The 3rd World Congress on TCIM in Brazil

The 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) was held from 15 to 18 October 2025. It brought together researchers, health professionals and public health organisations from 47 countries. The focus was on strengthening evidence-based approaches to TCIM and improving access to traditional and complementary healthcare worldwide.

The 3rd World Congress TCIM program highlighted:

• What’s working well in TCIM around the world
• The emerging trends shaping the field
• Where greater access and collaboration are still needed

Speakers from the congress highlighted TCIM’s vital role in addressing chronic non-communicable diseases, mental health, pain management, women’s health and in promoting person-centred care and overall health.

With the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 90% of TCIM practitioners operate in the private sector, there were also discussions on collaborative and co-operative models of healthcare with a view to improving equity of access to TCIM.

In alignment with these goals, our Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine students complete supervised clinical practice in low-cost community clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These clinics offer affordable traditional and complementary healthcare to the public, as well as providing real-world training for future naturopaths and Western herbalists.

Our approach also supports a social justice perspective that’s consistent with the WHO Traditional Medicine strategy for universal TCIM healthcare access.

Together with Associate Dean Pam Megaw and Natalie Cook, Director of Industry, Innovation and Employment, I presented an experience report titled Evolution of a Work-integrated Learning (WIL) program: An Australian Naturopathic Experience. Their presentation showcased the evolution of our scaffolded Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program, which gives students hands-on experience through:

• Practical herbal manufacturing workshops
• Clinical and product knowledge intensives
• Placements at our student-led community clinic
• New Colombo Plan opportunities for students to visit health facilities in Nepal

We also congratulate casual facilitator Daen Medina, who presented a poster on “Met and unmet needs of people seeking information about TCIM in an advancing health system”.

These experiences offered fresh international perspectives we’re excited to bring back to our students and partners.

We remain committed to strengthening local and global collaborations, supporting the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy, and advancing traditional and complementary medicine worldwide.

World Naturopathic Federation General Assembly

The WNF General Assembly was held in Rio de Janeiro on 13 and 14 October 2025 and brought together 40 delegates representing 25 organisations and 17 countries across six World Health Organization regions.

Australia was strongly represented as a world leader in naturopathic education and clinical practice.

Event highlights included updates on the World Naturopathic Federation’s collaborative projects addressing anti-microbial resistance, environmental health, clinical guidelines and education standards. We’re proud that Torrens University Australia’s naturopathy programs meet the highest global benchmarks for naturopathic education, delivering more than 4,000 hours of comprehensive training.

Global research capacity initiatives

Global research capacity was a major focus at recent meetings. On 12 October 2025, research advocates met to share information, discuss priorities, and identify future needs, including promoting collaboration and advancement in the field.

We are well positioned at Torrens University to contribute to the evidence base of TCIM via postgraduate research pathways available to Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine graduates. Current research projects include studies on herbal medicines for the treatment of anxiety and long Covid, naturopathic approaches to aged care, and the impact of aromatherapy on mental wellbeing.

Our Traditional Complementary and Integrative Health research draws on expertise from across the university, including public health and counselling. This cross-disciplinary approach gives our research a strong, innovative edge and supports projects that address real community needs.

Acknowledging leadership and collaboration

Australia has held the role of Chair of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) for the last two years.

We thank Tobey-Ann Pinder, who recently completed her term as WNF President, for representing the Australian naturopathic community with dedication and insight. Her leadership has strengthened collaboration across the global naturopathic sector.

The presidency now passes to Caio Portella of Brazil’s Association of Naturology.

These volunteer roles are vital to WNF’s success, and we extend our gratitude to all who contribute their time and expertise – especially Torrens University academics who actively participate in projects within this international network.