What are the five branches of Traditional Thai Medicine?

Thai massage is just one part of a broader, holistic healing system. To become a traditional Thai physician, students study for many years under a traditional healer, gradually mastering five key disciplines.

Internal medicine (Paet Saat) uses herbs and diet to promote health. This branch includes food, herbal medicine, minerals, and various compounds. Herbal remedies come in various forms, such as snuff, inhalants, gargling solutions, teas, infusions, tonics, alcoholic macerates, oral dosages, pills, capsules, tablets, poultices, ointments, essential oils, and suppositories. Healers classify these remedies based on their taste, which relates to their healing properties: sweet, bitter, astringent, acrid, nutty, salty, and sour.

External Medicine (Gaai-Ya-Paap Bam-Bat) includes therapies applied to the external body, such as bone setting, Thai massage, and Thai cupping. It also involves applying herbs externally through balms, compresses, and poultices.

Divinatory Sciences (Hoh Raa Saat)

Divinatory Sciences (Hoh Raa Saat) uses Vedic astrology, numerology, palmistry, and geomancy to assess health predispositions and suggest remedial actions.

Spirit Medicine (Sai Ya Saat)

Spirit Medicine (Sai Ya Saat) involves shamanistic and animistic practices, including amulets, incantations, Sak Yant magical tattoos, spiritual herbalism, and engaging with spirits for healing.

Buddhism (Put Ta Saat)

Buddhism (Put Ta Saa) is integral to Traditional Thai Medicine. Its teachings, Dhammas, and mantras support mental health and promote a harmonious lifestyle.