Traditional Medicine in the Western Pacific

Traditional medicine is a deeply rooted aspect of healthcare in the Western Pacific Region (WPRO), which includes China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Pacific Islands. The region is home to several well-established systems, most notably Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Kampo from Japan, and Korean Medicine. While these systems are distinct in their approaches, they share a holistic focus on maintaining balance and harmony within the body, integrating herbal medicine, acupuncture, manual therapies, and dietary regulation to promote health and well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has over 2,000 years of history, emphasizing the balance of Qi and the interaction of Yin and Yang with the Five Elements. TCM treatments such as acupuncture, herbal formulas, and Tai Chi are used for a wide range of conditions. Kampo medicine in Japan, though originally influenced by TCM, has evolved into a unique system that tailors herbal treatments to individual constitutions and is fully integrated into Japan’s healthcare system. Likewise, Korean Medicine has long focused on harmonizing the body’s energy, using therapies like herbal remedies, acupuncture, and moxibustion to treat various health issues. Each of these systems is supported by formal education, research, and healthcare policies within their respective countries.

In addition to these codified systems, Vietnamese Traditional Medicine (Y học cổ truyền) and Indigenous practices from the Pacific Islands also play significant roles in regional healthcare. Vietnamese Traditional Medicine blends elements of TCM with local herbal and spiritual practices, widely used in both public and private healthcare. In the Pacific Islands, traditional healers rely on local plants and spiritual rituals closely connected to their environment to address community health concerns. These non-codified systems are vital to the well-being of Indigenous communities, reflecting the cultural and ecological diversity of the region. To ensure the sustainability of these systems, conservation of the region’s biodiversity, essential for many herbal remedies, is critical. Collaborative efforts between traditional and conventional healthcare can further strengthen healthcare systems in the Western Pacific, fostering mutual respect and creating inclusive models that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and modern needs.