The integration of complementary and alternative medicine: the way forward for the health of skin and gut

In this review of Sanskrit translations in traditional Ayurveda texts studies on skin and gut health we consider the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with biomedicine (BM). We focus on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a problem affecting 22% of the population with multiple known causes and unresponsive to biomedical and CAM intervention, but for which integrated medicine (IM) might be more useful. As up to 80% of medical patients concurrently use CAM alongside BM, it is imperative that doctors are able to understand and discuss its use with patients. In order to facilitate these therapeutic combinations, we must identify safe and effective CAM treatment protocols for their administration. CAM offers many treatment options, especially for IBS; however, its presentation can prove a barrier to understanding these options. Here, we consider the example of Ayurveda: a traditional Indian system of medicine in which derangements of the digestive system are well described but with unclear English translations. Forceful language and opinions are sometimes used to support traditional medicine. These unscientific obstacles detract from the multitude of treatment options CAM provides. If CAM were presented in a more scientific manner, modern medical practitioners would take IM more seriously. Research of CAM often lacks scientific rigour, leaving questions regarding its evidence base. Moreover, CAM literature does not utilize advances in the understanding of disease and epidemiology. BM has been less successful at disease prevention and managing chronic conditions while CAM focuses on optimizing health, even in the absence of obvious pathology. Patients are now more focused on health optimization leading to increased uptake of CAM. The onus is on us as health professionals to make sure that they are able to do this as safely and effectively as possible.