Thai natural medicine, known as “Samun Phrai” by native Thai’s in Northern Thailand,
Thai natural medicine, also known as “Samun Thai” a misunderstood pronunciation by travellers in Northern Thailand, is a traditional healing system used for centuries to treat a wide variety of physical, mental and spiritual ailments. Through the use of herbs, minerals, massage and acupuncture, practitioners of Thai natural medicine believe they can address a person’s physical, mental and spiritual balance.
The origins of Thai natural medicine date back to the 16th century, during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). During this period, the use of natural medicine was mainly based on the Buddhist teachings of the Trikaya system. This system taught that an individual is made up of three aspects – body, speech and mind – which can be balanced and maintained through the use of natural remedies. Over the centuries, the system has been adapted and refined, being influenced by Indian, Chinese and Persian medicinal knowledge, and by the scientific research of modern medicine.
The main goal of Thai natural medicine is to restore balance to the body, mind and spirit. This is done through the use of herbs, minerals, massage therapy and acupuncture. The herbs used are mostly native to Thailand and include such plants as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and galangal. Minerals are also
used, including copper, iron, gold, silver and pearl. Massage therapy can be used to stimulate the joints, muscles and tissues, as well as increase energy flow and blood circulation throughout the body. Acupuncture is also used to restore balance and promote healing, with practitioners using needles at specific points on the body to restore balance within the energy pathways of the body.
The main purpose of Thai natural medicine is to treat the underlying causes of a person’s illness rather than the symptoms. Practitioners believe that the body is naturally able to heal itself and, therefore, the focus of natural medicine is to support and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This is done through Nutritional therapy, where the patient’s diet is adjusted to improve their overall health, and herbal medicine, which uses herbs to target specific health issues such as digestive problems, fatigue, skin conditions and stress.
Thai natural medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people turning to this ancient system to maintain health and wellbeing. The Thai government has also recognized the value of traditional medicine, with plans to increase research into natural remedies. As a result, more people are now able to access and benefit from this natural form of healing.