What is Traditional Thai Medicine?

Traditional Thai medicine refers to the diverse health practices native to Thailand, encompassing formal and informal traditions.

Today, scholars distinguish between two main forms of traditional Thai medicine: the Royal or literate tradition and the unregulated Folk or rural traditions. The Royal tradition is endorsed by medical schools and supported by the Thai government, while the Folk practices are passed down orally from generation to generation by individual healers.

The Royal tradition is a structured system of medicine that the Ministry of Public Health formally codified in the late 1990s. It is a recognized medical discipline that Thai students can study in universities. Schools across Thailand teach this tradition, with courses typically lasting three to four years. Additionally, many institutions offer shorter courses that run on a weekly basis and are popular among tourists. Aspiring professionals must focus on herbal medicine and massage and obtain a license to practice.

Royal traditional Thai medicine draws heavily from Ayurveda to explain and organize its principles. It also incorporates influences from Western, Chinese, and other medical systems. Before this formal codification, the extent of these influences on Thai medicine was unclear.

Folk or rural tradition exists outside this formal framework. It consists of various informal practices passed down from teacher to student and can vary greatly from one place to another.

The Folk tradition includes practices that differ significantly from the Royal tradition, such as native massage, herbal medicine, tattooing, astrology, amulet-making, mediumship, and exorcism. Folk healers who are neither licensed nor regulated carry out these practices. These healers learn through oral transmission and hands-on experience, often without a background in scientific theory. To a modern observer, these healers may resemble shamans or witch doctors more than conventional physicians. However, it is essential to acknowledge that many Thais continue to consult folk healers, even in urban areas.

The Royal and Folk traditions have different views on health, illness, and treatment. The Royal Tradition sees disease as the result of the body struggling between balance and chaos. It emphasizes the importance of properly flowing energy for good health and aims to balance the elements within the body.

In contrast, Thai Folk tradition attributes illness not only to an imbalance of elements but also to spiritual possession and fear. Healers in this tradition view disease and misfortune as attacks from malevolent beings, such as angry ghosts and displaced spirits. They use charms, prayers, tattoos, amulets, and rituals to combat these attacks. Thai massage is also considered a crucial form of therapy for these issues.

For outsiders, the world of Thai folk healing can be quite mysterious. Healers guard their knowledge and pass it down orally to their chosen successors. Additionally, the government does not endorse or regulate these practices; instead, it promotes the Royal tradition as the legitimate form of traditional Thai medicine. As a result, Thai medical and massage schools primarily teach the Royal Thai massage style, making it challenging for foreigners to learn the folk traditions.

Despite the government’s efforts, many people in Thailand continue to believe that spiritual possession, fear, and an imbalance of elements in the body can cause illness. Villagers often view massage as a vital form of therapy and prefer locally prepared remedies and treatments from local healers. Traditional massage therapy is also sought after in hospitals and by doctors.

By understanding these two traditions, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of traditional Thai medicine and its ongoing relevance in modern Thai society. Whether through formal education or local practices, the wisdom of these healing arts continues to thrive.