Baguio City – Dr. Joseph Alunes, a practitioner of both modern and alternative medicine at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), has observed an increasing trend in Filipino patients opting for traditional medicine alongside modern treatments. This shift in preference was discussed during a press conference on Thursday, where Dr. Alunes cited recent World Health Organization (WHO) findings.
According to Philippines News Agency, a WHO study conducted 20 years ago indicated that only 20 percent of the population leaned towards alternative medicine for treating illnesses. However, the latest WHO study in 2022 shows a significant increase, with 88 percent of the population now choosing to incorporate traditional medicine into their healthcare regime. Alunes, who integrates acupuncture into his practice, noted it as the most preferred form of traditional medicine among his patients.
Aside from acupuncture, other forms of traditional medicine, such as herbal medicine, the Filipino art of healing through 'hilot' or massage, and moxibustion, which involves burning mugwort leaves, are being practiced. Alunes mentioned that the Department of Health (DOH) is actively licensing practitioners of these traditional methods.
Despite this growing acceptance, Alunes emphasized the need for more research to provide additional scientific basis for the use of traditional medicine. He expressed hope for the establishment of a department dedicated to traditional medicine at BGHMC. The recent summit on traditional healthcare in the area has already showcased various research products, including wine with therapeutic properties and healing oils.
Alunes also referenced a law that supports the training of traditional medicine practitioners, which he believes will encourage more medical professionals to explore this field. He added that there are currently 10 herbal medicines recognized by the DOH and the Food and Drugs Administration.