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Why are T and CM used over pharmaceuticals?

Many use traditional and contemporary medicine due to the affordability it offers. Some people only have access to the traditional medicine. Not to mention, it has been used for generations with many people, resulting in others trusting its effects believing that its results are true. They are trusted by a community of people who like the fact that it is cheaper and more like a treatment for life than a business opportunity.

Benefits of T and CM

It offers many benefits such as the cost which saves people plenty of money. Some therapies that are pharmaceutical cost more than 3 times of the cost of a traditional therapy. But the traditional therapy seems to yield the exact if not better results. And this is for such a smaller price. Many also have lower rates of entering the hospital and intaking drugs.

Some T and Cm that my family uses are herbal oils for sore throats and coughs, in which we rub it around the throat to sooth the cough.

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Question #1: What are the benefits of T&CM?

Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) offers a holistic approach to health by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit, often using natural remedies with fewer side effects than conventional medicine. It emphasizes prevention through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and stress management, promoting long-term well-being. Many T&CM practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic care, are effective for managing chronic pain and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, treatments are often personalized to suit individual needs, making them a valuable complement to conventional medical approaches.

Question #2: What are the cons of T&CM?

Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) has drawbacks, including a lack of rigorous scientific evidence for some treatments, making their effectiveness uncertain. Certain herbal remedies and therapies may cause side effects or interact negatively with prescription medications. Additionally, relying solely on T&CM for serious conditions could delay essential medical treatment, potentially worsening health outcomes. Regulatory oversight also varies, leading to inconsistencies in quality and safety across different practices and products.

My family uses a mixture of spices and herbs to clear soar throats and to strengthen the immunity system. We also drink water mixed with turmeric and salt whenever we have a cough or a cold.

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Traditional & Contemporary Medicine (T&CM) is used around the world and valued by many cultures over pharmaceuticals for multitudes of reasons. The main reason for this is access - herbal medicine, traditional treatments, and traditional practitioners are the main source of healthcare for many people around the world, especially in rural areas, and can sometimes be the only type of care that is most accessible and/or affordable to them. Because of their low cost in comparison to the rising costs in modern healthcare and medicine, people look at T&CM as an affordable and culturally accepting alternative, and sometimes main factor.

A chart I found interesting was Figure 3 (Page 23) on T&CM was the university-level education that these providers have. Though 70% either have no education or did not wish to answer, there is 30% that do receive education and have structured curriculum on the subject. The WHO describes that various universities in many West African states include this curriculum for pharmacy and medical students.

In the Philippines, folk medicine products can be offered in its rural regions hand-in-hand with western medicine. My family doesn't use much folk medicine, but have friends that use candle waxes, massages, or sorcery linked to strong indigenous religious beliefs prior to Spanish colonization.

(https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/849/1163#)

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Q: Benefits of T&CM

A: The usage of T&CM has many benefits. To exemplify, using T&CM can save you money, as it is cost efficient and less expensive than other forms of medicine, such as a general practitioner. Additionally, this cost decrease is a result of fewer hospital visitis and drug perscriptions, as the medicine is very effective.

Q: What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

A: areas like Africa use TM because of it's availability since it is present in the ground and it is affordable. Moreover, in places like Singapore and South Korea, people stick with TM despite CM being well established because of the historical and influencial ties they have to it. Finally, in areas like Europe and North America, TM is used commonly in therapy.

Some T&CM that my culture uses include herbal remedies, massages, spiritual healing practices. These things are a part of a form of T&CM called "Curanderismo".

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

People may believe T&CM is an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, people find alternative medicine to improve their quality of life by protecting themselves of illnesses and diseases. Furthermore, they offer a wider range of medication for a universal accessibility of healthcare.

Benefits and Cons of T&CM

T&CM can offer a wider range of treatments and improve patient satisfaction. According to WHO, more parts of the world are fostering integration of T&CM because of the efficacy it has to ensuring people have access to care. However, there is not much research about the science behind these drugs thus risking the safety and quality of T&CM. Furthermore, the development and enforcement of policies and regulations pose a challenge because there is a difficulty in the range of integration.

My family uses herbal medications to aid in digestion and overall gut health. In addition, in Korean culture, acupuncture is a popular treatment option due to the combination of traditional and modern medication and the relief that results after an acupuncture session.

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Benefits of T&CM?

Some benefits is that it still remains accessible and is still a relevant part of medicine. Also, T&Cm focus on quality of life, disease prevention, and is used as a self-care practice. In addition, there is usually reduced side effects of T&CM versus other methods, and tends to reduce the need for pharmaceuticals, which can lower healthcare costs.

Describe one chart/table that you found interesting regarding the data collected.

One chart I found interesting was the “T&CM education at a university level.” Considering this is a medicinal practice, I would have expected more people to have some education. However, abut 70% had either no education at university level, or didn’t answer at all. This meant that only 30% had education at a university level, which was very intriguing to me.

A T&CM that my family uses is primarily tea. Even though I don’t like it, my parents usually use it for sore throats because they believe that it will soothe the throat and make me feel better. In the past, my parents also made me take certain vitamins to ensure I was getting the proper nutrients.

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1. Benefits of T&CM

Some benefits include cost-effectiveness, enhanced quality of life, and assistance in strengthening your body

2. Cons of T&CM

Some cons include it being an inconvenience to create, not being helpful during emergency situations, and the lack of standardization.

In my culture, we often use traditional medicine practices such as thuoc nam to relieve stubborn coughs and fevers. This consists of herbs used in South Vietnam.

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

Increased levels of chronic illness and rising healthcare costs have led many consumers to prefer T&CM. This is because T&CM practitioners like acupuncturists, chiropractors, and naturopaths can provide more individualized care that focuses on the patient.

Describe one chart or table that you found interesting regarding the data collected.

On page 41 of the document, Figure 7 explains the needs of Member States of WHO that center around T&CM. I noticed that most countries request ways to regulate and evaluate the safety of T&CM. This is interesting, since it reflects how one of the major concerns of T&CM is their effectiveness and safety.

*My mom uses oil rollers and diffusers to administer essential oil home remedies for bug bites and insomnia.

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Traditional and cultural medicine have many benefits, but they also have some cons. For example there is lack of scientific proof behind it to confirm the safety and effectiveness. As compared to the medication we normally take where we know the exact amounts and what they specifically are for. With this might come safety risks as dosages can be tricky. Taking too much of something, anything really, can be dangerous. From this there can also be delays and it might be tricky to solely rely on it for effective medical treatment. Even if it has been used for generations, there isn't much research behind it, so only using it might not give the desired results. Last but not least there is limited access.

Several benefits are offered in making them more valuable to healthcare. For example it focuses on treating the whole body rather than just the symptoms. This promotes well-being in taking care of the mind, body, and spirit. It is also more affordable than modern medications in its natural sense. Last but not least it can work alongside other treatments - helping with the recovery more efficiently.

Personally my family doesn't use any cultural medicine and relies on modern medications. I guess the most natural thing I use is tea to help the throat and stomach - especially chamomile tea.

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-Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

I believe the answer's in the name. Traditional medicine is passed down: parents "treating" their kids with homemade remedies that may actually work or the placebo effect could aid recovery.

-Cons of T&CM

Cons come when T&CM proves ineffective, or in some cases, worsens problems. This could be exceptionally bad if this worsening happens over an extended period before legitimate, professional care is sought.

-Include some info about a T&CM that your family or culture uses.

Some T&CM that my family and culture use are herbs, oils, teas, brews, acupuncture, the list goes on. There are beliefs that certain foods and activities cause "heat" or disruption in chi/qi, that cause ailments (and vice versa: having something means imbalance), and that other foods and activities can cure and correct said chi/qi, relieving said ailments.

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Question 1: T&CM are often used over pharmaceuticals because they are traditional and have preexisted modern medicine by many many years. Many countries and people have their own familial/personal methods and practices of T&CM that have been apart of their culture, family, and history. So a big reason many people may prefer or use T&CM more often than modern pharmaceuticals is simply because they trust the T&CM that's been with them longer much more than other modern medicine.

Question 5: On page 35 of the document there is a pie chart that represents the amount of T&CM clinics/practices that have regulations on T&CM practitioners from a global market survey. The graph represents the big concern in the T&CM industry because of the lack of regulation in, according to the graph, 43.5% of practitioners around the globe.

T&CM from my family: We don't use many types of T&CM, that I know of at least, but we do buy and drink medicinal tea pretty often, and also include a variety of herbs in different dishes, both for flavor and the properties they provide.

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1. Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T&CM are often used over pharmaceuticals because they are seen as more natural having less side effects, address a broader range of symptoms by taking a holistic approach to health, and focus on individual rather than just the disease.

2. What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

T&CM utilized across the world, especially in areas where cultural and historical practices are deeply embedded in healthcare systems. Even though T&CM is used all around the world, it is seen a lot in asian culture.

My family uses many different remedies to help with scars and sickness. For example, we use turmeric over cuts and scrapes and gargle salt water whenever we have sore throats or big coughs.

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Question #1: Benefits of T&CM

a. T&CM is important for expanding healthcare access, especially to communities that may struggle with accessibility to medicines. T&CM incorporates traditional medicine practices with more modern practices. Because of this, it allows us to encourage overall well-being by providing ways to take care of your physical and mental health.

Question #2: Cons of T&CM

a. T&CM can have some cons as it lacks common standard regulations as well as scientific evidence, which can lead to safety concerns in treatment. Also, T&CM can be challenging as there aren't clear rules, resulting in possible lack of training within practitioners and problems with the use of regular medicine as well.

A traditional medicine practice that is common in my culture is herbal medicated oils that is use to soothe headaches, stomaches, and etc. This is often used as a way to help reduce people's symptoms as they place the herbal oil on the part of the body that is affected.

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Ques 2: Countries that utilize T&CM as one of their primary sources of healthcare often have limited access to conventional medicine-based health services. This would include developing countries such as Africa and given that TM in these places are more affordable, it is more often used. In addition, there are many cultural and historical influences for the use of TM such as in Singapore and the Republic of Korea where respective populations remain using TM.

Ques 3: A primary benefit that people prefer for T&CM are cost savings as exemplified when a study showed that a manual therapy group improved faster than physiotherapy. Manual therapy is much cheaper and overall, fewer hospital stays and fewer prescription drugs resulted in lower costs.

Within my family, we use herbal oils that are rubbed or sniffed to address various symptoms. For instance, if I had a stomach ache, my grandma would rub the oil on my stomach.

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What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

Africa, developing countries, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea utilize T&CM more. 76% and 86% of the respective populations (Korea and Singapore) still commonly use TM. The use of T&CM as a complementary therapy is common in developed countries where the health system structure is well developed, e.g. North America and many European countries

Pros of T&CM

T&CM is more affordable than other options. However manual therapy is more effective and less costly for treating neck pain than physiotherapy or a practitioner. Patients whose practitioner has additional complementary and alternative medicine training have lower healthcare costs and mortality rates than those who do not.

In my culture, they use folk medicine which refers to traditional healing practices anchored in cultural beliefs of body physiology. This study utilized a phenomenological approach to compare the lived experiences of health-seeking individuals. In the Philippines, folk medicine is an organized body of traditional practices and beliefs that mirrors the country's indigenous culture. Filipinos find the most exotic products and services one could ever be interested in such as magic candles, pickled snakes, jarred scorpions, amulets, and others.

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Cons of T&CM

A potential negative/con when using T&CM includes that they can be of poor quality, adulterated, or counterfeit products. Additionally, they can have unwanted treatment interactions. For example, the process of acupuncture may be uncomfortable for the patient.

Describe one chart or table that you found interesting regarding the data collected.

A statistic I found was that 90% of hospitals in China provide a TM department and TM services. I found this interesting because I didn't know that TM was professionally relied on in other parts of the world. I wonder what the percentage is for the US.

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Question: Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T&CM are used over pharmaceuticals, because they're more affordable. T&CM is trusted in lots of families because they have been used for generations. It's culturally accepted by a large community of many people. T&CM products and practices from one region are used throughout the world globally.

Question: Benefits of T&CM

T&CM is available in a safe, respectful, cost-efficient, and effective manner. There are lower rates of entering hospitals. TM has proven characteristics of quality, safety, and efficacy, contributes to the goal

of ensuring that all people have access to healthcare. The affordability of most traditional medicines also makes them more popular to consumers, considering the rising cost of healthcare in today's society.

A T&CM practice in my family is rubbing tiger balm on our backs to relieve muscle pain. To clear acne or dark spots on the skin, we rub a homemade turmeric mixture on the face.

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T&CM are used over pharmaceuticals because they are much more accessible in certain areas, and are also very affordable. In some places, people only have access to traditional and contemporary medicine instead of modern medicine. They are also widely accepted culturally and trusted by many people worldwide. Rather than the modern medicine used by the healthcare system, certain communities believe that traditional and contemporary medicine works better for them.

What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

Areas around Asia, such as the southeastern countries utilize T&CM more than other areas.

My family doesn't use much traditional or contemporary medicine, but we drink green tea when we are not feeling well or when we are sick.

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Benefits of T&CM:

T&CM offers several benefits as it includes traditional and complementary medicines. It provides symptom relief for multiple conditions, and there are multiple strengths and time lengths for each medicine. The prices of T&CM are also much lower than therapies that may cost up to 3 times the cost of medicine.

Cons of T&CM:

The cons may include harmful side effects and drug interactions, as well as the low amount of information regarding the limit and risks that come with T&CM. There's also a lack of quality control when it comes to herbal remedies, and T&CM generally don't have much scientific proof to guarantee that safety is secured.

A traditional medicine would be herbal oils and such that are applied topically in order to cure stomach aches or swelling.

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Shayla Dinh - Cons of T&CM, Benefits of T&CM

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Shayla Dinh - Cons of T&CM, Benefits of T&CM

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1. Some cons of T&CM are safety concerns, a lack of scientific evidence to back up anything, and inconsistent treatment protocols. First, some herbal products used in T&CM have been found to contain undeclared ingredients, such as heavy pesticides and drugs. Additionally, T&CM diagnostic methods aren't as accurate as if they were done by machines. This is because the diagnostic tests are mainly just looking, smelling, asking, and feeling. Lastly, they also have very limited scientific evidence, and studies are often affected by small sample sizes.

2. However, there are many pros to using T&CM instead of Western medicines. Firstly, T&CM are very cost-effective, especially for managing chronic illnesses. Furthermore, users of T&CM often report high satisfaction levels when T&CM is integrated into their treatment plans. Lastly, T&CM is thought to improve stress levels and anxiety.

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Benefits of T&CM: T&CM services are significantly less expensive than traditional treatments like physiotherapy or general practitioner care. The study also shows that manual therapy costs about 1/3 of the other treatments while also leading to faster improvement.

Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals: T&CM are used over pharmaceuticals for many reasons. Some places use T&CM because they have limited access to conventional medicine. Developing countries like Africa lack access to conventional medicine, and traditional medicine is more affordable and available for them. Another reason why people use T&CM over pharmaceuticals is because of tradition. Places like Singapore and South Korea have well-developed healthcare systems but still use T&CM because of their culture and traditions.

Some T&CM that my family uses are eating hot soups when someone is sick.

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1.) T&CM are used over pharmaceuticals because of how affordable and accessible they are for cultures who widely use them. Also, it's more culturally accepted and trusted by these people.

2.) Some cons of T&CMs include the lack of quality control and subjective diagnosis, which will cause variations and inconsistencies in the production. Also, there's not a lot of scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.

*When a member of my family has a minor cough or cold, they will eat ginseng gum or drink ginseng tea. Gingseng has been used in Asian medicine for centuries and is believed to have many health benefits, e.g. regulating blood sugar, reducing fatigue, improving cognitive function, boosting the immune system, etc.

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T&CM are used over pharmaceuticals due to limited access to conventional medicine-based health services in certain areas of the world. T&CM are also used due to cultural and historical significance to individuals.

What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

In Africa, there is a 1:500 ratio of traditional healers to the total population, while there is a 1:40000 ratio of medical doctors to the total population. Due to cultural and historical influences, people in Singapore and the Republic of Korea commonly use TM rather than the conventional healthcare system.

My family/culture:

My family, especially my dad's side of the family, uses Tiger Balm as a pain-relieving and circulation-stimulating ointment. Whenever either of us are sick, we usually put the ointment on our necks or our faces. My dad said this helps a lot with illnesses because it causes a warming sensation in parts of the body where it is applied.

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T & CM are often used over pharmaceuticals because they are seen as more natural and have fewer side effects. Many people prefer them due to cultural beliefs or personal preference for holistic approaches. They may also be considered more accessible or affordable than conventional drugs. Some believe they offer a gentler way to manage health conditions.

Cons of T&CM

T&CM can lack scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness. It may not be regulated, leading to inconsistent quality or safety. Some practices can interact negatively with conventional treatments. Misuse or self-diagnosis can delay proper medical care and worsen conditions.

A couple of examples of T&CM that my family uses would be herbs, more specifically cloves. It is said that cloves are beneficial when having a sore throat or a cough. The method in which we use them is to keep a clove on the inside of your mouth, against your cheek, and to let your saliva extract the substance from the herb (do not chew). Another T&CM my family uses is called zinda tilismath, which is a herbal medicine which treats common ailments. We often either drink a spoon of it with milk or put it in boiling, steaming water and inhale the steam to clear up any mucus in our noses.

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Q: Benefits of T&CM

T&CM helps people by using natural treatments that support the body and mind. Many cultures have used it for a long time, making it familiar and easy to access. Some treatments, like acupuncture or herbal medicine, can help prevent illness and manage pain.

Q: Cons of T&CM

Some traditional medicines are not always tested, so their safety is unclear. Herbal treatments can also mix badly with regular medicine, causing problems. People might wait too long to get medical help if they only use T&CM.

In my culture, we drink ginger tea to help with colds and stomach aches. It is made by boiling fresh ginger in water and adding honey. Many people believe it helps the body fight sickness and feel better.

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Q: Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

T&CM are sometimes used over pharmaceuticals because they are perceived to be have more quality, safety, and efficacy. Factors like cultural relevance and affordability are also factors that affect one's decision when choosing to take T&CM. T&CM are usually more accessible and are more familiar to families which are are why are used over pharmaceuticals.

Q: Benefits of T&CM.

Some other benefits of T&CM are that they lead to improved health outcomes, reduced side effects, and they save money. Compared to pharmaceuticals, they can have safer after affects and they can be more accessible since most of the ingredients are in the homes.

A T&CM my family uses is ginger lemon tea. When our throats would hurt or when we were sick, my mom would make this tea to sooth and clear our throats.

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Benefits of using T&CM

Opting for T&CM means potential cost saving on conventional medicines. Patients whose practitioner has additional complementary and alternative medicine training have lower health care costs and mortality rates than those who do not and reduced costs were the outcome of fewer hospital stays and fewer prescription drugs.

What areas or cultures utilize T&CM more?

TM is one of the primary sources of health care in countries and it is typical of these countries that the availability or accessibility of conventional medicine-based health is limited. TM in Africa is very widespread and more affordable. Countries such as Singapore and the Republic of Korea where the conventional health-care system is well established, still use TM due to the cultural and historical influences. TM is also used in North America and many European counties.

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The benefits of T&CM:

It can help with pain management, improve mental health and sleep, as well as the immune system. It is cost effective, and ca reduce healthcare costs. It helps with hormonal balance and fertility. It helps with arthritis, illnesses and migraines. It strengthens your body from within, and often is very soothing.

Where is it used:

It's used most in Asian and Latin countries like China, Japan, and other Latin American countries. However, the US is a major importer of these medicines. These medicines are more affordable, accessible, and a more natural approach for healing.

My family uses more western kinds of medicines, but we also use steam and teas when someone is sick. The steam clears their sinuses, and the tea warms their body. Although Ayurvedic practices orginated in India, it is not as commonly used, and my family uses homeopathy instead, since my mom studied it.

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Why are T&CM used over pharmaceuticals?

Some people may trust traditional medicine over pharmaceuticals because it is more culturally acceptable. Not only that but it could also be more affordable this way or maybe even the only option a family could have. Finally it could also be the closest thing to a person's home, a hospital can be far and have a long wait time while traditional medicine can be closer and faster for a person to do.

Cons of T&Cm

The cons of traditional medicine is that it may not be regulated and it differs so much from culture to culture and family to family. One person may not be as knowledgeable as another person and this can lead to disastrous results. There is also the chance that it could actually be harming you instead of helping you.

My family doesn't do too much tradtional medicines, we just stay in bed, eat soup, and drink a lot of water.

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Benefits of T&CM

T&CM medicines are beneficial to developing countries because they are readily affordable, and also addresses holistic patient care for incurable conditions. Research also showed that T&CM services may be more effective than pharmaceutical care, as the manual therapy group improved faster

than the physiotherapy and general practitioner care group.

Describe one chart or table that you found interesting regarding the data collected:

Figure 4 shows that the number of member states having T&CM research institutes increased significantly within less than a decade. This is interesting because it shows the demand for T&CM products and practitioners despite the obstacles in integrating T&CM into health systems.

For decades my family has used a specific mentholated oil with cao gío, a practice similar to the Chinese gua sha therapy. Recently, my dad has been using cupping therapy as well. My dad and my older relatives seem to prefer cultural practices over traditional medicine, keeping to what has been reliable and effective for them.