Integrating Evidence-Based Traditional Asian Medicine and Western Medicine: Highlights from the Evidence-Based Traditional Asian Medicine Conference at the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education

Abstract

A conference entitled “Evidence-based Traditional Asian Medicine” (ETAM) was held virtually by the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) from March 4th to March 6th, 2021. 

The event sought to answer three key questions regarding the evidence, quality and trust surrounding ETAM practices: 

1. Evidence: Are traditional Asian medicine practices effective in promoting health, addressing disease or improving quality of life?  

1. Quality: Is there sufficient commitment and consensus on the study components required for high-quality clinical research studies in traditional Asian medicine? 

1. Trust: How can traditional Asian medicine make use of modern research build public and clinician trust in its practices? 

The conference first introduced the evidence-based applications of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) in the realms of diet and nutrition, pain management, and mental health. It then highlighted the crucial need for common and rigorous guidelines by which to evaluate and compare ETAM practices from around the world. Finally, the conference called for building upon Western precision medicine through ETAM methods and integrating practices from each to build a more robust, global and individually tailored approach to health and health care.