The need for harmonization of traditional and modern

Increased cross–cultural communication has resulted in the
exposure of many indigenous forms of traditional medicine to new,
more modern, medical environments. Various responses may and
have occurred to the presence of differing approaches to health care.
These range from complete rejection of TM by modern medical
practitioners and of modern medicine by TM practitioners, to a
parallel existence with little communication over patient care, or to
ultimately forced understanding, subsuming and integration of one
model by the other. None of these approaches is ideal precisely
because none confers adequate respect on the practices of the other.
This results in a weak utilization and exploration of the benefits
presented by each model.
Harmonization of traditional and modern medicine emphasizes
the importance of respectful co–existence. Within the model of
harmonization, there is the requirement to develop and hold a good
understanding of the other approaches to health care. Modern
medicine practitioners and researchers are required to achieve
adequate education and awareness of the practice, principles and
context of traditional medicine. Similarly, TM practitioners need to
be significantly more aware of the nature of practice and strengths
of modern medical approaches. The purpose of this broader
education base is not simply to yield a better understanding of
differing practices, but primarily to promote the best care for patients
by intelligently selecting the most facilitating route to health and
wellness.
18
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MEDICINE: HARMONIZING THE TWO APPROACHES
Surveys and other sources of evidence indicate that traditional
medical practices are frequently utilized in the management of chronic
diseases.7 It is particularly for this category of illness that TM has
developed a reputation. It is also in this area of treatment that modern
medicine is considered the weaker. An approach to harmonizing
activities between modern and traditional medicine will promote a
clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and
encourage the provision of the best therapeutic option for patients.
The alternative to this is poor health care practice and bad medicine,
most especially as the quantifiable scientific evidence of effective
TM practices mounts.
Collecting evidence based on research is, therefore, regarded
an essential step, although, of course, much more is involved in
harmonization.