Global Initiative for Traditional Systems (Gifts) of Health

GIFTS of Health has established a new initiative – Global Resources on Traditional Healthcare & Wellness (GROWTH) to

• promote research & understanding of the contribution of traditional healthcare approaches to optimal health and well being
• generate publications bringing rigour and analysis to the field of wellness
• advise organisations on appropriate wellness strategies for their organisational mission
• develop ethical models of developing traditional approaches to optimal health & well being, based on appropriate models of informed consent, benefit sharing and indigenous enterprise development.

In 2008, Prof Bodeker & Professor Marc Cohen of RMIT University, Melbourne, produced for Elsevier Press, Oxford, the first academic book analysing the global spa industry: Understanding the Global Spa Industry, Elsevier Press, Oxford, 2008:
http://www.elsevierdirect.com/product.jsp?lid=100002&iid=0&sid=100013&isbn=9780750684644

In 2009, GIFTS chair, Prof Gerry Bodeker, as editor in chief of a multi-disciplinary team of editors and contributors, published a book on Malaysian health & wellness traditions:
http://www.amazon.com/Health-Beauty-Rainforest-Malaysian-Traditions/dp/9814217913/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248496883&sr=1-4

In addition, GIFTS has been represented through presentations & seminars at leading wellness conferences in Asia-Pacific, Europe & North America, including the Global Spa Summit, May 2008, in New York. GIFTS has also served in an advisory capacity to leading wellness organisations internationally.