WHO Releases New Traditional Medicine Training Papers
A new series outlines standard training and competency domains for traditional practices, beginning with cupping therapy.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Alternative Medicine
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In October 2026, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre launched a new series of working papers dedicated to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. The inaugural document establishes a framework for cupping therapy training by reviewing current educational and competency standards.
Why it matters
This series aims to provide a neutral, evidence-based foundation for countries to discuss the regulation and integration of traditional practices into national health systems. It serves as a key implementation step for the broader WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.
The inaugural paper utilizes a systematic scoping review to document training pathways and competency domains for cupping therapy. While this initial report defines educational frameworks, future papers will address specific practice standards for various traditional disciplines.
The players
WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre
An international body focused on evidence-based research, regulation, and integration of traditional medicine into global health systems.
The details
The working papers document traditional medicine practices by synthesizing scientific evidence, existing accreditation frameworks, and expert inputs. The inaugural publication on cupping therapy analyzes curriculum content and standardized training pathways to ensure practitioners meet defined competency domains. This systematic approach supports the integration of these practices into broader health systems by establishing transparent, evidence-based quality criteria.
Timeline
The first working paper was published in October 2026.
Additional papers in the series will be released throughout 2026-27.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy covers the period of 2025-2034.
Health Landscape
This series represents a shift toward formalizing the study and regulation of traditional medicine within international health policy. It aligns with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 to bring consistent, evidence-based standards to a diverse field of practices.
These papers provide a framework for professionalizing traditional medicine, which may eventually lead to clearer credentials for practitioners in your area. If you use complementary therapies, discuss with your doctor how your provider's training aligns with these emerging international standards.
The takeaway
The WHO is developing standardized training frameworks to increase the safety and transparency of traditional medicine practices globally. Patients should look for practitioners who adhere to recognized accreditation standards and maintain an open dialogue with their primary physician regarding all treatments.
Further reading
For more background on how the health sector approaches non-conventional treatments, explore Alternative Medicine.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pharmabiz.
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