Ms. Spiritual Roles and Healing Rituals of To' Bomoh (Traditional Malay Healers) Emotional Instability within the Malay Society of Narathiwat Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This qualitative research aims to: (1) examine the role of To' Bomoh (traditional Malay healers) in healing individuals with emotional instability in the Malay society of Narathiwat Province, Thailand, and (2) study the characteristics of healing rituals performed by To' Bomoh for individuals with emotional instability.
Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview questions with purposively selected participants. These included: (1) six individuals who had experienced emotional instability and received ritual-based treatment from To' Bomoh, (2) six To' Bomoh with at least three years of experience in performing healing rituals, (3) six family members or close acquaintances of individuals who had undergone such healing processes, selected using the snowball sampling technique, and (4) two experts in psychology and community psychiatry. In total, there were 20 key informants.
Results: The findings reveal that the role of To' Bomoh in healing emotionally unstable individuals can be categorized into four main aspects: (1) spiritual leaders and sources of emotional support for the community, (2) ritual practitioners and healers through religious means, (3) advisors and life counselors, and (4) trusted community figures who serve as a bridge to formal healthcare services. As an alternative form of treatment, the healing practices of the To' Bomoh are closely aligned with the cultural values, religious beliefs, and ways of life of the Malay community. Consequently, individuals facing emotional or family-related problems often seek assistance from the To' Bomoh as an initial step, or use these traditional practices alongside modern medical treatment. The characteristics of the healing rituals were found to be diverse and aligned with the cultural and religious practices of the Malay society. These can be grouped into five key features: (1) recitation of du'a from the Qur'an for mental healing, (2) blowing air accompanied by du'a into water or onto the patient’s body, (3) use of sacred items such as Zamzam water, (4) use of medicinal herbs combined with prayers to restore physical and mental balance, and (5) adherence to Islamic practices to achieve inner peace.
Application of this study: This study contributes to a broader understanding of the role of To' Bomoh as traditional healers within the Malay community in Narathiwat Province. The findings highlight that healing emotional instability is not limited to modern medical treatment but is closely intertwined with the community’s belief systems, religion, and cultural practices. The knowledge generated from this research helps illustrate how the rituals and healing methods of the To' Bomoh function as an alternative approach to supporting mental well-being within the community, reflecting the worldview and way of life of Malay society. Furthermore, the study helps fill an existing knowledge gap regarding the integration of mental health understanding with the cultural context of Thailand’s southern border provinces. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing traditional healing systems alongside modern healthcare services in order to develop culturally appropriate approaches to mental health care within the community.
Conclusions: The role of To' Bomoh in healing individuals with emotional instability reflects the importance of traditional healing practices within the cultural and religious context of Malay society in Narathiwat Province. Their healing rituals represent an alternative approach to supporting mental well-being that is closely connected to community beliefs, religious practices, and ways of life. Recognizing these traditional healing systems alongside modern healthcare services may contribute to the development of culturally appropriate mental health care within the community.