Why Patients Turn to Traditional Medicine: New Study Reveals Their Real

A qualitative study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies sheds light on why people use traditional and complementary approaches (TCIM) such as herbal remedies, cupping, massage, and prayer-based healing. Instead of viewing TCIM as a simple rejection of modern care, the research found decisions typically come from overlapping health needs, psychological expectations, cultural beliefs, and social influence. Led by Ayşe İspirli Turan at Samsun University in Türkiye, the study used phenomenological methods and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, all of whom had used at least one TCIM practice. The analysis produced five themes and 23 subthemes, with the most prominent motivation focused on preventing and treating disease and “strengthening immunity.”