Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH)

Learn how Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health puts you at the center of your healthcare. Explore the benefits of personalized, holistic well-being.

Is Your Approach to Health Missing Something Essential?

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your approach to health? What if true well-being meant caring for not just your body, but also your mind and spirit? In a world where the healthcare system is rapidly evolving, many of us are seeking a more holistic approach to well-being. It's understandable that navigating the world of health can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to seek a treatment that resonates with you. Perhaps you've explored various treatments, yet still feel a piece of the puzzle is missing. But what if we considered the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and spiritual selves? Embracing this perspective can unlock a deeper understanding of our health and pave the way for more effective and personalized care.

What is TCIH?

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) encompasses a spectrum of healthcare practices that extend beyond conventional Western medicine. It integrates traditional medicine (TM), complementary medicine (CM), and integrative medicine (IM) to provide holistic and personalized care.

According to the official website of The People's Declaration for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare, TCIH can be defined as “a broad, welcoming umbrella that shelters a variety of approaches to wellness. It acknowledges that healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey and that different paths can lead to greater well-being”[1]. This inclusive definition highlights the core principle of TCIH: recognizing the diversity of healing traditions and the importance of personalized care.

TCIH exists alongside Conventional medicine and is defined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as “a system in which health professionals who hold an M.D. or D.O. degree treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery[2]". 

Why TCIH?

The increasing interest and utilization of Traditional Complementary and Integrative Health (TCIH) approaches stem from a confluence of factors, reflecting a shift towards more holistic and patient-centered healthcare. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:

  • Holistic Approach: TCIH emphasizes treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms or diseases. This resonates with many individuals seeking a more comprehensive approach to their well-being.
  • Patient-Centered Care: TCIH often involves a collaborative approach between the practitioner and the patient, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health. This aligns with the growing demand for personalized healthcare.
  • Addressing Chronic Conditions: Many chronic conditions, such as chronic pain, stress, and fatigue, may not be fully addressed by conventional medicine alone. TCIH approaches, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and mindfulness, can offer valuable support in managing these conditions.
  • Preventive Care: TCIH often emphasizes preventive measures, such as healthy lifestyle practices, stress reduction, and nutritional support, which can contribute to long-term health and well-being.
  • Integration with Conventional Medicine: Increasingly, the potential benefits of integrating TCIH approaches with conventional medical treatments are recognised. This integrative approach aims to combine the best of both worlds, optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Growing Body of Evidence: While research on TCIH is ongoing, a growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of certain TCIH modalities for specific conditions.
  • Cultural and Personal Preferences: Many individuals are drawn to TCIH due to cultural traditions, personal beliefs, or a desire for natural and less invasive therapies.

In essence, TCIH represents a move towards a more comprehensive, patient-centered, and integrative approach to healthcare, addressing the diverse needs and preferences of individuals seeking optimal health and well-being.

History of TCIH

Traditional medicine has a rich history, with practices like Ayurveda in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) being utilized for thousands of years. Ayurveda emphasizes balancing life forces, or Doshas, to maintain health[3], while TCM focuses on the flow of vital energy, or Qi, through the body[4]. 

Complementary medicine gained prominence as individuals sought therapies to enhance conventional treatments, addressing aspects like stress relief and symptom management. Integrative medicine emerged more recently, combining conventional and alternative approaches to treat the whole person, considering lifestyle, environment, and genetics[5]. 

The history of TCIH is deeply rooted in ancient practices and has evolved significantly over time. Here's a look at some key aspects:

Ancient Origins:

Many TCIH modalities have origins in ancient traditional medicine systems. Examples include:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): With practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine, TCM has a history spanning thousands of years.
  • Ayurveda: Originating in India, Ayurveda is another ancient system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health.
  • Indigenous healing practices: Many native cultures around the world have their own traditional healing methods, like Daddirri from Australia, Kru Khmer from Cambodia and more.
Evolution of Terminology:
  • Historically, terms like "traditional medicine" and "complementary and alternative medicine" (CAM) were more common.
  • The shift towards "integrative health" reflects a move towards a more collaborative and evidence-based approach.
  • "TCIH" is a more modern term that is becoming more widely used to better define the field.
Collaborative Efforts:
  • The use of the term TCIH is also being driven by collaborative efforts among researchers, practitioners, and organizations involved in integrative health.
  • There are groups of researchers who are making research agendas that use the term TCIH. For example, the GIFTS-AMR Group, EUROCAM (European Committee for Homeopathy), Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), World Health Organization (WHO).
Evolution and Integration:
  • Over centuries, these traditional practices have spread and evolved, adapting to different cultures and contexts.
  • In recent decades, there's been a growing movement to integrate these practices with conventional Western medicine.
  • This integration aims to combine the benefits of both approaches, providing more comprehensive and patient-centered care.

There's a growing emphasis on evidence-based TCIH, with ongoing research to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these practices. In essence, the history of TCIH is a story of ancient wisdom meeting modern science, with a growing recognition of the value of holistic and patient-centered care.

Benefits of TCIH

Provided that appropriate professional guidance is followed, TCIH approaches are considered safe to utilize during the course of clinical treatment. TCIH offers numerous benefits, including[6]:

  • Better Patient Health & Satisfaction: Combining TCIH with standard treatments helps manage conditions like arthritis, COPD, and mental health disorders. Patients often experience fewer side effects and feel more satisfied with their care.
  • Lower Healthcare Costs: TCIH can reduce reliance on expensive medications, helping to cut healthcare costs, especially for long-term conditions.
  • Improved Quality of Life for Chronic Patients: Therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and aromatherapy can ease pain, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being for those with serious illnesses like cancer.
  • More Accessible Healthcare: Adding TCIH to national health systems can make healthcare more available and affordable, particularly in underserved communities.
  • Stronger Healthcare Systems: TCIH helps healthcare systems become more flexible and sustainable, improving responses to diseases and health crises.
  • Better Collaboration Between Healthcare Professionals: Encouraging teamwork between conventional doctors and TCIH practitioners can lead to better, more personalized care for patients.

Usage of TCIH

TCIH is beneficial for people of all ages and at different stages of life, whether they are managing chronic conditions, focusing on prevention, or exploring natural healing methods. It can support children with stress management, adults seeking balance in their busy lives, and seniors aiming to improve mobility and overall well-being. Expecting mothers can also use TCIH practices like prenatal yoga or acupuncture for a smoother pregnancy. Healthcare professionals across various disciplines are increasingly incorporating TCIH practices to provide more holistic care[7].

Today, TCIH encompasses a wide range of practices, including:

TCIH is Your Guide to Holistic Health

At its heart, TCIH embodies the Right to Health, as enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes health as part of the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 25)[8]. The Right to Health was again recognized as a human right in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Ensuring access to a diverse range of approaches, many of which are preventative and therefore, focusing on a lifetime of wellbeing rather than cure, is part of the story in guaranteeing this right globally[9].

Our well-being is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including our physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual health. The World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health, defining it as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”[10]. TCIH embraces this broader perspective, offering a range of modalities that address these interconnected dimensions of health.

SoulAdvisor is here to provide you with reliable, evidence-informed information about TCIH. We believe that knowledge is empowering, and we want to equip you with the tools you need to make informed decisions about your health. Whilst nomenclature for the many and varied approaches to healthcare is continually evolving, below we provide you with a basic understanding of the T, C  and I components of TCIH healthcare. 

Understanding Traditional Medicine (TM)

Traditional medicine (TM) represents a vast and diverse body of knowledge, skills, and practices that have been developed and refined over centuries. It's not merely a historical relic; it's a living, evolving system of healthcare deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of societies worldwide. As the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges, "Traditional medicine has a long history and is the total of the knowledge, skill, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences Indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness"[11].

For instance, Ayurveda, originating in India, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, with its roots traced back thousands of years. It emphasizes the balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to maintain health[3]. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its focus on Qi (vital energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang, has been practised for millennia, influencing healthcare across East Asia[4].

For instance, traditional medicine often focuses on achieving balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. This contrasts with the more reductionist approach of conventional Western medicine, which often targets specific symptoms or diseases. For example, the concept of Qi in TCM emphasizes the flow of vital energy through meridians, and acupuncture is used to restore this flow when it's disrupted.

Understanding Complementary Medicine (CM)

Complementary medicine (CM) is characterized by its use alongside conventional medical treatments. This key distinction sets it apart from traditional medicine, which can sometimes stand alone. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) emphasizes this point, stating that "complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine" [5]. It's crucial to understand that CM is not intended to replace your doctor's care; rather, it aims to enhance it.

Many people seek complementary medicine for various reasons. This includes stress relief, symptom management, and overall wellness enhancement. Many individuals find that CM practices help them cope with chronic conditions or manage the side effects of conventional treatments. There is a growing body of research that supports the effectiveness of some complementary therapies. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing certain types of pain[12].

Understanding Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine approach considers each individual's unique conditions, needs, and circumstances, fostering a holistic healing process that nurtures the entire person, not just isolated health issues. It can be seen not only as a category of medicine and wellness offering but also as a trend to bring and provide the full spectrum of healthcare options, from medical to traditional and complementary, to clients[7].
True health doesn’t happen in a void. Understanding the enveloping environment in which we are expecting a person to become well, and as a society, continuing to work on upgrading and restoring the surroundings of the presenting clients. Must be seen as part of the work. 
“We ensure the fundamentals of health are in place, such as clean air; clean water; good, healthy food; exercise; and stress reduction,” says Hobson. “It’s about meeting patients where they are to get them the care and screening they need.”  Dr Amy Hobson, Naturopathic physician[13].
A solid therapeutic relationship in which the presenting client is the centre of consideration is the emphasis, and this takes time as humans are complex. The movement towards person-centred treatment, within the cultural and economic context in which they are operating, is a fundamental consideration of Integrative Healthcare. 

How do I get started with TCIH approach?

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) offers a comprehensive approach to well-being by acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. By integrating diverse healing traditions and personalized care, TCIH serves as a guide to holistic health, empowering individuals to navigate their wellness journeys with confidence and support.

To make sure you gain the maximum benefits with peace of mind, when choosing the right approach, you can consider:

References

  1. Home. The People's Declaration for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare; 2025. 
  2. Ng JY, Dhawan T, Fajardo RG, Masood HA, Sunderji S, Wieland LS, et al. The brief history of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine terminology and the development and creation of an operational definition. Integrative Medicine Research; 2023. 
  3. Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 2025. 
  4. Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 2025. 
  5. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 2025.
  6. What are the benefits of integrating traditional and complementary medicine practices into conventional health care? Consensus; [cited on 2025 Mar 31].
  7. Home. The Academic Consortium; 2025. 
  8. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. OHCHR; 1948. 
  9. The Right to Health. OHCHR; 2008.
  10. Frequently asked questions. WHO; 2025.
  11. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. WHO; 2025.
  12. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 2025. 
  13. Traditional Medicine’s Integral Role in Global Health Care. Institute for Natural Medicine Staff; 2023.
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