From colon cleansing to acupuncture, how effective are traditional treatments?

You might have heard about some traditional medical treatments, such as colon cleansing and acupuncture. But how effective and safe are they?

According to a report on Pinoy MD, these practices are overseen by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC), which was founded by virtue of R.A. 8423, or the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997.

The law pushes for the study and use of traditional treatments that have been proven safe, effective, affordable, and falls within the government standards of medical practice.

Among the practices approved by PITAHC are colon cleansing, moxibustion, and acupuncture.

In the report, patients who undergo these treatments say they have been helping with their conditions such as numbness and paralysis.

PITAHC Director-General Dr. Annabelle Pabiona-De Guzman said that they hope to make traditional and alternative practices to be a part of Philippine healthcare.

"It can provide a better option for healthcare sa ating mga Pilipino," she said. "Hindi na kailangan na puro Western medicine lang tayo, lalo na doon sa mga hard-to-reach areas." —JCB, GMA Integrated News