Advancing Research on Traditional Whole Systems Medicine Approaches

Abstract

While the intention of Integrative Medicine (IM) is whole person medicine, it has for the most part remained driven by individual modalities. Like the practice of IM itself, IM research too has been driven primarily by studies on individual modalities. There are significant challenges to moving research on whole systems medicine forward, with funding being at the top of the list. Historically, NIH has not been receptive to supporting research on whole systems, preferring instead to support studies that are more individual modality driven so that mechanisms can be identified. Purely mechanistic research, however, assumes unidirectional causality and linear responses yet clinical responses to whole systems approaches are more often multidirectional and dynamically unpredictable. The concept of emergence is applicable here. Whole systems approaches suggest that by incorporating therapies into holistic treatment programs we not only treat symptoms but accomplish more by activating the body's inherent self-organizing healing mechanisms and treat the root cause of illnesses as well as associated symptoms. Given that interest in integrative therapies with the general public and medical community is steadily increasing, there is need for more research that explores intact whole systems approaches to elucidate the relevant system-wide effects and dynamic interactions related to these practices.

Myrcene and terpene regulation of TRPV1

“…Numerous countries have pluralized medical systems where these therapies are integrated to varying degrees with Western medical approaches [4], and they form significant components of medical care in economically disadvantaged countries by necessity [3,5]. The evidence base for efficacy of these complex mixtures of medicinal compounds ranges from historical and traditional knowledge, contemporary anecdotal and patient-reported outcomes (PRO), and some (often limited) testing using Western paradigms of randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies [6,7]. The general relegation of these pharmacopeias to the nutraceutical market in the West has led to the dominance of the debate around "medical" marijuana as the primary plant-based medicine currently under scrutiny in the US and other Western countries for its efficacy and safety [8][9][10][11].…”

Application of Ayurvedic Principles in Prevention and Management of Behavioural Problems in Children

“…Excluding prenatal and traumatic reasons, recurrent disappointment is common reason in all other causative factors. Brain is the main site of Mana when gets vitiated with Tridosha and Raja-tama obstruct the manovah strotas and creates different behavioral problems in children (20) .…”

What Is Our “Epistemic Responsibility”? Reflections on Social Work’s Orientation in Yoga Therapy Research

“…The authoritative biomedical infrastructure has led many yoga researchers to become more preoccupied with "standardizing care" and less with "individualized care," 34 an approach that seems incongruent with the integrative and holistic principles that guide yoga therapy 35 and social work. 6 Making yoga more "scientific" through evidence-based formulation has led researchers from various fields, including philosophy, 36 sociology, 37 medicine, 38 and yoga therapy, 35 to raise issues related to the standardization of mind-body practices. They argue that in efforts to standardize these practices, we end up with an inaccurate, fragmented, and reductionist view of treatment modalities that are meant to be holistic and comprehensive.…”