Title : Healing beyond borders: Advancing traditional medicine and integrative health
Abstract:
Healing Beyond Borders: Advancing Traditional Medicine and Integrative Health explores the convergence between indigenous healing systems and contemporary biomedical practices in addressing global health challenges. Traditional medicine, rooted in centuries of cultural knowledge, continues to play a vital role in promoting community-based wellness, particularly in regions with limited access to modern healthcare. Integrative health, on the other hand, emphasizes a holistic combination of conventional and alternative therapies to achieve comprehensive well-being. The study is grounded in Medical Pluralism Theory, which posits that diverse healing systems coexist within societies and are selectively utilized by individuals based on accessibility, cultural values, and perceived effectiveness. This framework provides a lens for understanding how traditional and biomedical practices can be harmonized rather than viewed as competing domains. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing a combination of ethnographic fieldwork, semi-structured interviews with traditional healers and biomedical practitioners, and focus group discussions with community members across selected regions. Additionally, a systematic review of policy documents and peer-reviewed studies on integrative health initiatives was conducted. Data will be analyzed thematically to identify patterns of collaboration, barriers, and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems. The findings will highlight successful models where traditional medicine has been effectively incorporated into national health systems, particularly in the management of chronic diseases, mental health, and preventive care. Ethical concerns, intellectual property rights, and the need for evidence-based validation emerged as critical considerations. By applying medical pluralism as a guiding framework, the study underscores the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping patient-centered, culturally grounded healthcare models. Ultimately, advancing traditional medicine within integrative frameworks promotes a more inclusive and sustainable approach to health that transcends borders and responds to the complexities of 21st-century well-being
