History of Thai Traditional Medicine
Since the dissemination of Buddhism from India to various regions, it not only propagated as a religion but also carried the transmission of Ayurvedic medicine facilitated by monks. This knowledge found its way to many Eastern countries, and Thailand was no exception. In Thailand, we amalgamated lifestyle, culture, Ayurvedic practices, and indigenous medicine to cultivate what is now known as Thai traditional Medicine.
The foundation of Thai traditional medical theory encompasses key elements such as etiology, weather etiology, age etiology, and time etiology. In the year 1999, the field of Thai Traditional Medicine was categorized into distinct professions, namely Thai traditional medicinal practitioners, Thai traditional pharmacists, Thai traditional midwives, and Thai traditional Massage practitioners.
Thai traditional medicinal professionals engage in medical examination, diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention through the processes outlined in Thai traditional medicine, all under the guidance of a Thai traditional doctor.
Thai traditional pharmacy focuses on the preparation of pharmaceutical drugs, their manufacturing, invention, drug selection, quality control, and assurance, as well as prescription and dispensing by a licensed practitioner of Thai traditional medicine. Distribution aligns with the regulations specified in the drug act and follows procedures defined by Thai traditional pharmacists.
Thai traditional Midwifery involves therapies, guidance, and the dissemination of health knowledge for pregnant women, aiming to prevent disorders during pregnancy and childbirth, offering maternity care, and promoting maternal and infant health in the postpartum period.
Lastly, Thai traditional Massage entails assessment, diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, health promotion, and rehabilitation through techniques involving compression, bending, pulling, catching, and other similar methods. This integrated approach reflects the rich tapestry of Thai Traditional Medicine, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary healthcare practices.
