TRADTIONAL &

ALTERNATIVE
HEALTH CARE
By: Jasmine Artates
Duane Balaton
Pearl Contreras
Kristian Dave Diva
The importance of traditional medicine in providing essential
health care to the people should be recognized. At present, its
use has tremendously expanded and gained wide global
acceptance and popularity. In the Philippines, the practice of
traditional medicine which was passed on from generation to
generation has gained a deep significance in health delivery
considering the expensive western medical treatment which
most Filipinos could not afford.
The Department of Health (DOH), through former Health Secretary
and incumbent Senator Juan M. Flavier, first came out with the
Traditional Medicine (trad med) Program by virtue of Administrative
Order No. 12 in 1992. This special program was tasked to promote
and advocate traditional medicine nationwide. In order to
institutionalize the program, the drafting of a traditional medicine
law started in 1994. In 1997, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos appreciating the
potential of traditional medicine in our health and economy, included
this as one of his administration's pole-vaulting strategies.
The timely approval of the law (R.A 8423) otherwise known as
the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997
gave rise to the creation of the Philippine Institute of Traditional
and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) a corporation attached to
the DOH to answer the present needs of the people on health
care through the provision and delivery of traditional and
alternative health care (TAHC) products, services and
technologies that have been proven safe, effective and affordable.
 Vision

"Health for all Through Traditional

and Alternative Health Care"
 Mission
"PITAHC upholds the right of every
Filipino for better health through the
provision of safe, effective, and affordable
traditional and alternative health care
products, services and technologies."
PROGRAMS
Acupuncture
A traditional Chinese Medicine that uses needles in the
treatment of common illnesses like pain management,
muskulo-skeletal disorders, stroke rehabilitation and bronchial
asthma. Acupuncture is one of the forefront programs being
promoted by the Institute. PITAHC also conducts
comprehensive training on Basic Acupuncture for physicians.
Acupressure
is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to
acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which
flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical
pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of
clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied
by hand, by elbow, or with various devices. Acupressure may
be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting, for
helping lower back pain, tension headaches, stomach ache
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including
essential oils, and other aroma compounds for the purpose of altering
one's mood, cognitive, psychological or physical well-being. Aroma
therapists, who specialize in the practice of aromatherapy, utilize
blends of therapeutic essential oils that can be issued through topical
application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a
desired response. There is no good medical evidence that
aromatherapy can either prevent or cure any disease, but it might
help improve general well-being.
Chiropractic
a system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and
manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially
those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by
affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. Manipulation is used to
restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a
traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting
without proper back support. Spinal manipulation and chiropractic
care is generally considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low
back pain.
Pranic healing
Pranic Healing is a no-touch, no-drug complementary therapy system
that uses prana (energy) to heal a wide range of physical and
psychological ailments. Pranic Healing is highly systematic and scientific-
based, which distinguishes it from other healing modalities. Pranic
Healing involves scanning the human aura to detect the imbalances of
energies, known as energetic congestion and depletion. It then uses
cleansing techniques to remove negative and used-up energies and
energizing techniques to improve the flow of energy and strengthen the
aura and the chakras. Once the aura is balanced, clean and strong, the
health of the body gets improved.
Reflexology
is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to
the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand
techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a
system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an
image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise
that such work effects a physical change to the body.
"Reflexology is gentle manipulation or pressing on certain
parts of the foot to produce an effect elsewhere in the body.
TRADTIONAL &
ALTERNATIVE
HEALTH CARE
By: Jasmine Artates
Duane Balaton
Pearl Contreras
Kristian Dave Diva