Understanding the TCIM

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines (TCIM) are a group of medical systems and therapeutic methods, health practices and products that, in general, are not considered part of conventional medicine (Western or allopathic), although they have different origins and therapeutic proposals among them, they all share a complex, intercultural and comprehensive view of the health-disease process, which allows characterizing them as a broad contemporary field of knowledge construction, in constant evolution. They are also a useful and sustainable resource in various areas of health care, whose articulation and integration into health systems and services must be accompanied by the corresponding scientific evidence.

In this section you will find information related to the concepts, definitions, glossaries and evidence maps of the TCIM, as well as access to the WHO Standards for training in TCIM and lists of specialized journals. Likewise, the thematic structure of the TCIM that was created by the TCIM Americas Network and the Latin American and Caribbean Center for Health Sciences Information (BIREME) of PAHO-WHO. The macro categories, topics and subtopics of this thematic structure are indexed in the thesaurus of Health Sciences Descriptors, DeCS - Medical Subject Headings, MeSH, with which the database specialized in Health Models and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines (MOSAICO) of the Virtual Health Library (VHL) is structured, which includes technical-scientific, conventional and non-conventional documents produced or published in the countries of the Region of the Americas.

This section seeks the following objectives:

  • Facilitate access to the definitions and basic concepts of the TCIM; 
  • To produce evidence dossiers for each medical and therapeutic system of the TCIM group;
  • To produce and publish dossiers of evidence on the effectiveness of TCIM in specific clinical conditions;
  • Review and update the thematic structure of the TCIM for the development of databases; 
  • Review and adjust DeCS/MeSH terminology in the field of TCIM; 
  • Make the glossaries of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines (TCIM) of each country and of international organizations more visible; 
  • Provide access links to resources for professionals: WHO Benchmarks and online courses. 

The definitions constructed follow the order established by the Thematic Structure of the TCIM

 

Glossaries of MTCI developed by the countries of the region
Here you will find the glossaries in MTCI developed by the Ministries of Health of the region.

Information of each theme

Here you can find the concepts and definitions, dossiers of evidence and benchmarks of each medical system and MTCI therapy.

Acupuncture

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Benchmarks for Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine coverBenchmark MTChThis document comprises benchmarks for training in traditional Chinese medicine.

In 2003, a WHO resolution (WHA56.31) on traditional medicine urged Member States, where appropriate, to formulate and implement national policies and regulations on traditional and complementary and alternative medicine to support their proper use. In 2009, the resolution WHA62.13 further urged Member States to consider, where appropriate, inclusion of traditional medicine in their national health systems and establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine. This document as one of the series of benchmarks for training for selected types of TM/CAM care is part of the implementation of the WHO resolutions.The benchmarks for training describe models of training for trainees with different backgrounds, and reflect what the community of practitioners in osteopathy regards to be reasonable practice when training professionals to practice traditional Chinese medicine, taking into consideration that consumer protection and patient safety are core to professional practice. This document is intended to:

  • Support countries in establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine;
  • Assist practitioners in upgrading their knowledge and skills in collaboration with providers of conventional care;
  • Facilitate better communication between providers of conventional and traditional care, as well as other health professionals, medical students and relevant researchers, through appropriate training programmes;
  • Support integration of traditional medicine into the national health system.
  Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture

cover Guidelines for acupunctureThis document comprises guidelines on basic training and safety in acupuncture.

The guidelines on basic training cover basic requirements for training non-physician acupuncturists and physicians wishing to use acupuncture in their clinical work and include a core syllabus. These are intended to assist national health authorities in setting standards and establishing official examinations as well as medical schools and institutions wishing to arrange training programmes.

The guidelines on safety in acupuncture are intended for hospitals, clinics, and practitioners and provide standards for safety in the clinical practice of acupuncture.

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Homeopathy

Definiciones de homeopatia según agremiaciones de homeopatas, normativdad de algunos paises

SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE MEDICINA HOMEOPATICA - SEMH

  • Definición de Homeopatía y concepto de Similitud

El concepto de homeopatía fue desarrollado por Samuel Christian Hahnemann en 1808, médico y químico alemán. El término homeopatía proviene del griego hómeos (similar) y páthos (enfermedad).

La definición aceptada en la actualidad sería “técnica terapéutica basada en una observación clínica completa y rigurosa que conduce a la prescripción de medicamentos homeopáticos cuyas indicaciones proceden de una farmacología fundamentada por una constatación experimental que es la similitud”. Es por ello que se considera que fue el primer sistema médico que trató de evidenciar de forma sistemática los efectos de cada sustancia en el organismo. (Libro Blanco de la Homeopatía 2013).

El fenómeno de similitud se observa en numerosos ámbitos, incluido en ciertos medicamentos convencionales. Se basa en el hecho de que una misma sustancia puede tener efectos diferentes u opuestos según la dosis empleada y la sensibilidad del sujeto. Este hecho fue descrito por Hipócrates, reformulado por Paracelso y comprobado por Hipócrates dando así origen a uno de los principios de la homeopatía. A modo de ejemplo se puede citar los estudios realizados con Coffea 30 CH para aliviar el insomnio (Sleep Med 2011) o el ácido-acetil-salicílico 15 CH para antagonizar el efecto antitrombótico de la aspirina (Thromb Res. 1998). (Decálogo sobre Homeopatía de SEMERGEN, 2015)

ACADEMIA MEDICA HOMEOPATICA DE BARCELONA

  • ¿Qué es la Homeopatía?
El término Homeopatía hace referencia tanto al método terapéutico que utiliza medicamentos homeopáticos como, en general, a los propios medicamentos homeopáticos.

La homeopatía consiste en tratar con un medicamento con dosis mínimas, siguiendo el principio de semejanza y considerando a la persona como un todo en el modo individual de expresarse a nivel físico y psíquico.

Homeopatía viene de "homoios" que quiere decir semejantes. Hipócrates, el padre de la medicina occidental, ya dijo que las enfermedades podían tratarse con medicamentos que fueran capaces de producir síntomas parecidos a los que queremos curar ( Similia similubus curentur ).

Los medicamentos homeopáticos, sobre todo en tratamientos crónicos, se prescriben según un análisis minucioso e individualizada que realiza el médico homeópata al paciente. Una observación en la que el facultativo especializado en Homeopatía estudia al enfermo, sus circunstancias, la forma de enfermar y vivir la enfermedad, sin limitarse a la patología o los síntomas que padece.

El medicamento homeopático, prescrito con los criterios anteriores, estimula la reacción del organismo a fin de restablecer el equilibrio, que es lo que llamamos salud.

Fue fundada por el médico alemán Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843)

UNIVERSIDAD DE MAIMONIDES DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HOMEOPATIA

  • ¿Qué es la homeopatía?

La homeopatía es una rama de las ciencias médicas. Tiene una orientación esencialmente terapéutica y está basada en el llamado principio de similitud. Este sostiene que cuando una sustancia es capaz de producir determinados síntomas en un individuo sano, es también capaz de curar esos mismos síntomas en un enfermo cuando se la administra en dosis pequeñas. Sus principios fundamentales fueron establecidos por primera vez por el médico e investigador sajón Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (Meissen 1755 – París 1843) a fines del siglo XVIII, luego de 16 años de cuidadosas observaciones y experimentaciones. Su primera publicación, considerada piedra angular de la homeopatía, data de 1796.

NORMATIVIDAD DE ALGUNOS PAISES URUGAY

DECRETO 404/016

Fecha de Publicación: 29/12/2016 Página: 15 Carilla: 15

PODER EJECUTIVO MINISTERIO DE SALUD PÚBLICA

Art.2. Definiciones

HOMEOPATÍA

El término Homeopatía se emplea con dos enfoques diferentes: B1 y B2. B.1. Como medicina complementaria y alternativa, que se basa en dos principios:

a) la existencia de sustancias que en personas sanas pueden causar determinados síntomas o enfermedades, y esas mismas sustancias, en elevadas diluciones dinamizadas, sirven para tratar dichos síntomas en una persona enferma;

b) las moléculas altamente diluidas y dinamizadas por el método homeopático, "retienen la memoria" de la sustancia original. B.2. Homeopatía (o farmacia de cuarta categoría o farmacia homeopática) empleado con el enfoque del establecimiento comercial dedicado exclusivamente a la preparación, fraccionamiento y venta al usuario de medicamentos homeopáticos fabricados en forma magistral (que por tanto no requieren registro sanitario), y MHs registrados ante el MSP según capítulo III de este documento.

Listado de Asociaciones

Asociacion Medica Homeopatica De Urugay - AMHU

Dossier especial "Evidencias Científicas en Homeopatía" – edición en línea en portugués Dossier especial "Evidencias Científicas en Homeopatía" – edición impresa en portugués

Instituto de Investigación de la Homeopatía (HRI)

El Homeopathy Research Institute ( HRI) es una organización benéfica internacional creada para abordar la necesidad de investigación científica de alta calidad en homeopatía. El HRI tiene como objetivo promover la investigación en la homeopatía, utilizando los métodos más rigurosos disponibles, y busca comunicar los resultados de dicho trabajo más allá de los círculos académicos habituales.


Red para la Integración Iberoamericana de la Investigación Médica en Homeopatía (REDIMEH)

Es el primer intento de integración de investigadores de países Iberoamericanos en el área de la homeopatía. Tiene como objetivo ser una organización generadora de investigación médica que a su vez tenga un impacto positivo en la salud pública. REDIMEH fue creada en mayo de 2009.


Centro Nacional de Homeopatía (NCH) El National Center for Homeopathy, NCH fue fundado en 1974, y es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a promover la salud a través de la homeopatía mediante el avance del uso y la práctica de la homeopatía. Tiene como objetivo apoyar y fortalecer la educación, el conocimiento y el mayor acceso a la homeopatía.


CORE-Hom La base de datos del Clinical Outcome Research in Homeopathy, CORE-Hom es una de las bases de datos especializada en homeopatía, que contiene estudios clínicos de diferentes tipos, desde ensayos controlados randomizados a estudios observacionales. CORE-Hom busca que la información consignada en la base de datos sea producto de una búsqueda exhaustiva y académicamente rigurosa, y proporciona información sobre la calidad de los estudios que contiene.


Consejo Central de Investigación en Homeopatía (CCRH) El Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, CCRH es una organización autónoma del Ministerio de Ayurveda, Yoga, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha y Homeopatía (AYUSH), del Gobierno de la India. El CCRH apoya, soporta y dirige investigaciones científicas efectivas y éticas en el campo de la Homeopatía, fortalece capacidades de investigación y busca divulgar las investigaciones en homeopatía como estrategia para su aceptación mundial e implementación en servicios de salud.

Traditional Medicine in the Americas

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Antroposophic Medicine

Definitions from the main international associations

International Coordination of Anthroposophic Medicine – Medical Section at the Goetheanum https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/en/anthroposophic-medicine/

Anthroposophic Medicine is an integrative medicine. It is rooted in the science-based medicine of the present but takes into account the whole human being in its method, diagnosis, and therapy. It pays equal attention to the body, soul, and spirit of the patient, recognizing the person's unique biography. Anthroposophic Medicine was established by Dr. Phil. Rudolf Steiner and Dr. med. Ita Wegman in 1920. Since then it has been continuously developed further in hospitals and by independent doctors. It is now practiced in over 60 countries. The therapeutic system is a multi-professional one, with shared concepts for diagnosis and therapy.

IVAA – International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations https://www.ivaa.info/ Anthroposophic medicine is an integrative system that improves health outcomes through a holistic approach to treatment that includes physical, psychological and social health. Anthroposophic medicine is an integrative approach to treatment that extends and enhances health outcomes by looking outside of isolated symptoms towards a more holistic conception of health. This conception includes physical, psychological and spiritual health, as well as the impact of a person's environment and social context. Anthroposophic medicine focuses on how to keep people healthy rather than on why they fall ill; this is called the "salutogenic" approach. The anthroposophic medical approach is designed to complement conventional medicine. Anthroposophic medical doctors are qualified physicians who have received additional training to integrate anthroposophic medicine into their conventional practices.

CIMA – Coordinación Iberoamericana para la Medicina Antroposofica http://medicinaantroposofica.org/

Anthroposophic medicine is a system that integrates conventional medicine with the anthroposophical perception of the human being. Conventional diagnosis includes both the body imbalances and the psychological, mental and spiritual dimensions of the patient. It employs a holistic approach to health and offers specific therapies expanded according to anthroposophic principles. It uses conventional medicinal products as well as anthroposophic products. Both the approach to treatment and the use and selection of medicinal products and other therapies are highly personalized, and try to induce a process of development in the patient, reinforcing their natural capacity for self-healing.

ABMA – Associação Brasileira de Medicina Antroposófica http://abmanacional.com.br Anthroposophic Medicine consists of an integrative and complementary therapeutic medical system that expands academic medicine with the knowledge of Anthroposophy. It is currently practiced in more than 60 countries both in outpatient clinics, individual doctor’s offices and in small, medium and large hospitals. It is officially present in the health system of some countries and is contemplated in academic chairs and in the research of some universities. One of its main characteristics is the patient-centered approach based on a health concept that takes in consideration the individuality and considers that the emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions are as relevant as the body dimension in the processes of illness. Special emphasis is put on the search for patient involvement directly and actively in their process of prevention, treatment, and recovery of well-being through educational activities and self-education for care. In Brazil and in the world, physicians who include Anthroposophic Medicine in their clinical practice may be generalists or specialists. Acting in an interdisciplinary way with other areas of health and therapies extended by Anthroposophy, the patient's approach can be carried out jointly by professionals who perform Dentistry Expanded by Anthroposophy, Anthroposophical Psychology, Therapeutic Eurythmy, Rhythmic Massage, Anthroposophical Artistic Therapy, Biographical Counseling, among others.

The Benchmarks of Anthroposophic medicine are in development. Soon you can find the complete information in this section.
Research in Anthroposophic Medicine   The International Coordination of Anthroposophic Medicine, Medical Section at the Goetheanum has been working in the development of a collection of resources, and evidence support for the Anthroposophic medicine.   To see more information: https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/en/research/   Anthroposophical medical research is intended to further the knowledge base and clinical practice of all fields of medicine. It is an area of high research activity, assessing efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and costs of interventions, analysing active ingredients and physiological, biochemical, cellular or genetic effects of individual interventions, exploring basic concepts, anthropological dimensions and the historical background, and investigating patients' and health care providers’ perspectives or new innovative areas. Research is done in many institutions worldwide and uses well-established methodologies, following general guidelines, or developing methodologies. Research results are presented in the following examples:   System assessment, Reviews, Research Methods Investigating Clinical Fields
  • Acute Infections and Fever
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Cancer Care
  • Cancer disease, mistletoe treatment
  • Chronic Pain
  • Dermatology
  • Eurythmy Therapy
  • Nursing
  • Obstetrics
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Patient Perspective in Anthroposophic Medicine Research
Basic Concepts and Anthropology, Medical Methods
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Medicine and Evolution
  • The concept of organism in Anthroposophic Medicine
Educational Research
  • Medical Education
Research Institutions

Traditional Medicine Ayurveda

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Traditional Medicine Ayurveda

Acupuntura

Moxibustión

Qigong

Taichi

Tuina

Benchmarks for training in traditional / complementary and alternative medicine

In 2003, a WHO resolution (WHA56.31) on traditional medicine urged Member States, where appropriate, to formulate and implement national policies and regulations on traditional and complementary and alternative medicine to support their proper use. In 2009, resolution WHA62.13 further urged Member States to consider, within their national context, the inclusion of traditional medicine in their national health systems and establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine. This document, as one of the series of benchmarks for training for selected types of TM/CAM care, is part of the implementation of the WHO resolutions. The benchmarks for training describe models of training for trainees with different backgrounds, and include training of practitioners and training for dispensers and distributors of. The benchmarks reflect what the community of practitioners in each practice regards to be reasonable practice when training professionals to practice, taking into consideration that consumer protection and patient safety are core to professional practice. This document is intended to:

  • Support countries in establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine;
  • Support countries in establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine;
  • Facilitate better communication between providers of conventional and traditional care, as well as other health professionals, medical students and relevant researchers, through appropriate training programmes;
  • Support integration of traditional medicine into the national health system.
  BenchmarksforTraininginTraditionalChineseMedicine Benchmarks for Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Thai Traditional Medicine

Nuad Thai

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Unani Medicine

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Manual Therapeutic Methods

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Naturopathy

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Osteopathy

Definitions from the main international associations and institutions   WHO World Health Organization  

According to WHO Osteopathy (also called osteopathic medicine) relies on manual contact for diagnosis and treatment. It respects the relationship of body, mind, and spirit in health and disease; it lays emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body and the body's intrinsic tendency for self-healing. Osteopathic practitioners use a wide variety of therapeutic manual techniques to improve physiological function and/or support homeostasis that has been altered by somatic (body framework) dysfunction, i.e. impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system; skeletal, arthrodial and myofascial structures; and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.

  Osteopathic International Alliance- OIA  

All osteopathy and osteopathic medicine incorporate current medical and scientific knowledge in applying osteopathic principles to patient care. Scientific review and evidence-informed outcomes have a high priority in patient's treatment and case management. Osteopathic care also incorporates a broad range of approaches to the maintenance of health and the management of the disease. It embraces the concept of the unity of the individual’s structure (anatomy) and function (physiology); recognizes that each patient’s clinical signs and symptoms are the consequences of the interaction of multiple physical and non-physical factors; and emphasizes the importance of the patient-practitioner relationship in the therapeutic process. Osteopathy and osteopathic medicine are person-centered approaches (rather than disease-centered) to healthcare.

The Osteopathic International Alliance was admitted into official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a non-governmental organization in February 2018. Since our establishment in 2003, we have maintained an active program of work with WHO, including the Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy, supporting WHO policies and programs, advising on matters relative to the osteopathic profession, and attendance at annual and other meetings.

To see more: https://oialliance.org/about-us/osteopathic-medicine-and-osteopathy/   American Osteopathic Association- AOA  

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medicine in the U.S., osteopathic medicine emphasizes the interrelated unity of all systems in the body, each working with the other to heal in times of illness Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice their unique whole-person approach in every medical specialty. DOs look beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your wellbeing. DOs practice medicine according to the latest science and technology, but also consider options to complement pharmaceuticals and surgery. They complete additional training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, a hands-on tool used to help diagnose, treat and prevent injury and illness. Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the country, with one out of every four medical students enrolled in an osteopathic medical school. Over the past decade, the profession has experienced a 68% increase in the total number of DOs. If this trend continues, DOs are projected to represent more than 20% of all practicing physicians by the year 2030.

To see more:  https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/   Institute of Osteopathy- IO  

Osteopathy is a gentle and effective hands-on approach to healthcare, based on the principle that the way your body moves influences how it functions. Osteopaths are highly competent healthcare professionals, recognized by the NHS National Health Service in the United Kingdom as fully qualified to diagnose and treat independently. Osteopathic practice is a safe and effective form of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of health issues. Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who are experts in the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles and associated tissues) and its relationship to other systems of the body, to keep you as healthy as you can be. Osteopaths see people of all ages from babies to the elderly and everyone in between, including pregnant women and elite athletes. Osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)

To see more: https://www.iosteopathy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AboutOsteopathy-6pp-Aug-2018.pdf

  Osteopathy Australia - OA  

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to healthcare recognizing the important link between the structures of your body & the way it works. Osteopaths focus on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, and circulation work together to improve your health & well-being. In Australia, osteopaths are government registered practitioners who complete minimum accredited university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general healthcare diagnosis, and osteopathic techniques. Osteopaths are primary health care practitioners and are trained to recognize conditions that require medical referral. They are also trained to perform standard examinations of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

To see more: http://www.osteopathy.org.au/pages/about-osteopathy.html

Benchmarks for Training in Traditional / Complementary and Alternative Medicine  

In 2003, a WHO resolution (WHA56.31) on traditional medicine urged Member States, where appropriate, to formulate and implement national policies and regulations on traditional and complementary and alternative medicine to support their proper use. In 2009, the resolution WHA62.13 further urged Member States to consider, where appropriate, inclusion of traditional medicine in their national health systems and establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine. This document as one of the series of benchmarks for training for selected types of TM/CAM care is part of the implementation of the WHO resolutions. The benchmarks for training describe models of training for trainees with different backgrounds and reflect what the community of practitioners in osteopathy regards to be reasonable practice when training professionals to practice osteopathy, taking into consideration that consumer protection and patient safety are core to professional practice. This document is intended to:

  • Support countries in establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine;
  • Assist practitioners in upgrading their knowledge and skills in collaboration with providers of conventional care;
  • Facilitate better communication between providers of conventional and traditional care, as well as other health professionals, medical students, and relevant researchers, through appropriate training programmes;
  • Support integration of traditional medicine into the national health system.
  To see the document which comprises benchmarks for training in osteopathy: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/m/abstract/Js17555en/
The evidence dossiers on Osteopathy are in development.   You can find a really good collection of scientific articles in the following journals.  

The International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine -IJOM is a peer-reviewed journal that provides for the publication of high-quality research articles and review papers that are as broad as the many disciplines that influence and underpin the principles and practice of osteopathic medicine. Particular emphasis is given to basic science research, clinical epidemiology and health social science in relation to osteopathy and neuromusculoskeletal medicine.

To see more: https://www.journalofosteopathicmedicine.com/

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA), established in September 1901, is the official scientific publication of the American Osteopathic Association, as well as the premier scholarly, peer-reviewed publication of the osteopathic medical profession. The JAOA's mission is to serve as an international forum for the dissemination of scientific literature that incorporates an integrative, comprehensive, patient-centered approach to clinical care and improving health. To see more: http://jaoa.org/ss/about.aspx

Chiropractic

Definitions from the main international associations and institutions WHO World Health Organization. Glossary in Chiropractic

(Those are the main terms used in the WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic)

Adjustment Any chiropractic therapeutic procedure that ultimately uses controlled force, leverage, direction, amplitude and velocity, which is applied to specific joints and adjacent tissues. Chiropractors commonly use such procedures to influence joint and neurophysiological function.

Biomechanics

The study of structural, functional and mechanical aspects of human motion. It is concerned mainly with external forces of either a static or dynamic nature, dealing with human movement.

Chiropractic

A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation, with a particular focus on subluxations.

Fixation

The state whereby an articulation has become fully or partially immobilized in a certain position, restricting physiological movement.

Joint manipulation A manual procedure involving directed thrust to move a joint past the physiological range of motion, without exceeding the anatomical limit.

Joint mobilization A manual procedure without thrust, during which a joint normally remains within its physiological range of motion.

Neuromusculoskeletal Pertaining to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in relation to disorders that manifest themselves in both the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including disorders of a biomechanical or functional nature.

Palpation

(1) The act of feeling with the hands.

(2) The application of variable manual pressure through the surface of the body for the purpose of determining the shape, size, consistency, position, inherent motility and health of the tissues beneath.

Posture

(1) The attitude of the body.

(2) The relative arrangement of the parts of the body. Good posture is that state of muscular and skeletal balance that protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity irrespective of the attitude (erect, lying, squatting, stooping) in which the structures are working or resting.

Spinal manipulative therapy

Includes all procedures where the hands or mechanical devices are used to mobilize, adjust, manipulate, apply traction, massage, stimulate or otherwise influence the spine and paraspinal tissues with the aim of influencing the patient’s health.

Subluxation

A lesion or dysfunction in a joint or motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity and/or physiological function are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. It is essentially a functional entity, which may influence biomechanical and neural integrity.

Subluxation complex (vertebral)

A theoretical model and description of the motion segment dysfunction, which incorporates the interaction of pathological changes in nerve, muscle, ligamentous, vascular and connective tissue.

Thrust

The sudden manual application of a controlled directional force upon a suitable part of the patient, the delivery of which effects an adjustment.

Benchmarks for Training in Traditional / Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In 2003, a WHO resolution (WHA56.31) on traditional medicine urged Member States, where appropriate, to formulate and implement national policies and regulations on traditional and complementary and alternative medicine to support their proper use. In 2009, the resolution WHA62.13 further urged Member States to consider, where appropriate, inclusion of traditional medicine in their national health systems and establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine. This document as one of the series of benchmarks for training for selected types of TM/CAM care is part of the implementation of the WHO resolutions. The benchmarks for training describe models of training for trainees with different backgrounds and reflect what the community of practitioners in osteopathy regards to be reasonable practice when training professionals to practice osteopathy, taking into consideration that consumer protection and patient safety are core to professional practice. This document is intended to:

  • Support countries in establishing systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of practitioners of traditional medicine;
  • Assist practitioners in upgrading their knowledge and skills in collaboration with providers of conventional care;
  • Facilitate better communication between providers of conventional and traditional care, as well as other health professionals, medical students, and relevant researchers, through appropriate training programmes;
  • Support integration of traditional medicine into the national health system.
    WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic   This document comprises guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic.
  • Part I of the guidelines covers basic requirements for different training programmes, each one designed for trainees with various educational backgrounds, including non-medics, physicians wishing to use chiropractic and primary health care workers. This part provides a reference for the establishment of various training programmes, particularly where no formal education degree has been established.
 
  • Part II of the guidelines deals with the safety of spinal manipulative therapy and the contraindications to its use
To see the document: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/m/abstract/Js14076e/
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