This study examines beliefs about becoming sick through physical contact with spirits (phii) and poisons (pit), and outlines diagnosis and treatment by direct and indirect touching of sufferers' bodies. Based on fieldwork conducted in Khon Mueang village in Mae Jaem District in Chiang Mai from 1995.
THAI Online Library
Essays & Articles
Thai Herbal Compresses: Healing from Thailand
An article of general interest about luk pra kob, or Thai herbal compresses, and their use in the west in spas and treatment centers.
Medicine in Buddhist & Jain traditions
Overview and comparison between traditional Buddhist medicine and traditional Jain medicine systems.
Bug Drugs: Insects as Medicine in NE Thailand
For centuries, Northeastern Thai have used insects in potions and remedies to cure a host of ailments. Now researchers plan to systematically record them.
Hilltribe Healers of Northern Thailand
A listing of the various hill tribes of northern Thailand - (Lahu, Lisu, Karen, Hmong) - with distinguishing cultural and historical characteristics
Acupuncture & Thai Massage: Same Same but Different
A description of some conceptual and practical similarities between Chinese acupuncture and traditional Thai massage,
Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Comparative Overview
A review of basic concepts in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as government policies, research initiatives and supporting industries in the commerce of traditional medicine. Sponsored by Indian educational and commercial agencies.
Ayurveda, Congenital Disease and Birthdays in Thai Traditional Medicine
Academic paper discussing the roles of Ayurveda, Congenital Diseases and Birthdays in traditional Thai medicine. Originally published in the Journal of The Siam Society, Volume 76 (1988).
The Tri-Doshas
Hmong Perception of Shamanism
A Masters dissertation dealing with the perception of Shamanism and Western medicine among Hmong residents of the mid-western United States.