Traditional medicine is an ancient medical practice that existed
in human societies before the application of modern science to
health. It has evolved to reflect different philosophical
backgrounds and cultural origins. Although modern medicine is
widely spread, traditional medicine still exists in all
countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region. Interest in
traditional medicine has increased over the last decade and
seems likely to continue. People in many countries are now more
prepared to look for alternative approaches to maintain their
health. Demands for traditional medicine from the public and the
growing economic importance of traditional medicine have led to
increased interest on the part of both governments and academic
communities in the Region. Traditional medicine can be defined
as the knowledge, skills and practices of holistic health care,
recognized and accepted for its role in the maintenance of
health care, recognized and accepted for its role in the
maintenance of health and the treat