Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Education
University of Ha'il
Assignment No (2)
Student:
ID:
INTRODUCTION:
Alternative medicine, often referred to as complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM), is widely practiced in Saudi Arabia (KSA). The use of
CAM encompasses various traditional practices, including herbal
remedies, cupping therapy, and spiritual healing, which are deeply rooted
in the cultural and religious beliefs of the region.
Prevalence and Types of CAM in KSA
Common Practices:
Herbal Medicine: A significant portion of the population utilizes herbal
remedies, with studies indicating that approximately 89.2% of patients
with chronic diseases in Al-Madinah reported using herbs and natural
supplements, such as ginger, honey, and cinnamon [2].
Cupping Therapy (Hijama): This traditional practice is prevalent, with
about 36.1% of participants in a study reporting its use. Cupping is often
sought for pain management and other health issues [2][3].
Spiritual Healing: Many individuals engage in spiritual practices,
including prayer and Quran recitation, which are considered effective by
a large segment of the population [1].
Demographics of CAM Users:
A study conducted in Jeddah found that awareness and use of CAM
modalities varied by gender and education level. For instance, females
were more likely to use yoga and herbs, while males showed higher
awareness of cupping and cauterization [1].
In Al-Madinah, the majority of CAM users were Saudi citizens, with a
notable prevalence among those with chronic diseases such as diabetes
and hypertension [2].
Reasons for CAM Use
Cultural Beliefs: The integration of CAM into healthcare is influenced by
cultural and religious beliefs, with many individuals preferring these
methods over conventional medicine due to perceived safety and
effectiveness [3].
Accessibility: CAM practices are often more accessible and culturally
accepted, making them a popular choice among the population [2].
Regulatory Framework
The Saudi government has recognized the importance of regulating CAM
practices. An act was established to govern the use of CAM, ensuring that
products are registered with the Ministry of Health before being marketed
[1]. This regulatory framework aims to promote safe and evidence-based
practices within the realm of alternative medicine.
Conclusion
The use of alternative medicine in Saudi Arabia is significant, with a
diverse range of practices that reflect the cultural and religious context of
the region. As interest in CAM continues to grow, it is essential to
promote research and awareness to ensure safe practices and effective
integration into the healthcare system.
References:
1. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the General
Public of Western Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey – PMC,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9772711/
2. The Prevalent Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Among Patients With Chronic Disease in the Al-Madinah Population
of Saudi Arabia – PMC,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10751177/
3. Traditional Medicine and its Use for Pain Management in Saudi
Arabia | SpringerLink,
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-
74365-3_206-1
