The Traditional Medicine of North Thailand

Even today traditional medicine in North Thailand isto pass an initiation ceremony before they are
flourishing and its roots stretch back to manyaccepted into a specific traditional medicine
hundreds of years.discipline. Most local doctors are skilled in different
In North Thailand, the art of healing is passed onaspects of traditional medicines but they usually
by the traditional healer to his student by thepractice a particular specialty. The specialties of
word of mouth. There is no formal trainingtraditional medicines are herbal healing, bone
institute to learn the art of traditional medicine.blowing and spiritual healing.
Traditional medicine is quite popular in rural areasA herbalist usually covers the entire spectrum of
and villages in North Thailand.diseases and he formulates medication from
North Thailand is home to many hill tribes and allherbs and other natural ingredients.
these tribes follow traditional medicine practices.A bone blower is the one who specializes in
Each hill tribe has its own traditional medicinewounds and broken bones. It is his responsibility to
though there is a commonality link between therepair fractures and wounds by applying splints or
practices.poultices and then blowing and chanting
Mor Muang is the term used to describe the localincantations to the affected area.
doctor and it covers the different specialties ofA spiritual healer performs ceremonies and chants
traditional medicine. Traditional medicine in Thailandincantations to call on to the affected person's
is usually a male tradition and outsiders have tospiritual essence and then connecting to the
masters in order to be accepted. They also havepatient's spiritual guide to cure and heal him.