WHO launches new series on traditional and integrative medicine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a new series of working papers as part of its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. This initiative aims to document various practices of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) using scientific evidence, existing recognition frameworks, and expert opinions.

The first publication in the series, titled ‘Cupping therapy: descriptive synthesis of training’, focuses on training pathways, curricula, and certification arrangements, specifically within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The WHO clarified that this document is a descriptive scientific assessment based on a systematic scoping review and does not establish mandatory training standards or general recommendations for cupping therapy.

Future publications planned for 2026–2027 include studies on chiropractic, Siddha, Taijiquan, Nuad Thai, and training standards for TCM. This work follows the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM) in Jamnagar, India, which serves to recognize the diversity of global health systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and various African and Chinese traditional practices.