Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine – Advances in Traditional Medicine and Knowledge for Sustainable Global Development

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is a significant resource for long-term health, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). TCIM has a long history and serves as the primary or preferred healthcare for 80% of the world's population (WHO, 2013). It is also a global resource for innovation, ensuring sustainability in healthcare systems. Access to safe, effective, and culturally appropriate healthcare is a fundamental human right, as confirmed by global research. The 2023 Gujarat Declaration by WHO (von Schoen-Angerer et al., 2023) highlights TCIM as crucial for achieving universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. The Declaration emphasizes TCIM's role in promoting health and well-being for all ages and the planet. To support these goals, the Gujarat Declaration calls for rigorous TCIM-related evidence produced through inclusive and multi-disciplinary research methods that respect the complex, holistic, and individualized nature of TCIM approaches and their diverse knowledge systems.

Integrative medicine is defined as an interdisciplinary and evidence-informed approach aimed at achieving whole-person health and well-being by combining biomedical and traditional and/or complementary medical knowledge, skills, and practices. It provides holistic care across the care continuum and may involve various health care providers and institutions. Complementary medicine, synonymous with "traditional medicine" in some regions, encompasses a comprehensive array of healthcare knowledge, skills, and practices that fall outside the scope of established traditional or conventional medicine. These practices may provide support to biomedical care. The term "traditional medicine" is understood to encompass the knowledge, skills, and practices that are rooted in theories, beliefs, and experiences that are specific to different cultures, as well as the scientific and professional expertise employed for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of illnesses, and the promotion of health and well-being.

In October 2025, the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine, organized by the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), the International Society for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Research (ISCMR), and the European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM), will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

With a focus on the role that TCIM plays in strengthening global public health, the event aims to promote knowledge diversity in achieving well-being societies, and the importance of planetary health. This premier global event, held for the first time in Latin America, will bring together experts, academics, and health professionals from around the world to share research and innovative experiences in integrative health. The congress will bring together researchers from across the globe to discuss innovative solutions to strengthening global public health through TCIM.

This research topic focuses on scientific evidence-based investigations and research in the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine. In this context, an important contribution is the evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of interventions and strategies throughout the life course, from maternal and child health, integrative pediatrics, to chronic non-communicable diseases, palliative care and the promotion of healthy longevity.

The principles of the research topic along with the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine serve as a framework for guiding discussions and activities, with the objective of ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach. These principles underscore the importance of inclusivity by ensuring representation and participation from all world regions, diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and sectors within TCIM and public health. They recognize the significance of biodiversity and cultural diversity for the wellbeing of people and the planet, validating the contributions of different forms of knowledge and disciplinary approaches. The promotion of credibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in TCIM is prioritized, alongside respect for diverse traditional and Indigenous knowledges and knowledge holders, as well as evidence-informed practices, policies, and research.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and especially multidisciplinary contributions in the field of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. This unique set of multidisciplinary approaches and visions is set to contribute to a comprehensive overall picture of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, and will further the knowledge of TCIM.

Authors from low and middle-income countries are encouraged to apply for our fee support program as soon as possible, to make use of any available discounts: https://frontiersin.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YqUCmY73k4Gm0u

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: traditional medicine, complementary medicine, integrative medicine, SGD, public health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.