Traditional Healthcare, Health Promotion, and Illness Prevention
摘要
The concept of health is inherently multifaceted and varies across individual, familial, societal, and cultural contexts. People’s perceptions of health and illness, as well as their approaches to seeking healthcare, are shaped by their socio-cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. What defines health and illness in one community or region may differ significantly from interpretations in others. Consequently, no single medical system can fully address the diverse health needs of all individuals. An eclectic health model enables individuals to select the most appropriate options from various traditions to meet their health and healthcare needs. Different healthcare systems can function as primary, complementary, or alternative approaches, working together to enhance individual health and well-being. This chapter examines the crucial role of traditional healthcare systems in promoting health and well-being. Specifically, it delves into the concepts of health and healthcare, the interplay between culture and health, traditional healthcare systems, the role of traditional healers, and the integration of traditional and modern healthcare approaches for health promotion and illness prevention.