Traditional Arabic & Islamic medicine: validation and empirical assessment of a conceptual model in Qatar

Sara N. AlRawi,Amal K. Killawi,Maya M. Hammoud,Huda A. Abdelrahim,Michael D. Fetters,Maha S. Elnashar,Amal Khidir

doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1639-x

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence indicates traditional medicine is no longer only used for the healthcare of the poor, its prevalence is also increasing in countries where allopathic medicine is predominant in the healthcare system. While these healing practices have been utilized for thousands of years in the Arabian Gulf, only recently has a theoretical model been developed illustrating the linkages and components of such practices articulated as Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM). Despite previous theoretical work presenting development of the TAIM model, empirical support has been lacking. The objective of this research is to provide empirical support for the TAIM model and illustrate real world applicability.MethodsUsing an ethnographic approach, we recruited 84 individuals (43 women and 41 men) who were speakers of one of four common languages in Qatar; Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu, Through in-depth interviews, we sought confirming and disconfirming evidence of the model components, namely, health practices, beliefs and philosophy to treat, diagnose, and prevent illnesses and/or maintain well-being, as well as patterns of communication about their TAIM practices with their allopathic providers.ResultsBased on our analysis, we find empirical support for all elements of the TAIM model. Participants in this research, visitors to major healthcare centers, mentioned using all elements of the TAIM model: herbal medicines, spiritual therapies, dietary practices, mind-body methods, and manual techniques, applied singularly or in combination. Participants had varying levels of comfort sharing information about TAIM practices with allopathic practitioners.ConclusionsThese findings confirm an empirical basis for the elements of the TAIM model. Three elements, namely, spiritual healing, herbal medicine, and dietary practices, were most commonly found. Future research should examine the prevalence of TAIM element use, how it differs among various populations, and its impact on health.

Highlights

Evidence indicates traditional medicine is no longer only used for the healthcare of the poor, its prevalence is increasing in countries where allopathic medicine is predominant in the healthcare system [1]
We looked for elements of, and participants’ experiences, with the Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) conceptual model, including herbal medicine, spiritual healing, dietary practices, mind-body applications, and manual techniques
Elements of TAIM conceptual model Participants discussed traditional healing practices as attributable to Islamic tradition, namely, practices based on Islamic religious texts and worship practices, as well as those outside the scope of Islamic tradition, stemming from cultural or ethnic heritage unique to a geographical area

Summary

Introduction

Evidence indicates traditional medicine is no longer only used for the healthcare of the poor, its prevalence is increasing in countries where allopathic medicine is predominant in the healthcare system. It is imperative to note that the terms complementary and alternative medicine refer to “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of the country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant country's health care system” [1]. In some countries, these terms, along with non-conventional medicine, are at times used interchangeably with traditional medicine [1]. For the purposes of this research, we have chosen an emphasis on traditional medicine

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Conclusion