The History of Thai Traditional Medicine
In Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM), Jivaka, the Buddha’s personal physician, is venerated as a revered teacher. This medical system has its roots in Ayurveda but also seamlessly integrates Chinese herbs and indigenous medicinal practices. Given Thailand’s pivotal role as a trade hub connecting India and China, Thai medicine is most likely a harmonious amalgamation of Eastern healing traditions intertwined with Buddhism, all refined through the test of time.
The origins of TTM can be traced back to the era of Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia, between 1182-1186. During this period, the Northeastern region of Thailand boasted 102 hospitals, known as “Athokaya sala,” each staffed with 92 members, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
The golden age of TTM blossomed during the reign of King Narai the Great in Ayutthaya. It was during this time that the first Thai traditional medicine textbook was compiled. Interestingly, despite Western medicine’s presence in Thailand, it faced resistance and was not widely embraced.
Under the reign of King Rama I, substantial efforts were made to compile and inscribe various TTM knowledge onto marble tablets at the royal temple of “Wat Pho” in Bangkok. King Rama III further transformed Wat Pho into Thailand’s inaugural TTM open school, adding more inscriptions to bolster its teachings.
In 1888, Siriraj Hospital, the country’s most prestigious medical institution, was established during King Rama V’s rule. Thai Traditional Medicine was offered alongside Western and traditional medical practices. TTM literature was also published and regularly updated. Unfortunately, with King Rama VI’s reign came conflicts with Western medicine, leading to the discontinuation of TTM education at Siriraj Medical School.
To ensure procedural safety, Thai Traditional doctors were required to pass board exams, leading many rural practitioners to abandon their practices and destroy their books. Subsequently, TTM was officially deemed unscientific by law. However, during World War II, the scarcity of Western medicine prompted a revival of Thai traditional medicine, rekindling interest in its practices. It was further resurrected through the diligent efforts of King Rama IX, leading to the establishment of TTM organizations and schools.
TTM encompasses four primary branches: medicine, pharmacy, midwifery, and massage. In recent times, Thai people have shown increased interest in TTM, partly due to the side effects and limitations of modern medicine in treating chronic illnesses. Nevertheless, TTM practitioners still acknowledge the value of modern medicine, using lab tests to assess progress and integrating Eastern and Western diagnostic approaches to help patients regain their health. Thai traditional medicine stands as a precious heritage passed down through generations, embodying a holistic approach to healing.
Thai traditional medicine (also known as “TTM”) is similar to other Eastern medical systems, such as Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. It is unquestionably Buddhist healing, which incorporates centuries of traditional doctors’ skills and understanding. Because of the Buddhist teaching of “do no harm,” it tends to be more plant-based than other Eastern medicines
TTM was first recorded during the reign of Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia in the year 1182-1186. There were 102 hospitals known as “Athokaya sala” in Thailand’s Northeast. There were 92 staff members at each hospital, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
During the reign of King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya, TTM was in its golden age. The first textbook of Thai traditional medicine was compiled. During that time, Western medicine had already arrived in Thailand, but it was not well accepted.
During the reign of King Rama I, various TTM information was compiled and inscribed onto marble squares in a royal temple known as “Wat Pho,” in Bangkok. In the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho became Thailand’s first TTM open school, with additional inscriptions added.
Siriraj Hospital, the country’s most renowned hospital and medical school, was founded in 1888 during the reign of King Rama V. Thai Traditional Medicine was taught in conjunction with Western and traditional medicine. TTM books were also published and updated. However, due to conflicts with Western medicine, Siriraj Medical School no longer teaches TTM under the reign of King Rama VI.
To guarantee the safety of the procedure, Thai Traditional doctors were forced to take board exams. Many rural doctors chose to cease practicing and destroyed their books. Later, TTM was declared unscientific by law. During World War II, the scarcity of Western medicine prompted a resurgence of Thai traditional medicine. TTM has been revived as a result of King Rama IX’s efforts. TTM organizations and schools were formed.
There are 4 branches of TTM teachings: medicine, pharmacy, midwifery, and massage. Nowadays, Thai people have become more interested in TTM as a result of the adverse effects and restrictions of modern medicine with chronic diseases. However, TTM doctors still find modern medicine useful, since lab tests may be used to assess progress and integrate the diagnosis of the East and West in order to assist patients in regaining their health. Thai traditional medicine is a present that has been passed down to us from generations past.
