REPUBLIC ACT NO.

8423 AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE (PITAHC) TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR A TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT FUND AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997." ARTICLE I GUIDING PRINCIPLES Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system. It shall also be the policy of the State to seek a legally workable basis by which indigenous societies would own their knowledge of traditional medicine. When such knowledge is used by outsiders, the indigenous societies can require the permitted users to acknowledge its source and can demand a share of any financial return that may come from its authorized commercial use. Sec. 3. Objectives. - The objectives of this Act are as follows: (a) To encourage scientific research on and develop traditional and alternative health care systems that have direct impact on public health care; (b) To promote and advocate the use of traditional, alternative, preventive and curative health care modalities that have been proven safe, effective, cost effective and consistent with government standards on medical practice; (c) To develop and coordinate skills training courses for various forms of traditional and alternative health care modalities; (d) To formulate standards, guidelines and codes of ethical practice appropriate for the practice of traditional and alternative health care as well as in the manufacture, quality control and marketing of different traditional and alternative health care materials, natural and organic products, for approval and adoption by the appropriate government agencies; (e) To formulate policies for the protection of indigenous and natural health resources and technology from unwarranted exploitation, for approval and adoption by the appropriate government agencies; (f) To formulate policies to strengthen the role of traditional and alternative health care delivery system; and (g) To promote traditional and alternative health care in international and national conventions, seminars and meetings in coordination with the Department of Tourism, Duty Free Philippines, Incorporated,

Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation and other tourismrelated agencies as well as non-government organizations and local government units. ARTICLE II DEFINITION OF TERMS Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: (a) "Traditional and alternative health care" - the sum total of knowledge, skills and practices on health care, other than those embodied in biomedicine, used in the prevention, diagnosis and elimination of physical or mental disorder. (b) "Traditional medicine" - the sum total of knowledge, skills, and practice on health care, not necessarily explicable in the context of modern, scientific philosophical framework, but recognized by the people to help maintain and improve their health towards the wholeness of their being, the community and society, and their interrelations based on culture, history, heritage, and consciousness. (c) "Biomedicine" - that discipline of medical care advocating therapy with remedies that produce effects differing from those of the diseases treated. It is also called "allopathy","western medicine", "orthodox medicine", or "cosmopolitan medicine". (d) "Alternative health care modalities" other forms of nonallopathic, occasionally non-indigenous or imported healing methods, though not necessarily practiced for centuries nor handed down from one generation to another. Some alternative health care modalities include reflexology, acupressure, chiropractics, nutritional therapy, and other similar methods. (e) "Herbal medicines" - finished, labelled, medicinal products that contain as active ingredient/s serial or underground part/s of plant or other materials or combination thereof, whether in the crude state or as plant preparations. Plant material includes juices, gums, fatty oils, essential oils, and other substances of this nature. Herbal medicines, however, may contain excipients in addition to the active ingredient(s). Medicines containing plant material(s) combined with chemically-defined active substances, including chemically-defined, isolated constituents of plants, are not considered to be herbal medicines. (f) "Natural product" - those foods that grow spontaneously in nature whether or not they are tended by man. It also refers to foods that have been prepared from grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, fish, eggs, honey, raw milk, and the like, without the use or addition of additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, or manufactured chemicals of any sort after harvest or slaughter. (g) "Manufacture" - any and all operations involved in the production, including preparation, propagation, processing, formulating, filling, packing, repacking, altering, ornamenting, finishing, or otherwise changing the container, wrapper, or labelling of a consumer product in the furtherance of the distribution of the same from the original place of manufacture to the person who makes the final delivery or sale to the ultimate consumer.

(h) "Traditional healers" - the relatively old, highly respected people with a profound knowledge of traditional remedies. (i) "Intellectual property rights" - is the legal basis by which the indigenous communities exercise their rights to have access to, protect, control over their cultural knowledge and product, including, but not limited to, traditional medicines, and includes the right to receive compensation for it. ARTICLE III THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE Sec. 5. Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care. - There is hereby established a body corporate to be known as the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, hereinafter referred to as the Institute. The Institute shall be attached to the Department of Health. Its principal flag office shall be in Metro Manila, but it may establish other branches or offices elsewhere in the Philippines as may be necessary or proper for the accomplishment of its purposes and objectives. Sec. 6. Powers and Functions. - In furtherance of its purposes and objectives, the Institute shall have the following powers and functions: (a) To plan and carry out research and development activities in the areas of traditional and alternative health care and its ultimate integration into the national health care delivery system; (b) To verify, package and transfer economically viable technologies in the field of traditional and alternative health care, giving emphasis on the social engineering aspects necessary for group endeavor; (c) To provide the data base or policy formulation that will stimulate and sustain production, marketing and consumption of traditional and alternative health care products; (d) To organize and develop continuing training programs for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other professional health workers and students, as well as scientists, research managers and extension workers in the field of traditional and alternative health care; (e) To formulate policies that would create public awareness through educational activities, conventions, seminars, conferences, and the like by focusing on the promotion of healthy living for preventing diseases, thereby uplifting the health care industry; (f) To acquire or obtain from any governmental authority whether national or local, foreign or domestic, or from any person, corporation, partnership, association or other entity, such charters, franchises, licenses, rights, privileges, assistance, financial or otherwise, and concessions as are conducive to and necessary or proper for the attainment of its purposes and objectives; (g) To receive and acquire from any person and/or government and private entities, whether foreign or domestic, grants, donations and contributions consisting of such properties, real or personal, including funds and valuable effects or things, as may be useful, necessary or proper to carry out its purposes and objectives and

administer the same in accordance with the terms of such grants, donations and contributions, consistent with its purposes and objectives; (h) To serve as the coordinating center of a national network of traditional and alternative health care stations located in the different regions of the country; (i) To formulate a code of ethics and standards for the practice of traditional and alternative health care modalities for approval and adoption by the appropriate professional and government agencies; (j) To formulate standards and guidelines for the manufacture, marketing and quality control of different traditional and alternative health care materials and products for approval and adoption by the Bureau of Food and Drugs; (k) To coordinate with other institutions and agencies involved in the research on herbal medicines; (1) To adopt and use a corporate seal; (m) To sue and be sued in its corporate name; (n) To succeed by its corporate name; (o) To adopt its bylaws and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper to implement this Act, and to amend or repeal the same from time to time; (p) To enter into, make and execute contracts and agreements of any kind or nature; (q) To borrow, raise or obtain funds, or to enter into any financial or credit arrangement in order to support or carry out its research programs, finance its capital and operating expenses, subject to pertinent laws governing public debts and expenditure; (r) To invest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, own, hold, use, mortgage, pledge, encumber, sell, assign, convey, exchange, or otherwise deal in real and/or personal properties of whatever kind and nature, or any interest therein, including shares of stock, bonds, notes, securities and other evidences of indebtedness of natural or juridical persons, whether domestic or foreign and whether government or private; (s) To exercise all the powers of a corporation under the General Corporation Law, insofar as such powers are not in violation of the provisions of this Act; and (t) To exercise such other powers and functions, and perform other acts as may be necessary, proper or incidental to the attainment of its purposes and objectives. Sec. 7. Board of Trustees. - The corporate powers of the Institute shall be exercised, and all its business, activities and properties shall be controlled by a Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board. (a) Composition. - The Board shall be composed of the following: Secretary of Health - ex-officio chairman

Permanent representatives of the following government offices: Department of Science and Technology; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Department of Education, Culture and Sports; and Commission on Higher Education. Representatives of the following industries/sectors: One (1) physician who is engaged in the practice of traditional and alternative health care; One (1) member from a duly recognized academe/research institution engaged in traditional and alternative health care research; One (1) traditional and alternative health care practitioner who is not a physician; One (1) biomedical/allopathietwestem medical practitioner preferably from the Philippine Medical Association; One (1) member from the natural food industry and/or organic food industry; and One (1) member from an environmental sector organization, The six (6) members representing the abovementioned sectors/industries shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Health. Of the appointive members, two (2) members shall have a term of three (3) years; the second two (2) members shall have a term of three (3) years; and, the third two (2) members shall each have a term of one (1) year. Any member appointed to a vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired term of the member whom he/she succeeded. (b) Meetings and quorum. - The Board shall meet regularly at least once a month or as often as the exigencies of the service demand. The presence of at least six (6) members shall constitute a quorum, and the majority vote of the members present, there being a quorum, shall be necessary for the adoption of any resolution, decision, or any other act of the Board. (c) Allowances and per diems. - The members of the Board shall receive a per them for every meeting actually attended subject to the pertinent budgetary laws, rules and regulations on compensation, honoraria and allowances Sec. 8. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall exercise the following powers and functions: (a) To define and approve the programs, plans, policies, procedures and guidelines for the Institute in accordance with its purposes and

objectives, and to control the management, operation and administration of the Institute; (b) To approve the Institute's organizational structure, staffing pattern, operating and capital expenditure, and financial budgets prepared in accordance with the corporate plan of the Institute; (c) To approve salary ranges, benefits and privileges, bonuses and other terms and conditions of service for all officers and employees of the Institute, upon recommendation of the Director General and consistent with the salary standardization and other laws; (d) To appoint, transfer, promote, suspend, remove or otherwise discipline any subordinate officer or employee of the Institute, upon recommendation of the Director General; (e) To create such committee or committees and appoint the members thereof, as may be necessary or proper for the management of the Institute or the attainment of its purposes and objectives; (f) To determine the research priorities of the Institute consistent with the framework of its purposes and objectives and in coordination with other government agencies; and (g) To exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other acts as may be necessary or proper for the attainment of the purposes and objectives of the Institute, or as may be delegated by the Secretary of Health. Sec. 9. Director General and Other Officers. - The Institute shall be headed by a Director General who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Health. The Director General shall have a term of six (6) years. The Director General shall be assisted by such Deputy Director General(s) and program managers/coordinators as the Board may determine to carry out the purposes and objectives of this Act. Sec. 10. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Director General. - The Director General shall have the following powers, functions and duties: (a) To exercise overall supervision and direction over the implementation of all research and development programs of the Institute, and to supervise and direct the management, operation and administration of the Institute; (b) To execute contracts, including the deeds that may incur obligations, acquire and dispose of assets and deliver documents on behalf of the Institute, within the limits of authority delegated to him by the Board; (c) To implement and enforce policies, decisions, orders, rules and regulations adopted by the Board; (d) To submit to the Board an annual report of the Institute; (e) To submit to the Board an annual budget and such supplemental budget as may be necessary for its consideration and approval; and

(f) To exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other duties as may be authorized by the Board. Sec. 11. Government Agency Support and Coordination. - The Institute may, for the purpose of its research and development activities, obtain and secure the services of scholars, scientists and technical personnel of any unit of the Department of Health and other agencies of the Philippine Government. Such personnel may be paid honoraria as may be fixed and authorized by the Board following the usual government rules and regulations governing honoraria and allowances. The Institute shall also assist, cooperate and coordinate with other government agencies, such as the Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of Health and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology for the implementation of the purposes and objectives of this Act. ARTICLE IV PROMOTION OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE Sec. 12. Traditional and Alternative Health Care Advocacy and Research Program. - The Institute shall promulgate a nationwide campaign to boost support for the realization of the objectives of this Act. It shall encourage the participation of non-government organizations in traditional and alternative health care and healthrelated projects. The Institute shall also formulate and implement a research program on the indigenous Philippine traditional health care practices performed by "traditional healers" using scientific research methodologies. Sec. 13. Standards for the Manufacture, Marketing and Quality Control of Traditional Medicine. - The Institute, in collaboration with the Bureau of Food and Drugs, shall formulate standards and guidelines for the manufacture, quality control and marketing of different traditional and alternative health care materials and products. Sec. 14. Incentives for the Manufacturers of Traditional and Alternative Health Care Products. - Manufacturers of traditional and alternative health care products like herbal medicinal plants shall enjoy such exemptions, deductions and other tax incentives as may be provided for under the Omnibus Investment Code, as amended. Sec. 15. Traditional and Alternative Health Care Development Fund. - To implement the provisions of this Act, there is hereby created a Traditional and Alternative Health Care Development Fund which shall be used exclusively for the programs and projects of the Institute, in the amount of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000,00) for the first year, Seventy-five million pesos (P75,000,000.00) for the second year, and One hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) for the third year from the earnings of Duty Free Philippines: Provided, That not more than fifteen percent (15%) of said fund shall be used for administrative costs of the Institute. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary to fund the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. ARTICLE V TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Sec. 16. Appointment of Board Members. - Within thirty (30) days from the date of effectivity of this Act, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the members of the Board as well as the Director General and Deputy Director General(s). Sec. 17. Transfer of Functions of the Traditional Medivine Unit. Upon the establishment of the Institute, the functions, personnel and assets of the Traditional Medicine Unit and all the pharmaceutical and herbal processing plants of the Department of Health shall be transferred to the Institute without need of conveyance, transfer of assignment. For the year, during which this Act was approved, the unexpended portion of the budget of the offices, agencies and units merged shall be utilized for establishing the Institute and initiating its operations, including the formulation of the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act. Incumbent officials and employees of the affected offices shall continue to exercise their respective functions, duties and responsibilities with the corresponding benefits and privileges. To the greatest extent possible and in accordance with existing laws, all employees of the affected offices, agencies and units shall be absorbed by the Institute. ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 18. Oversight Function. - The Institute shall submit to Congress an annual accomplishment report which shall include the status of its priority researches and operation. In the exercise of its oversight functions, Congress may inquire into the programs of the Institute. Sec. 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the completion of their appointments, the Board shall convene and, in collaboration with the Department of Health Traditional Medicine Unit, formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be issued within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the Board's initial meeting and shall take effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Sec. 20. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and other laws including their implementing rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly. Sec. 21. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Philippine Traditional and Alternative Medicine Traditional medicine has been practiced since ancient times in every culture throughout the world and has been an integral part of human evolution and development. The evolution of Philippine traditional medicine is an interesting study that is influenced by religion, mysticism, magic, superstition, folkloric herbalism and western medicine. Philippine's common traditional medicine practitioners include the following hilot or manghihilot acts as a midwife, a chiropractor or massage therapist to promote health and healing, Tawas or mangtatawas, this practitioner uses alum, candles, smoke, paper, eggs and other mediums to diagnose the cause of illness associated by prayers and incanteations albularyo, a general practitioner who uses a combination of healing modalities that may include prayers, incantations, mysticism and herbalism. Albularyos claim to draw healing powers from a supernatural source (shamanism) Medico, a general practitioner similar to an albularyo but integrates western medicine to promote healing. Faith healers, a practitioner who claims divine power bestowed by the Holy Spirit or God. A patient is required to have faith and believe in divine powers to effect healing

These traditional medical practitioners covers a wide spectrum of practices and differs from one another. Even in this modern times where information and advanced science has greatly progressed, traditional medicine still enjoys a large following most especially in rural areas. In recognition of the deep seated practice of traditional medicine as an alternative modality for treating and preventing diseases in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) through its former Secretary Juan M. Flavier launched the Traditional Medicine Program in 1992. This program aims to promote an effective and safe use of traditional medicine, Then President Fidel V. Ramos appreciated the importance of the traditional medicine program and signed into law Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423), otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. This gave rise to the creation of Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) which is tasked to promote and advocates the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development Since then the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditioinal Health Program" has endorsed 10 medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicine in Philippines due to its health benefits. The following are the 10 Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by DOH: 1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this

Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness. 2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties. 3. Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anticancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood. 4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, antiinflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine. 5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea. 6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites. 7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension 8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth 9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout. 10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites

The anting-anting, the Philippine amulet, is an essential part of the Filipino folk credo and mythological makeup. Although it has undergone an evolution of context, commerce and use, the anting-anting still figures heavily in the daily lives of rural folk. Steeped in myth and religion, the anting-anting links to the Filipino's belief in the soul and his ideas on leadership, power, nationalism and revolution, and contributes a fascinating facet to the complex rural psyche. In the Philippines, anting-anting is all-inclusive. Some places refer to it as agimat, bertud, or galing. Often, it is referred to simply as: "Anting."

In its most popular and generic form, the anting-anting is an amulet, inscripted or engraved, worn as a neckpiece. But it exists in many other forms. It could be a prayer (orasyon) in short esoteric combinations of colloquial and Latin mumbo-jumbos, written in a piece of paper, folded and walleted, or sewn in a small cloth pouch, worn pinned, exposed or hidden from view. Or, It could be a small stone, a crocodile tooth or a piece of dried fruit, the latter sewn in a pouch. Of the commercial anting-antings, the most popular is the one used for exorcism of the nakulam or na-engkanto (hexed or bewitched). Then there are those used as gayuma (love charms), one of which is the "soft" anting - "malambot na anting" to which is attributed the holder's easy ways with women. There are antings for business and good fortune, for travel, passing exams and easy childbirths. There are amulets to protect against physical dangerssnakes, fires, accidents, ambushes and bullets; amulets to protect against evil spiritsnuno sa punso, black dwarfs, tikbalangs (half-man half-horse creatures), and other elementals. And there is the macabre and ghoulish anting, the powers obtained and sustained from regular drinking of shots of lambanog drawn from a large glass container (baga) with an alcohol-preserved aborted fetus at the bottom. WHO launches the first global strategy on traditional and alternative medicine 16 May 2002 - Traditional medicine is becoming more popular in the north and up to 80% of people in the south use it as part of primary health care. The situation has given rise to concerns among health practitioners and consumers on the issue of safety, above all, but also on questions of policy, regulation, evidence, biodiversity and preservation and protection of traditional knowledge. The World Health Organization (WHO) today releases a global plan to address those issues. The strategy provides a framework for policy to assist countries to regulate traditional or complementary/alternative medicine (TM/CAM) to make its use safer, more accessible to their populations and sustainable. "About 80% of the people in Africa use traditional medicine. It is for this reason that we must act quickly to evaluate its safety, efficacy, quality and standardization to protect our heritage and to preserve our traditional knowledge. We must also institutionalize and integrate it into our national health systems." says Ebrahim Samba, WHOs Regional Director for Africa. In wealthy countries, growing numbers of patients rely on alternative medicine for preventive or palliative care. In France, 75% of the population has used complementary medicine at least once; in Germany, 77% of pain clinics provide acupuncture; and in the United Kingdom, expenditure on complementary or alternative medicine stands at US$ 2300 million per year. But problems may arise out of incorrect use of traditional therapies. For instance, the herb Ma Huang (ephedra) is traditionally used in China to treat short-term respiratory congestion. In the United States, the herb was marketed as a dietary aid, whose long-term use led to at least a dozen deaths, heart attacks and strokes. In Belgium, at least 70 people required renal transplant or dialysis for interstitial fibrosis of the kidney after taking the wrong herb from the Aristolochiaceae family, again as a dietary aid.

"Traditional or complementary medicine is victim of both uncritical enthusiasts and uninformed skeptics," explains Dr Yasuhiro Suzuki, WHO Executive Director for Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals. "This strategy is intended to tap into its real potential for peoples health and well-being, while minimizing the risks of unproven or misused remedies." In developing countries, where more than one-third of the population lacks access to essential medicines, the provision of safe and effective TM/CAM therapies could become a critical tool to increase access to health care. But while traditional medicine has been fully integrated into the health systems of China, North and South Korea and Viet Nam, many countries have not collected and standardized evidence on this type of health care. The global market for traditional therapies stands at US$ 60 billion a year and is steadily growing. In addition to the patient safety issue and the threat to knowledge and biodiversity, there is also the risk that further commercialization through unregulated use will make these therapies unaffordable to many who rely on them as their primary source of health care. For this reason policies on the protection of indigenous or traditional knowledge are necessary. About 25% of modern medicines are descended from plants first used traditionally. The efficacy of acupuncture in relieving pain and nausea has been well established. Randomized controlled trials also offer convincing evidence that therapies such as hypnosis and relaxation techniques can alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia. Other studies have shown that yoga can reduce asthma attacks while tai ji techniques can help the elderly reduce their fear of falls. As well as addressing chronic conditions, TM can also impact on infectious diseases. In Africa, North America and Europe, three out of four people living with HIV/AIDS use some form of traditional or complementary treatment for various symptoms and conditions. In South Africa, the Medical Research Council is conducting studies on the plant Sutherlandia microphyllas efficacy in treating AIDS patients. Traditionally used as a tonic, this plant may increase energy, appetite and body mass in people living with HIV. The Chinese herbal remedy Artemisia annua, used for almost 2000 years, has recently been found to be effective against resistant malaria and could give hope of preventing many of the 800 000 deaths among children from severe malaria each year. The WHO TM/CAM strategy aims to assist countries to: - develop national policies on the evaluation and regulation of TM/CAM practices; - create a stronger evidence base on the safety, efficacy and quality of the TM/CAM products and practices; - ensure availability and affordability of TM/CAM, including essential herbal medicines; - promote therapeutically sound use of TM/CAM by providers and consumers.

10 Most Popular Alternative Medicine Treatments For those suffering from debilitating pain or a condition doctors can't seem to treat, alternative medicine may offer some form of relief or simply help patients deal with life-changing health problems. Even healthy people may participate in practices like yoga, homeopathy or acupuncture to try to manage their health more holistically or avoid the chemicals used in standard drugs. Nearly four out of 10 adults in the U.S. use some form of complementary or alternative medicine (also called CAM). Most of them rely on alternative care, holistic treatments and mind/body practices to supplement, not replace, traditional Western care and established medical treatment programs. Before you engage in any form of alternative medical care, remember that conventional medicine normally is held to high standards of proven effectiveness and safety. Just because something is natural or holistic doesn't mean it can't damage your health or well-being. Talk to your doctor to determine the best way to add these 10 alternative medicine treatments into your wellness plan. 1: Acupuncture Acupuncture dates back thousands of years in China and other Asian nations, but it's only more recently gained ground as an established medical practice in other parts of the world. Trained practitioners use small, thin needles to manipulate the body's natural energy flow, or qi (also chi, pronounced "chee"). By inserting these needles into more than 400 specific points on the body, the acupuncturist can redirect qi to cure or prevent certain medical conditions. If you'd prefer your qi balanced without the needles, try acupressure, which relies on massage or pressure instead of penetration [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Today, more than 3 million people in the U.S. use acupuncture, and many well-known medical organizations recognize this practice to treat some conditions. The World Health Organization supports the use of acupuncture for treating more than 28 medical conditions, including pain, respiratory and digestive disorders. Mayo Clinic also recommends acupuncture for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, nausea, back pain or headaches [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Most acupuncture proponents recommend balancing acupuncture and traditional Western medicine to enjoy the most complete medical care possible. It's also important to recognize the limitations of acupuncture, and to understand that not all conditions can be treated successfully with this type of alternative medicine. 2: Herbal Medicine

cholesterol, and ginseng provides important benefits for heart patients and those suffering from depression [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Thousands of other herbal supplements may also provide some benefits, but results are less established for most. Despite the lack of clinical evidence for some herbal remedies, natural supplements remain the most widely used alternative treatment in the U.S. [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. This widespread use doesn't necessarily mean these supplements are safe for consumption, however. Some contain dangerous toxins, such as lead or mercury, and others may interact with your current medications. A number of herbal remedies are downright dangerous, and pose serious risk of heart attack, stroke or even death. Talk to your doctor before trying any new health product, and look for supplements backed by reputable scientific research, not gimmicky marketing spiels or testimonials. 3: Spinal Manipulation Chiropractors align bones, joints, muscles and the spine to improve health and relieve pain. Well-established scientific studies support the use of spinal manipulation to treat back and neck pain, but no evidence exists to show that this practice can effectively treat headaches, asthma or other conditions. For a more holistic approach, consider osteopathic spinal manipulation. Doctors in this field combine traditional chiropractic techniques with homeopathic techniques to treat the whole body. Despite little evidence to support this field of medicine, some patients find it a fitting method of care. Although spinal manipulation is generally safe, it can't replace regular medical care for the vast majority of patients. It also poses a serious risk for stroke patients, or those with artery and nerve-related damage. Some doctors even warn that choosing spinal manipulation for pain could cause patients to miss signs of serious diseases, such as cancer [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Before you visit a chiropractor, consult your family practitioner to learn more about this type of treatment and how it could affect your health. CAM or sham? Some forms of complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, provide real health benefits but others don't. With so many choices out there, how do you distinguish between what's real and what's not? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers some basic advice. Stick with trained and licensed practitioners, let your regular doctor know about your plans and consult consumer protection sites to learn how to avoid scams 4: Meditation

Many of the vitamins and nutritional supplements you take each day have their roots in ancient Chinese medicine or other alternative medical treatments. Although most supplements remain unregulated in the U.S., some well-established scientific studies support the use of many popular herbal remedies. For example, fish oil is proven to reduce your risk of heart disease, and may also help treat arthritis and depression [source: National Institutes of Health]. Garlic may reduce your risk of cancer or heart disease and help lower

More than 10 percent of the U.S. population has tried meditation at some point in their lives, making it one of the most widely practiced forms of alternative medicine [source: National Institutes of Health]. During meditation, patients focus on slow, even breathing and keeping the mind clear of distraction. Some also use a trigger word or idea to help them ease into this practice, while others may even incorporate prayer or spiritual teachings. For the majority of

practitioners, meditation provides a free, personalized and versatile method of stress relief that can be performed virtually anywhere and at anytime. For others, this practice may also have far-reaching health effects. And it seems there's a growing body of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. According to the National Institutes of Health, meditation may improve focus and relieve the effects of attention-deficit disorder. Studies also show an improvement in asthma, pain and high blood pressure symptoms among those who meditate regularly. Because of its ability to reduce stress levels, meditation may also relieve depression, insomnia and anxiety while lowering long-term risk for disease [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Patients often combine meditation with yoga or Tai Chi to enjoy additional physical and mental health benefits. The Power of Prayer Some religious or spiritual individuals swear by the power of prayer and devotion to heal the sick. However, even though some anecdotal evidence shows that prayer may improve a cancer prognosis or boost the immune system, little scientific evidence exists to support these claims. Of course, there's little risk in incorporating your religious beliefs into your treatment but don't use those beliefs to replace proven medical methods 5: Massage Massage has become a mainstream part of the modern lifestyle, but few recognize it as a legitimate medical treatment. During a massage, therapists manipulate muscles to ease pain and tension, but some types of massage may also help improve a variety of other health conditions. Perhaps most promising is a University of Miami study showing improved immune function in HIV patients after massage therapy [source: National Institutes of Health]. Certain types of massage also ease cancer treatment symptoms and help reduce the severe pain of fibromyalgia [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. For professional athletes and weekend warriors, sports massage eases muscle soreness, speeds recovery and may even improve performance. Few medical professionals associate massage with any serious health risks, although a massage that's too intense may cause pain or discomfort. Talk to your doctor before you add massage to your wellness plan, and of course, don't attempt to replace more wellestablished treatments with this alternative medical practice. 6: Ayurveda People in India have relied on the ancient practice of Ayurveda for thousands of years to prevent and treat illness. Ayurvedic practitioners use herbs, diet, breathing, massage and meditation to treat the whole self and restore balance in the body. They focus on maintaining a healthy prana, or life energy, which shares many characteristics with the qi of Chinese medicine. A poorly managed prana is believed to cause illness, and this illness can only be treated by realigning the mind, body and spirit to rebalance the prana. For the most part, Ayurveda remains a relatively safe practice, and shows promise as a way to boost memory and focus [source: Mayo

Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. However, practitioners should be aware that no scientific evidence exists to support most health claims associated with Ayurveda, and some supplements used in this practice can be dangerous [source: University of Minnesota]. The FDA warns of heavy metal content in some herbal remedies, and other natural supplements can interfere with medications used to treat blood pressure or other conditions. Before you undergo Ayurvedic treatment, consult a licensed physician to learn more about the associated health risks. 7: Guided Imagery Visualization, or guided imagery, is a practice that's gaining ground for cancer patients, stroke victims and those who suffer from anxiety and stress. Doctors direct patients to focus on a specific image or concept to improve the connection between the mind and body. In medical studies, brain scans of patients who follow this practice show that visualizing an activity promotes the same brain activity as actually performing the activity. This provides strong evidence for using guided imagery to help stroke patients relearn basic actions, or to treat patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers also hope that visualization techniques can make the cancer treatment process easier for patients and help address a number of psychological and stress-related conditions 8: Yoga If you've ever stretched and relaxed your muscles in a yoga class at the gym or a local yoga studio, you may have noticed an improvement in your flexibility and circulation. But did you know yoga also provides some serious health benefits? Studies show that regular yoga practice reduces stress, eases depression and helps control high blood pressure and diabetes symptoms [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. It also helps to reduce inflammation, which can improve asthma symptoms, ease back pain and even keep your heart healthier over time [source: Ohio State University]. Unlike traditional medical care, yoga comes with a low price tag and poses few risks, making it accessible to a wide variety of people. More than 7 percent of people in the U.S. practice yoga, and people around the world have enjoyed this traditional treatment for thousands of years [source: Harvard Medical School]. Yoga classes combine physical postures and gentle stretching with relaxed breathing and meditation, helping to unite the mind, body and spirit for maximum health. Of course, even with its many benefits, yoga can't replace your family doctor. Instead, try different types of yoga to complement your regular medical care plan, and ask your instructor about the best classes for your specific wellness concerns. 9: Hypnosis Hypnotists guide a patient to an altered state of consciousness, then make subtle suggestions to help the patient improve his health and well-being. Hypnosis has long been used to help patients stop smoking, lose weight and treat insomnia [source: University of Minnesota]. Hypnosis also shows promise for stress relief, pain management, headaches, dental pain and childbirth. Although

scientists know little about how hypnosis works, studies have shown that hypnosis creates a biological reaction within the body, including stimulation of the nervous system [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. One caveat to keep in mind is that studies suggest it doesn't work for everyone. Some practitioners believe that patients with an open mind toward the treatment experience more measurable results, and others feel there's simply no way to know if hypnosis will affect you or not [source: Oregon Health and Science University]. Magnets as medicine? Don't be fooled by products that claim to treat illness with magnets or magnetic therapy. Some studies suggest a link between magnets and arthritis or pain relief, but these studies are based on electromagnetic principles. There is no evidence to show that a simple static magnet will have any impact on your health at all, despite the claims of product manufacturers 10. Homeopathy If ingesting a small amount of a substance can produce a range of symptoms in a healthy person, could that same substance also be used to treat those symptoms in someone suffering from an illness? Practitioners of homeopathic medicine think so, and nearly 2 percent of the U.S. population relies on this traditional method of health care to treat and prevent disease [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine]. Developed in Germany more than two centuries ago, homeopathy is based on the idea that "like cures like," meaning that the substances that make you ill can also help you stay well. Homeopathic practitioners analyze patients as individuals, and then prescribe a variety of pills to bring the body into balance and get rid of disease. Doses are infinitively small, and include many herbal and plant-based remedies as well as yoga, meditation and other traditional practices. These tiny doses pose one of the biggest problems for researchers when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment. Not only is it difficult to measure and observe such a small dose, but the individualized treatments used in homeopathy make it hard to generate meaningful statistics. Anecdotal evidence suggests that homeopathy may help treat diarrhea, allergies, asthma and vertigo, but little scientific evidence exists to support these claims Proper use of TM/CAM by consumers In view of the benefits and risks of TM/CAM therapies, efforts to ensure proper use of TM/CAM need to involve a wide range of stakeholders including consumers, governments, health authorities, NGOs, professional and consumer organizations, and TM/CAM researchers. Proper use of TM/CAM by consumers is a relative term that is influenced by the local culture and context (see section 2.1) and primarily dependent on the individuals knowledge and ability to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of TM/CAM use.

The following is a checklist of basic questions which may be used by consumers to help facilitate proper use of TM/CAM. Is the therapy suitable for treating the condition? Does the therapy have the potential to prevent, alleviate and/or cure symptoms or in other ways contribute to improved health and wellbeing? Is the therapy or herbal medicines provided by a qualified (preferably registered and certified) TM/CAM or health care practitioner with adequate training background, good skills and knowledge? Are the herbal medicinal products or materials of assured quality and what are the contraindications and precautions? Are the therapies or herbal medicinal products available at a competitive price?