THE HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL THAI AND CHINESE MEDICINE IN THAILAND IN THE EARLY PERIOD LEADING TO DIMENSIONS OF THE CULTURE

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to investigate the history of traditional Thai and Chinese medicine in Thailand in the early period leading to dimensions of the culture emphasized analysis the history of traditional Thai and Chinese medicine from the beginning until the reign of King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) before being influenced by western medicine under the cultural context based on historical research and analytic induction to search for event connection in each period in the history of traditional Thai and Chinese medicine in the early period.

          The findings of the research indicated that; 1) the characteristics of traditional Thai medicine were rooted in Ayurvedic Medicine of India, which was believed that diseases caused by human body imbalance with natural environment. The remedy at that time seemed to be only external treatment comprising medicine, massage and superstition. In terms of internal treatment, it contained cupping that most medicines were from native plants; however, there were a few medicines obtained from animals and minerals. Consequently, it can be said that it was not only medicine, but also the combination of philosophical concept, culture and Thai people’s way of life. 2) In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, it was based on the philosophy and ethical principles of Taoism and Confucianism. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasized holistic health and consideration for the differences of the characteristics of disease and human, treatment, including the relationship between health and culture. In addition, the treatment emphasized acupuncture, Chinese massage, Chinese herbal therapy and Pranayama for health promotion and therapy.