Guidelines for Mental Health Care by Lanna Medicine to Enhancing Life Quality of Cancer Patients

Abstract

This research article aims to study guidelines for mental health care by Lanna medicine to enhance life quality of cancer patients. This research is a qualitative study that collects data through the synthesis of documents containing information about the mental health problems of cancer patients. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with three individuals, including the head of a research project and the coordination team of a folk medicine and tribal medicine research project related to the health care process involving rituals of Lanna medicine. The data were analyzed using content analysis methods, and the results were further analyzed using descriptive content analysis techniques. The findings revealed three groups of mental health problems in cancer patients: 1) fear, anxiety, and stress, 2) self-anger, and feelings of worthlessness, and 3) discouragement, hopelessness, and depression. These issues can be addressed through preventive and treatment methods rooted in Lanna medicine wisdom, utilizing healing rituals such as auspicious time prediction, elimination and exorcism, morale-boosting, mindfulness, and providing comfort and support. These approaches aim to enhance the healthcare efficiency of Thai traditional medicine practitioners and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.