CC BY
10УДК: 614.253.1
EMPOWERING UZBEK TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS
FOR GLOBAL ADVANCEMENT
YONGIL SONG
Ph.D. Global Physician, Center for Eastern Medicine at KOICA, South Korea Seoul ORCID ID 0000-0003-2018-927X ABSTRACT
Uzbek traditional medicine, with its rich history and holistic approach, holds great potential on the global healthcare stage. To harness this potential and enable Uzbek traditional medicine doctors to advance into the world, several key factors must be addressed. This article explores the challenges and opportunities in integrating Uzbek traditional medicine into the global healthcare system, focusing on education, regulation, research, international collaboration, and cultural preservation.
Keywords: Uzbek folk medicine, history of medicine, integrative medicine
РАСШИРЕНИЕ ПРАВ И ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ-ПРАКТИКОВ УЗБЕКСКОЙ ТРАДИЦИОННОЙ МЕДИЦИНЫ В ОБЛАСТИ ГЛОБАЛЬНОГО РАЗВИТИЯ
ЁНГИЛ СОНГ
Ph.D. глобальный врач, Центр Восточной медицины при KOICA, Южная Корея Сеул ORCID ID 0000-0003-2018-927X
АННОТАЦИЯ
Узбекская традиционная медицина с ее богатой историей и целостным подходом имеет большой потенциал на мировой арене здравоохранения. Чтобы использовать этот потенциал и дать возможность узбекским врачам традиционной медицины продвинуться в мир, необходимо устранить ряд ключевых факторов. В этой статье рассматриваются проблемы и
возможности интеграции узбекской традиционной медицины в глобальную систему здравоохранения с упором на образование, регулирование, исследования, международное сотрудничество, сохранение культуры.
Ключевые слова: узбекская народная медицина, история медицины, интегративная медицина
ГЛОБАЛ РИВОЖЛАНИШ ДАВРИДА УЗБЕК АНЪАНАВИЙ ТИББИЁТИ МУТАХАССИС-АМАЛИЁТЧИЛАРИНИНГ ИМКОНИЯТЛАРИ ВА ^УКУКЛАРИНИ КЕНГАЙТИРИШ
ЁНГИЛ СОНГ
PhD, умумий терапевт, KOICA хузуридаги Шарп; табобати
маркази, Сеул, Жанубий Корея ORCID ID 0000-0003-2018-927X
АННОТАЦИЯ
Узбек анъанавий тиббиёти бой тарихи ва тулацонли царашлари билан жацон соглицни сацлаш майдонида катта имкониятга эга. Бу имкониятни ишлатиш ва узбек анъанавий тиббиёти шифокорларининг жацонга чицишига имкон бериш учун бир цанча муцим омилларни бартараф этиш зарур. Ушбу мацолада узбек анъанавий тиббиётини глобал соглицни сацлаш тизимига интеграцияси таълим, бошцарув, тадцицот, халцаро цамкорлик, маданиятни сацлаш кабиларга ургу бериш орцали амалга оширилиши цацида маълумотлар келтирилган.
Калит сузлар: узбек халц табобати, тиббиёт тарихи, интегратив тиббиёт
INTRODUCTION
Uzbekistan boasts a centuries-old tradition of natural healing practices deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Traditional medicine, known locally as "Xalq Tabobati" offers a unique blend of herbal remedies, holistic
therapies, and ancient wisdom. In recent years, there has been growing interest in integrating Uzbek traditional medicine into the global healthcare landscape. To facilitate this advancement, it is essential to address several critical aspects.
1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The foundation of any healthcare system lies in the education and training of its practitioners. To enable Uzbek traditional medicine doctors to excel globally, comprehensive educational reforms are necessary. The importance of standardized curriculum development, modern teaching methods, and the inclusion of traditional medicine in mainstream medical education should be conducted. We need to create the possibility for students who studied traditional medicine in Uzbekistan to do related work in the United States.
Here are some common types of traditional medicine certificates available in the United States:
Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Herbalist.
Certified Acupuncturist, Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Reflexologist, Certified Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner
All of these certifications can be obtained by passing a certificate exam, and in order to take the exam, student must receive internationally recognized education. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan must strive to ensure that the traditional medicine education received in Uzbekistan is internationally recognized (Table 1).
Table 1
The standards of education required to take the U.S. NCCAOM (The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exam and Dr. Song's example
Subject category name Credits/Standards Completion time/standard
Total 244 /146 7808 /2625
Oriental Medical Theory, Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques in Acupuncture and Related Studies (OMT) 71 /47 2272 /705
Clinical Training (CT) 31 /29 992 /870
Biomedical Clinical Sciences (BCS) 42 /34 1344 /510
Counseling/Communications, Ethics, Practice Management (CiC) 55 /6 1760 /90
Herbs-Oriental Medicine Certification (H) 45 /30 1440 /450
Strengthening the global standard of education and training in the field of traditional medicine in Uzbekistan requires a strategic and collaborative approach. Here's a plan to achieve this goal:
1. Accredited Educational Programs: Establish accredited educational programs for traditional medicine in Uzbekistan that adhere to international standards. Collaborate with international educational institutions and experts to develop curriculum guidelines.
2. Faculty Development: Invest in the training and development of faculty members to ensure they are well-versed in modern teaching methodologies and up-to-date with global advancements in traditional medicine.
3. International Collaboration: Foster partnerships with renowned international universities and institutions that specialize in traditional medicine. Facilitate faculty and student exchanges to expose Uzbekistan's traditional medicine students to diverse perspectives.
4. Standardized Curriculum: Develop a standardized curriculum for traditional medicine programs that incorporates evidence-based practices, clinical training, and ethics. Ensure that graduates meet international competencies and are prepared for global practice.
5. Clinical Exposure: Provide students with ample clinical exposure, including internships and rotations in various healthcare settings. Encourage collaboration between traditional medicine practitioners and Western medicine professionals for holistic healthcare education.
6. Quality Assurance: Implement quality assurance mechanisms, including regular program evaluations, to maintain and improve the quality of education. Ensure that educational institutions adhere to rigorous standards.
7. Continuing Education: Encourage lifelong learning among traditional medicine practitioners by offering continuing education and professional development programs. These should emphasize evidence-based practices and modern healthcare standards.
8. Language Proficiency: Promote English language proficiency among students and faculty to facilitate international communication and collaboration.
9. Research Integration: Emphasize the integration of research into educational programs. Encourage students to engage in research projects to contribute to the evidence base of traditional medicine.
10. Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of seeking care from practitioners with accredited and internationally recognized qualifications, promoting trust in traditional medicine.
11. Government Support: Secure government support for international collaboration and the development of high-quality educational programs, ensuring alignment with national healthcare priorities.
12. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluating educational programs' effectiveness, including student outcomes and faculty development.
By implementing these measures, Uzbekistan can elevate the global standard of education and training in traditional medicine, producing highly skilled practitioners who can contribute to the international healthcare community while preserving and promoting Uzbekistan's traditional healing heritage.
2. REGULATION AND QUALITY CONTROL
For Uzbek traditional medicine to gain global recognition and trust, it must meet rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. It is necessary to execute effective regulation, quality control measures, and the establishment of accreditation bodies to ensure that traditional medicine practices align with international standards.
Exclusivity of licenses for traditional medicine practice must be established. Those who can provide treatment related to traditional medicine should be limited to only those who received traditional medicine education at university. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice must establish strict laws against illegal medical treatment.
Strengthening regulation and quality control in the field of traditional medicine in Uzbekistan is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of traditional healing practices. Here's a plan to achieve this objective:
1. Regulatory Framework Enhancement: Develop and refine a comprehensive regulatory framework for traditional medicine. This framework should include licensing requirements, practice standards, and ethical guidelines for traditional medicine practitioners.
2. Standardization of Practices: Establish standardized protocols and guidelines for traditional healing practices. Define the scope of practice for various traditional medicine modalities, such as herbalism, acupuncture, and energy healing.
3. Education and Training Standards: Implement stringent educational and training standards for traditional medicine practitioners. Ensure that accredited training programs meet defined criteria and provide essential knowledge and skills.
4. Licensing and Certification: Require all traditional medicine practitioners to obtain licenses or certifications to practice legally. Establish regulatory boards responsible for overseeing the licensure process and ensuring compliance with standards.
5. Quality Control of Herbal Remedies: Implement quality control measures for the production and sale of herbal remedies. Establish standards for sourcing, processing, and labeling herbal products.
6. Safety and Ethics: Develop codes of ethics for traditional medicine practitioners to ensure patient safety and informed consent. Implement mechanisms for reporting adverse events or unethical practices.
7. Monitoring and Inspection: Conduct regular inspections and monitoring of traditional medicine clinics and practitioners to ensure compliance with regulations. Establish penalties for non-compliance.
8. Public Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of seeking licensed and qualified traditional medicine practitioners. Encourage patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
9. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Promote research and evidence-based practice within the traditional medicine community. Encourage practitioners to integrate scientific evidence into their treatment approaches.
10. International Collaboration: Collaborate with international organizations and regulatory bodies to exchange best practices in traditional medicine regulation and quality control.
11. Periodic Review: Conduct periodic reviews and updates of regulations and quality control measures to adapt to evolving healthcare needs and scientific advancements.
By implementing this comprehensive plan, Uzbekistan can enhance the regulation and quality control in the field of traditional medicine, ensuring that practitioners adhere to high standards of safety, ethics, and effectiveness while preserving the country's rich heritage of healing traditions.
3. RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
Scientific research is a cornerstone of modern healthcare. Investing in research and development within the field of Uzbek traditional medicine is unquestionably essential. By generating scientific evidence, traditional practices can gain wider acceptance and integration into global healthcare systems.
KIOM (Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine), a Korean traditional medicine research institute, is producing excellent results through research with Harvard Medical School in the United States. Opportunities for research and training in Korea should be greatly increased so that traditional medicine graduates can focus on research as well as clinical trials.
Strengthening research and evidence-based practice in the field of traditional medicine in Uzbekistan is essential for promoting the effectiveness and safety of traditional healing practices. Here is a plan to achieve this goal:
1. Strengthen Research Department in National Center of Traditional Medicine: Create dedicated research department in center for traditional medicine in Uzbekistan. These departments should be
equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by qualified researchers.
2. Research Funding: Allocate government funding for traditional medicine research projects. Encourage partnerships with international funding agencies and institutions to expand research opportunities.
3. Collaborative Research: Foster collaboration between Uzbekistani researchers and international experts in traditional medicine. Facilitate joint research projects to leverage global expertise.
4. Data Collection: Create a comprehensive database of traditional healing practices, remedies, and patient outcomes. Encourage healthcare providers to collect and share data from their practices.
5. Clinical Trials: Conduct rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of traditional treatments. Follow international standards for trial design, ethical considerations, and reporting.
6. Education and Training: Offer training programs for traditional medicine practitioners in research methods and evidence-based practices. Encourage them to participate in ongoing professional development.
7. Peer-Reviewed Journals: Establish peer-reviewed journals dedicated to traditional medicine research. Encourage researchers to publish their findings in these journals to disseminate knowledge.
8. Research Ethics: Implement ethical guidelines for traditional medicine research to ensure the protection of patients and the integrity of studies.
9. Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of evidence-based traditional medicine. Promote informed decision-making among patients and healthcare providers.
10. Government Support: Collaborate with government agencies to integrate evidence-based traditional medicine into the national
healthcare system. Develop policies and regulations based on research outcomes.
11. International Collaboration: Foster partnerships with international research organizations and universities. Participate in international conferences and forums to exchange knowledge and best practices.
12. Continuous Evaluation: Continuously evaluate and update research priorities based on emerging health needs and scientific advancements in traditional medicine.
By implementing this comprehensive plan, Uzbekistan can advance the research and evidence-based practice in traditional medicine, ensuring that these healing traditions are grounded in scientific rigor and can contribute effectively to the country's healthcare system.
4. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Global advancement requires collaboration on various fronts. In this section, the benefits of international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and the participation of Uzbek traditional medicine practitioners in international conferences and forums are discussed. These collaborations can help showcase the unique strengths of Uzbek traditional medicine.
Cooperation with Rep. of Korea: Uzbekistan has engaged in collaborative efforts with Rep. of Korea in traditional medicine. This includes the exchange of knowledge and expertise in herbal medicine, acupuncture, and other traditional korean healing practices. The two countries have also worked together on joint research projects related to traditional medicine.
Partnership with India: Uzbekistan has established partnerships with India, a country with a rich tradition of Ayurvedic medicine. Collaboration between the two nations has involved the exchange of Ayurvedic knowledge and practices, as well as discussions on how to integrate Ayurveda into Uzbekistan's healthcare system.
Collaboration with China: Uzbekistan has sought cooperation with China in the field of traditional medicine, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine system. This includes training programs for Uzbek healthcare professionals in chinese medicine techniques and principles.
Strengthening cooperation between countries in the field of traditional medicine in Uzbekistan involves a strategic plan that fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the preservation of valuable healing traditions.
1. International Conferences and Workshops: Organize annual international conferences and workshops in Uzbekistan, inviting experts, practitioners, and policymakers from partner countries to share their knowledge and experiences in traditional medicine.
2. Research Collaboration: Establish collaborative research projects between Uzbekistan's traditional medicine institutions and counterparts in other nations. These projects can focus on the efficacy of traditional remedies, herbal medicine, and holistic healing practices.
3. Educational Partnerships: Forge partnerships with international universities and institutions to offer joint traditional medicine programs. These programs can facilitate student exchanges and faculty collaborations, fostering a global perspective on traditional healing.
4. Regulatory Frameworks: Collaborate on creating standardized international regulations and guidelines for traditional medicine practice, ensuring safety, quality, and ethical standards are upheld.
5. Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural diplomacy through traditional medicine by organizing cultural exchange programs that include demonstrations of Uzbek healing practices, herbal gardens, and workshops on traditional remedies.
6. Traditional Medicine Tourism: Develop and market traditional medicine tourism packages, encouraging visitors from partner countries to experience Uzbekistan's healing traditions firsthand.
7. Digital Knowledge Sharing: Create an online platform for sharing research findings, best practices, and educational resources in traditional medicine, accessible to healthcare professionals worldwide.
8. Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for traditional medicine practitioners from partner countries, enhancing their skills and knowledge in Uzbek healing practices.
9. Government Support: Seek the support of the Uzbek government in facilitating diplomatic relationships, funding cooperative projects, and promoting traditional medicine on an international scale.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of cooperation efforts, ensuring continuous improvement and the achievement of mutually beneficial goals.
By implementing this comprehensive plan, Uzbekistan can strengthen international cooperation in traditional medicine, preserving its cultural heritage while contributing to the global promotion of holistic healing practices.
5. CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION
Preserving the cultural heritage associated with traditional medicine is vital. In this section, the emphasis is on preserving traditional knowledge, promoting cultural awareness, and engaging in cultural diplomacy to showcase Uzbekistan's unique healing traditions on the world stage.
In addition to traditional medicine, Uzbekistan's traditional culture and cultural heritage should be widely known worldwide. Like Korea's K-POP or K-DRAMA, we need to culturally develop content that makes Uzbekistan's culture and traditions more familiar.
Promoting Uzbekistan's rich culture and traditions to the world requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects of cultural heritage, art, cuisine, and historical landmarks. Here are several
strategies to effectively showcase Uzbekistan's cultural treasures to a global audience:
1. Cultural Festivals and Events: Organize and participate in international cultural festivals and events. These platforms allow Uzbek artists, musicians, dancers, and artisans to showcase their talents and traditional crafts, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement.
2. Museum Exhibits and Art Galleries: Collaborate with museums and art galleries worldwide to host exhibitions featuring Uzbekistan's historical artifacts, art, and textiles. These exhibitions offer a glimpse into the country's rich heritage.
3. Culinary Diplomacy: Promote Uzbek cuisine globally by opening Uzbek restaurants abroad and participating in international food festivals. Highlight the diversity of Uzbek dishes, such as pilaf, kebabs, and traditional bread (non), to introduce people to the country's flavors.
4. Traditional Music and Dance: Support traditional music and dance troupes in performing at international festivals, cultural events, and theaters. Uzbek music, including the sounds of the dutar and doira, can captivate audiences with its unique melodies.
5. Cultural Heritage Sites: Promote Uzbekistan's historical and architectural treasures, including the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Encourage tourism and facilitate guided tours to these locations.
6. Film and Media: Collaborate with filmmakers to produce documentaries, films, and television programs that portray Uzbek culture, history, and traditions. These visual mediums can reach global audiences and spark interest in the country.
7. Educational Exchanges: Establish academic and student exchange programs with universities around the world. These programs
can foster cultural understanding and expose international students to Uzbekistan's traditions.
8. Digital Outreach: Create an engaging online presence through official websites, social media, and virtual tours. Share captivating stories, photos, and videos that showcase Uzbekistan's culture, traditions, and festivals.
9. Traditional Arts and Crafts Promotion: Support artisans and traditional craftspeople, such as ceramicists, carpet weavers, and silk producers. Facilitate the sale of their products in international markets, promoting the authenticity and quality of Uzbek handmade goods.
10. Cultural Diplomacy: Foster diplomatic relationships and cultural exchanges with foreign governments and organizations. Collaborate on projects that promote cultural understanding and cooperation.
11. Language and Cultural Centers: Establish Uzbek language and cultural centers in partnership with foreign universities and institutions. These centers can offer language courses, cultural events, and resources for those interested in Uzbekistan's heritage.
By conducting these strategies, Uzbekistan can effectively promote its culture and traditions on the global stage, enhancing its reputation as a culturally diverse and historically significant nation. This cultural diplomacy not only showcases the country's unique identity but also fosters international goodwill and cooperation.
CONCLUSION
Uzbek traditional medicine is a valuable asset with the potential to contribute to global healthcare in meaningful ways. However, its integration into the global healthcare system requires a concerted effort in education, regulation, research, international collaboration, and cultural preservation. By addressing these key factors, Uzbek traditional medicine doctors can advance confidently into the world, enriching healthcare practices worldwide while preserving their cherished heritage.
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