Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a range of therapies, treatments, and practices that are not considered part of conventional Western medicine. These practices aim to promote wellness, prevent illness, and treat various health conditions. In Saudi Arabia, CAM is becoming increasingly popular and is often used alongside conventional medical treatments.
CAM Practices in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a diverse range of CAM practices available, including:
Hijama (Cupping)
Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that involves the use of suction cups to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. It is believed to help treat a wide range of conditions, including migraines, back pain, and digestive disorders.
In Saudi Arabia, hijama is widely practiced, and there are many registered practitioners. The Saudi Arabian Society of Hijama is the main professional organization for hijama practitioners in the country. Their website (https://hijamasociety.com/) provides information about hijama, a list of registered practitioners, and a search function to find a hijama practitioner in your area.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to promote the flow of energy (known as “qi”) throughout the body and can help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and digestive disorders.
In Saudi Arabia, acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular, and there are many registered practitioners. The Saudi Arabian Society for Traditional Chinese Medicine is the main professional organization for acupuncture practitioners in the country. Their website (http://www.sasts.org.sa/) provides information about acupuncture, a list of registered practitioners, and a search function to find an acupuncture practitioner in your area.
Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine involves the use of plant extracts and other natural substances to treat various health conditions. It is one of the oldest forms of medicine and has been used for centuries to promote wellness and treat illness.
In Saudi Arabia, there are many herbal medicine practitioners available, and the Saudi Arabian Society for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is the main professional organization for herbal medicine practitioners in the country. Their website (http://www.sasmap.com.sa/) provides information about herbal medicine, a list of registered practitioners, and a search function to find a herbal medicine practitioner in your area.
Unani Medicine
Unani medicine is a system of medicine that originated in Greece and involves the use of natural remedies, such as herbs, massage, and dietary changes, to treat various health conditions. Unani medicine is based on the principle of balancing the body’s humors (energy) to achieve optimal health.
In Saudi Arabia, Unani medicine is widely practiced, and there are many registered practitioners. The Saudi Arabian Society for Unani Medicine is the main professional organization for Unani medicine practitioners in the country. Their website (http://www.saudiarabiaunani.org/) provides information about Unani medicine, a list of registered practitioners, and a search function to find a Unani medicine practitioner in your area.
Regulation of CAM in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the regulation of CAM practices varies depending on the type of practice. Some CAM practices, such as hijama and acupuncture, are recognized by the government and regulated by professional organizations. Other practices may not be formally recognized or regulated by the government.
Integration of CAM and Conventional Medicine
The Saudi Arabian healthcare system has a growing interest in integrating CAM and conventional medicine. Some hospitals and healthcare centers in the country offer CAM services alongside conventional medical treatments. Additionally, some medical schools in Saudi Arabia now offer courses on CAM practices, which can help healthcare professionals understand and integrate these practices into their treatment plans.
Insurance Coverage for CAM
In Saudi Arabia, most CAM services are not covered by the public healthcare system. However, some private health insurance companies offer coverage for CAM therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. These services may be covered under a supplementary insurance plan, which is optional and requires an additional premium.
Complementary and alternative medicine is a growing field in Saudi Arabia, providing people with more options for wellness and treatment of health conditions. Hijama, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Unani medicine are widely practiced and recognized by the government, while other CAM practices may not be as widely available.
Regulation of CAM practices in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the type of practice, with some practices being formally recognized and regulated by the government and others not. The Saudi Arabian healthcare system is increasingly interested in integrating CAM and conventional medicine, and some hospitals and healthcare centers in the country offer CAM services alongside conventional medical treatments.
Most CAM services are not covered by the public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, but some private health insurance companies offer coverage for these therapies. Overall, CAM is becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia, providing people with more options for wellness and treatment of health conditions.