Latest news with #TCIM
Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Holistic approach to longevity in focus at first Al Shifaa Summit in Abu Dhabi
16 Apr 2025 01:32 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In an age of modern, tech-driven healthcare, there remains a significant place for traditional therapies that date back thousands of years. Many global experts are advocating the integration of holistic healing methods with conventional the first Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine — which is part of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 — healthcare leaders turned the spotlight on how traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) contributes to achieving longer, healthier lives. Speaking at the summit, Dr. Jennifer Stone, Co-Chair of the Indiana Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health at Indiana University School of Medicine, highlighted the success of this type of healthcare in the US, particularly in caring for the US, 'all the veterans have access to acupuncture, massage, health coaching, lifestyle medicine, biofeedback, mindfulness-based meditation practices', she said, explaining the US Veterans Affairs' 'Whole Health' initiative launched in 2013. 'Instead of focusing on the disease, it is focusing on the veteran themselves and what they need to give them a better, healthier lifestyle,' she told Aletihad . She advocated for blending integrative therapies with Western medicine as the ideal approach for global medicine is not new — just long overlooked, Dr. Stone stressed. 'Holistic medicine is the medicine that we all had 10,000, 100,000 years ago. Western medicine came in the last 200 years. They want to treat disease, but if you focus only on the disease, you are losing the whole person.'She advocated for blending integrative therapies with Western medicine as the ideal approach for global health. Beyond clinical care, education and support — such as music therapy — also help, the expert added. 'As humans age, we are in much more need of lifestyle medicine changes that benefit our health—it needs to be a part of our routine,' Dr. Stone said. Professor Myeong Soo Lee, Principal Researcher at Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, South Korea, also spoke to Aletihad about the session on the science behind integrative medicine. 'The key highlight is the discussion around bridging the gap between clinical evidence and actual practice,' he said. 'We shared knowledge from different countries to improve the quality of clinical practice in traditional medicine.'He detailed Korea's dual approach: 'One is investing in clinical practice guidelines that integrate traditional and conventional medicine. The second focuses on treatments not previously covered by national insurance — like non-manual therapy and customised herbal decoctions.'With their pilot programmes gaining ground, non-manual therapy is now covered by South Korea's national insurance, and customised herbal decoctions advancing steadily, the professor the essence of holistic medicine, he said: 'When someone has a problem, conventional doctors usually treat that one issue. But we explain the root cause, how to treat it, and how to prevent it in the future.'In Korea, 'the use of cupping, moxibustion, acupuncture, and herbal medicine carries a deep cross-cultural history,' Lee said, adding that today, AI and smartphones are already reshaping holistic care. Dr. Karim Ali, a top YouTube health expert, clinical toxicologist, family medicine specialist, and clinical nutritionist, highlighted that 'the world is currently moving towards treating the causes of diseases and preventing them before they occur'. 'Integrative medicine means preventing the occurrence of diseases. When diseases occur, we move towards complete healing. We do not just stop the symptoms that have appeared — the disease disappears completely,' Dr. Ali told Aletihad . The experts lauded how Abu Dhabi has created a prominent platform for integrative medicine.
Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week: Inaugural Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine in April
13 Apr 2025 13:05 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The inaugural Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine, a global platform dedicated to advancing Integrative Medicine (IM) and raising awareness of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) through evidence-based practices, policy-driven dialogue, and international collaboration, will officially take place from April 15-17, 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu summit is part of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, a major government initiative from Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) serving as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and immersive experiences, strategic discussions, and collaborative partnerships, the summit will bring together industry experts, policymakers, healthcare leaders, academics, researchers, innovators, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, shape regulations, and explore innovations that integrate TCIM and conventional medicine. It will feature the UAE's long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine while setting the agenda for governance, research, education, investment, and accessibility to safe and effective patient Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine marks a significant milestone in the UAE's journey towards providing patient-centered healthcare."Inspired by our nation's rich heritage of traditional medicine, we seek to bridge the gap between conventional and traditional medicine through international collaboration, research, and education, shaping a future where integrative medicine is not merely an alternative, but a fundamental pillar. We look forward to the invaluable contributions of our partners as we collectively strive to advance holistic, evidence-based healthcare solutions on Integrative Medicine.'The programme will commence with a keynote speech by His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, highlighting the importance of integrative medicine and setting the stage for transformative three-day summit will feature an engaging agenda of high-level panel discussions, interactive booths and cultural demonstrations, offering a comprehensive exploration of TCIM's role in conventional healthcare. It will also include a presentation by Dr Kim Sungchol, Head of the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Unit at the WHO (World Health Organisation), which will highlight global strategies for integrating TCIM into national healthcare panel discussions will highlight advancements in Integrative Medicine, including Regulatory Frameworks and Governance; Evidence-Based Practices; IM Research and Innovation; Workforce Development and Education, Consumer Trust and Awareness; Benefits of Lifestyle Changes, and the history of Traditional Medicine in the Knowledge Exchange Booths will serve as a collaborative space for industry and academic leaders to share best practices and showcase the latest advancements in Integrative Medicine. The four dedicated booths will focus on Workforce and Education, Research, Innovative Solutions, and Consumer and Practitioner Awareness. These booths will feature interactive displays, demonstrations of cutting-edge research, insights into global TCIM education pathways, and opportunities for networking with key stakeholders in the field. This curated exhibition offers a unique experience centred around an installation inspired by the falaj, highlighting medicinal flora that weaves through the space, taking visitors on a journey to explore traditional medicine, introducing local healers and showcasing the future vision of Integrative Medicine.
