Page 55 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

the Prophet’s guidance on disease prevention, treatment, 2. Methodology
patient care, overall well-being, physical and mental health,
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hygiene, and public health. It is important to note that A comprehensive literature review was conducted to
investigate the principles and efficacy of PM and IM.
while PM draws inspiration from the Prophet’s practices, This involved a comprehensive search across multiple
not all methods originated with him; many existed databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline,
before his time. The emphasis lies in how he practiced or Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search strategy
recommended these treatments. utilized a combination of keywords such as “prophetic
PM is gaining global recognition, attracting interest medicine,” “integrative medicine,” “holistic medicine,”
from both the public and scientific communities. This “Islamic medicine,” and “health policy” to identify relevant
system is particularly prevalent in the Arab and Muslim studies examining the principles, historical background,
worlds, where it plays a vital role in modern healthcare. and evidence supporting the efficacy of PM, as well as
Studies have shown that in some Muslim communities, the concepts, benefits, and challenges of IM. In addition,
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up to 96% of individuals use PM practices. Malaysia a manual search of reference lists from identified reviews
exemplifies this trend, experiencing a notable increase in was conducted to ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date
PM practitioners and establishing hundreds of Islamic review of the literature.
healing centers – approximately 200 in 2015. The The review exclusively considered published studies,
7
core elements of PM include herbal remedies, dietary which have undergone rigorous peer review by experts in
guidelines, spiritual healing techniques, and practices that the field, thereby enhancing their reliability. No restrictions
combine physical and mental well-being. 8 were imposed on the study designs. The focus was on
Given the widespread of CAM, it has been argued that relevant literature on PM and IM topics, resulting in the
integrative medicine (IM) has been proposed as beneficial inclusion of approximately 150 articles. This narrative
for patients. IM refers to a healthcare approach that uses review adhered to the methodological rigor outlined by
all appropriate therapeutic modalities – both conventional the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles
and alternative – within a framework that focuses on the quality assessment tool. 12
therapeutic relationship and treats the whole person. A rigorous analytical framework was applied to the
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By combining the strengths of both conventional and selected studies. The initial stage involved classifying the
alternative therapies, IM aims to provide holistic care that studies according to a multifaceted set of criteria, including
prioritizes the patient and fosters a strong doctor–patient author and publication year, geographical origin, research
relationship. This approach seeks to maximize the benefits design, temporal context, participant demographics,
of both treatment modalities while minimizing potential primary interventions, and observed outcomes. This
conflicts between them. 10 classification facilitated a systematic and organized
synthesis of the identified literature.
PM therapies address these broader needs by
focusing on curing illnesses and preventing them, 3. PM: Historical and clinical significance
promoting mental well-being, and incorporating spiritual
aspects alongside medical treatments. This holistic 3.1. Historical development
perspective creates a balance between the body and PM has its roots in ancient Arab healing traditions, but it
the soul, contributing to overall health. In addition, was significantly shaped by the teachings of Islam during
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PM emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This system
doctor‒patient relationship and truly understanding the incorporates medicinal herbs, dietary practices, mind-
patient’s experiences. This empowerment enables patients body techniques, spiritual healing, and physical therapies
to feel more in control of their health, enhancing their such as cupping. PM reflects a synthesis of Islamic beliefs,
overall well-being beyond physical health. This review the Prophet’s personal experiences, and regional healing
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aims to assess the potential of PM as a model for IM by traditions. In essence, PM draws from three main sources:
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conducting a rigorous examination of existing literature. It religious revelations (the Qur’an), the Prophet’s traditions
will specifically focus on studies investigating the practical and practices, and existing medical knowledge from
realities and challenges associated with integrating PM other cultures. As Islam is a global religion, teachings
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into conventional healthcare systems. Furthermore, this related to PM have adapted to various cultural contexts
review will delve into the core principles of PM, explore its over time. Generations of Muslims have embraced these
historical origins, and evaluate the evidence supporting its core principles and incorporated them into their local
efficacy in treating various ailments. practices. 15

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 47 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765