Moving abroad means navigating a new healthcare system and adapting to local treatment practices that often differ from those back home. Traditional medicine remains an integral part of healthcare worldwide, with 170 countries acknowledging its use, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Often called complementary or alternative medicine, traditional medicine includes practices rooted in cultural traditions aimed at maintaining health and treating both physical and mental illnesses. Common forms include acupuncture, Chinese medicine, herbal therapies, and Ayurveda. So, what is the role of traditional medicine in healthcare systems worldwide? Can expatriates rely on it safely? Let’s explore the answers.
Across the globe, different communities have developed their own approaches to maintaining health and treating illness. Here are some of the most widely practiced forms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that dates back thousands of years. It sees the body, mind, and environment as profoundly interconnected. Its holistic approach spans several disciplines, including acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and energy practices such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan.
In China, TCM operates alongside Western medicine within the public healthcare system. Practitioners typically complete specialized university training, and dedicated TCM hospitals are widespread across the country.
Ayurveda, which originated in India several millennia ago, takes a holistic view of health based on the idea that illness arises from imbalances in the life force energy, known as prana. It teaches that maintaining balance among the doshas—fundamental energies that govern the body—is essential for good health.
In practice, Ayurveda combines medicinal herbs, therapeutic massages, and personalized dietary plans. Across India, many hospitals specialize in Ayurvedic treatments, offering care to both local and international patients.
In Brazil, traditional healing practices are often led by curandeiros—healers or shamans, usually from indigenous communities. These traditions blend plant-based remedies with spiritual practices and often take precedence over Western medicine in remote regions, such as the Xingu Indigenous Park in the Amazon.
Another important tradition is Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion practiced in Brazil and neighboring countries. In Candomblé ceremonies, healing is intertwined with spirituality through dance, music, offerings to the Orixás (deities), and ritual practices.
Across Africa, traditional medicine relies heavily on the use of medicinal plants to treat a wide range of illnesses. It is estimated that around 80% of the continent’s population regularly turns to traditional healing practices. This widespread reliance is driven by cultural acceptance, accessibility, and the limited availability of conventional doctors and hospitals in many regions.
Traditional medicine has gained legal recognition in many countries and is formally integrated into the healthcare system.
For instance, traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is firmly established alongside Western medicine in China. Future practitioners pursue specialized university education and earn formal degrees. Hospitals in China often offer a blend of both approaches. Expatriates visiting a hospital may receive modern diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, while also experiencing traditional diagnostic methods like complexion analysis, tongue examination, and in-depth health interviews.
In India, Ayurveda is part of the public healthcare system through the Ministry of AYUSH. It is widely practiced nationwide, with dedicated Ayurvedic hospitals serving Indian nationals and foreign residents.
In Africa, traditional medicine remains the primary form of healthcare for around 80% of the population. Its affordability, accessibility, and strong cultural roots have maintained its popularity. While traditional and Western systems historically operated separately, new initiatives are working to integrate traditional practices into national healthcare policies.
While expatriates mostly rely on conventional healthcare, many also look for gentler or more natural solutions to support their well-being. Here are some key tips for using traditional medicine safely:
- Adopt a balanced perspective : avoid dismissing a practice simply because it is unfamiliar, but also refrain from embracing it uncritically.
- Research potential risks : "natural" does not always mean risk-free. Before starting any traditional therapy, investigate possible side effects and interactions with modern treatments.
- Think in terms of complementarity : traditional practices should complement—not replace—conventional treatments. They can enhance overall health when used alongside modern medicine.
- Verify practitioner credentials : seek recommendations from trusted locals or fellow expats, and ensure that practitioners are accredited or recognized by relevant authorities.
- Check your health insurance coverage : some insurance plans reimburse traditional treatments such as acupuncture. Verify your policy to understand your options.
Traditional medicine is far more than local folklore—it remains a vital part of many healthcare systems around the world. For expatriates, it offers a rich cultural experience, best approached with curiosity, respect, and careful discernment.
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