Over 83% of Iranians Embrace Traditional Medicine: A Rising Health Trend
According to a recent survey, a significant majority of the population in Iran, specifically 83.8 percent, expresses interest in benefiting from traditional Iranian medicine. This information was shared by the director of the health ministry’s Persian medicine office, Nafiseh Hosseini-Yekta, highlighting a positive public attitude toward the practices of Persian traditional medicine.
Interestingly, despite the high interest level, only a small fraction—specifically 10 percent of the 83.8 percent—actually utilizes traditional medicine and supplements for their health issues. This statistic underscores a potential gap between awareness and application, which was addressed during the second national congress on Persian medicine held from November 12 to 14 in Tehran.
Key Insights from the National Congress on Persian Medicine
The congress has gathered experts from various domains, including:
- Persian medicine
- Traditional pharmacy
- The history of Iranian traditional medicine
The conference focuses on a range of topics essential to understanding and integrating traditional medicine into modern health practices, such as:
- Preventive medicine and lifestyle medicine
- Personalized and precision medicine
- Medicinal cuisine and nutrition
- Traditional, herbal, and natural medicines
- Rational drug prescription in Persian medicine
- Technological advancements and diagnostic tools
- Manual therapy techniques
- The concept of Persian medicine tourism
- History and evolution of Persian medicine
- Integrative and complementary medicine
The inaugural congress took place in May 2024, and its primary aim is to deepen the understanding of traditional medicine while fostering collaboration among specialists across various medical fields. A vital objective is to globalize Iranian medicine by presenting recent findings and innovations to international scientific communities.
Understanding Persian Traditional Medicine
Persian traditional medicine, much like other ancient medical systems, adopts a holistic approach to health. It emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors, including:
- Proper diet
- Moderate exercise
- Quality sleep
- Mental and emotional balance
As noted by Roshanak Ghods, an associate professor at Iran University of Medical Sciences, many treatments within Persian medicine aim to restore balance and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Ghods states, “The knowledge accumulated over centuries of practice and research provides clinical insights and therapeutic approaches complementary to modern medicine.”
She further emphasizes the importance of preserving this medical tradition, making it accessible for contemporary society. “We need evidence on the effectiveness and safety of traditional and complementary medicine based on appropriate research methods for personalized medicine,” Ghods adds.
Future Vision for Healthcare Integration
Ghods envisions a healthcare system that seamlessly integrates both traditional and conventional medicine, free from bias. “Our goal should be to deliver personalized, patient-centered care that caters to the individual’s mind, body, and spirit,” she remarks.
She calls upon policymakers to devise responsible strategies for integrating traditional and conventional medicine effectively. Ensuring that healthcare providers are well-versed in various treatment options and their potential interactions is crucial for this integration. “Our ultimate aim should be to establish a comprehensive healthcare system that prioritizes the patient’s needs and preferences, rather than advocating for one medical discipline over another,” Ghods concludes.
This congress represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between traditional Persian medicine and modern medical practices, emphasizing the need for collaboration and mutual respect among different medical traditions.
In conclusion, the growing interest in traditional Iranian medicine presents an opportunity for deeper exploration and integration of these ancient practices into contemporary healthcare frameworks. By fostering cooperation between traditional and modern medical fields, it is possible to enhance patient care and outcomes, ensuring that the wisdom of the past continues to inform the health practices of the future.
