Traditional Medicine in Asia

General introduction
n many countries of the world and
I especially in the developing countries,
traditional medicine (TM) is an important
part of health care. In countries of the
South-East Asia Region, although
modern medicines are now increasingly
available throughout different levels of
health care, TM has maintained its
popularity since it has been used for
generations in the past. In recent years,
many developed countries have also
begun to take interest in herbal medicine,
acupuncture and alternative systems of
medicine. Consequently, there is
increasing trade among countries in
medicinal plants and, to a certain extent,
traditional remedies as well. It is therefore
becoming important that the safety,
efficacy and proper use of TM are taken
up as among the important areas for
development or strengthening in the
countries of the Region.
All Member Countries of the South-
East Asia Region (SEAR) have been
developing and strengthening their TM
programmes. Many countries are in the
process of introducing TM and traditional
medical practitioners (TMP) in primary
Traditional medicine in the WHO South-East Asia Region
Traditional medicine in
the WHO South-East
Asia Region
Kin Shein
health care (PHC). However, the potential
of services that can be provided by the
TMP is far from being fully utilized. TM
and TMP have significant potential for
contributing to the national health services
and for the attainment of the goal of
Health for All.
Traditional systems of medicine
in South-East Asia Region
Countries of SEAR have a rich heritage of
various systems of traditional medicine.
Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
have people practising Ayurveda, Unani
and /or Siddha Medicine(s). TM known as
Jamu has flourished in Indonesia. The
traditional medicine of DPR Korea is Koryo
medicine while the TM of Maldives is called
Dhjivehi Beys. Bhutan, Myanmar and Thai
traditional medicines are practised in the
respective countries. Thus, systems of
traditional medicine in various countries of
the Region have a significant role to play
in the provision of health care as they are
being used by those living in the cities as
well as by the majority of the population
who live in the rural areas. Apart from these
systems, homoeopathy, nature cure and
yoga are also practised in a number of
countries of the Region.
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