Title: Integrative Medicine, chronic disease and Tibb

Authors: Rashid A.H. Bhikha, Muhammed A. Haq, John P. Glynn

Addresses: Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb (Waqf), School of Natural Medicine, Univ. Western Cape, P.O. Box 43209, Industria West, 2042, 1137 Anvil Rd., Robertville, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa. ' Ibn Sina Institute of Tibb (Waqf), School of Natural Medicine, Univ. Western Cape, P.O. Box 43209, Industria West, 2042, 1137 Anvil Rd., Robertville, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa. ' PharmaCom, P.O. Box 98188, Sloane Park, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract: Integrative Medicine (IM) incorporates elements of complementary and conventional medicine into diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It focuses on health and healing by supporting the body|s innate healing abilities. The complementary arm of IM can resort to specific therapeutic techniques like acupuncture, or broadly adopt particular medical paradigms such as Homeopathy or Tibb. IM has a role to play in the treatment of acute disorders, mainly via the conventional arm of treatment, and chronic disorders, mainly via the complementary aspect. It should be considered for the increasingly prevalent diseases of lifestyle, and is an attractive healthcare paradigm for developing countries.

Keywords: integrative medicine; complementary medicine; conventional medicine; lifestyle diseases; Tibb; application; healthcare; developing countries; chronic disease.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2008.018560

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2008 Vol.5 No.2, pp.161 - 176

Published online: 30 May 2008 *

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