The Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices Section works to create a health care system that includes wellness as a right, not a privilege.
Our field is a fascinating world where science, ancient healing traditions, modern medical systems, psychology, philosophy and technology meet to reveal a multitude of possibilities for restoring and improving health and creating wellness.
Originally formed as the Alternative and Complementary Health Practice Special Primary Interest Group in 1994, the Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices (ICTHP) Section was established in 2014.
Our Members
Our membership is a vibrant, diverse group of professionals and students dedicated to promoting public health aspects of integrative, complementary and traditional health practices, including health care professionals, researchers, academics, policy advocates and trainees.
Our Work
We work toward a public health imperative to determine the health benefits, potential risks, and value of expenditures related to integrative and complementary health practices. We advance science and research with empirical investigation, inquiry, and dedication toward developing a base of evidence and determining clinical efficacy.
Specifically, we have the following objectives:
- Provide opportunities for multidisciplinary interaction among members within the professions of medicine, public health, health services and public policy to link, collaborate, create synergy and provide a broad vision for promoting community and global health and wellness.
- Encourage evidence-based research and discussion to guide practitioners, patients and policymakers regarding the use of integrative, complementary and traditional health practices.
- Promote the training and development of the next generation of researchers, scientists and practitioners.
- Increase visibility of integrative health practices within the realm of public health and health services.
Member Benefits
As a member of our Section, you can help grow our legacy in public health practice! We offer many opportunities to get involved, such as joining Section leadership, collaborating with other organizations and partners, influencing APHA policies and priorities, reviewing abstracts and presenting your research at the APHA Annual Meeting.
Join Us!
Your participation is vital to our continued success. Become an active member of the Section when you join APHA. If you are already an APHA member, you can join ICTHP as your second Section for no additional cost by updating your member profile.
Attend Events
Check out the APHA calendar for upcoming Section events and browse our sessions at the 2024 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo.
Visit on APHA LEAD
Members can visit us on APHA LEAD to learn about upcoming events, join in discussions with other Section members, and access our Section’s resource library.
Contribute
Support our efforts by making a donation.