to health. Theseprovide 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.