THE ANALYTICAL STUDIES OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE WISDOM’S CONCEPTS IN MEKONG BASINS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research article are to study the concept of traditional medicine wisdom and to study the analysis of the traditional medicine wisdom in Mekong basin. This research is a qualitative research, conducted by in-depth interviews with 16 population of the traditional medicine doctors, divided in 5 Thais and 11 Laos PDR.

The research found that 1) the concept of traditional medicine wisdom, it found that the traditional medicine doctors who treat ailments in the traditional wisdom which differs according to each locality, divided into 8 categories: Mor Ya Haak Mai (Root Doctor), Mor Pao (Blow Doctor), Mor Sen End or Mor Nuad (Tendon or Massage Doctor or), Mor Phra (Monkhood Doctor), Mor Ya Moh or Mor Sa Muan Pai (Pot or Herbal Doctor), Mor Kra Dook (Bone Doctor), Mor Tum Yae (Midwife Doctor), Mor Cheed Ya or Mor Theuan (Injection or Quack Doctor) 2) to study the analysis of the traditional medicine wisdom in Mekong basin, it found that medical treatment by local medicine doctors at the Mekong basin was one of the first treatment options for people because it was a place that people could access easily, economically and effectively, even though nowadays the wisdom of traditional medicine was sometimes compared to modern medicine. But the traditional doctors always were the first to treat the sufferings to the villagers. Besides, some traditional medicine doctors were also good examples of self-possession, such as keeping precepts, making merit, retaining mental purification. It could be seen that the wisdom of traditional medicine practitioners of both the Thai and Laos side was a science of health care for people who rely on beliefs, faith and local resources. Moreover, they treated with both body and mind healing in parallel. Such knowledge therefore deserved the government to have the data stored officially in order to maintain the concepts of traditional wisdom to live in Mekong basin forever