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Unlike modern medicine the traditional medicine in Bhutan is
purely an indigenous product since it is developed and manufactured in the
country based on rich traditional knowledge and experience blended with
modern technology and scientific methods. Almost 70% of the ingredients
required for traditional medicines are available in the country and plans are
underway to increase the production of medicinal plants with EU support. The
pharmaceutical unit currently produces about 5 metric tons annually and meets
the requirement of traditional medicine for the whole country. The unit also
produces and markets a dozen of herbal products in the local market.
The traditional medicine is derived from three main
sources as follows:
a) Plant origin : Ngomen (high altitude
plants), Throgmen (plants below 8000 feet above sea level) and Tsimen
(resins)
b) Mineral origin : Rinchen Men (precious
stones), Domen (mineral base)
c) Animal origin : Sogcha (parts of
animals)
The traditional essential medicine list contains 103
compounds made from the above sources at present. To ensure quality, safety
and efficacy of the medicines, quality control system has been instituted.
The traditional medicine is getting popular in view of its holistic approach
and minimal side effects.
Traditional medical
practice
In the traditional medical system, the diseases are based
on three elements of the body viz: Air, Bile and Phlegm commonly known as
Lung, Thrip and Bayken. Lung (air) is responsible for respiration, movement
of hollow organs such as intestine, lungs, heart, blood vessels etc. Thrip
(bile) stimulates appetite, helps in digestion and maintains body
temperature. It also claims to confer bravery, wisdom, and desire or
ambition. Bayken (phlegm) sustains body and produces sleep. It is responsible
for movement of joints, muscles and confers patience. Its aqueous element is
associated with bodily fluids.
According to Sowa Rigpa, disturbance or imbalance in any
of these three elements leads to diseases and ill health. The diagnosis of
the diseases is made through history taking, pulse reading and urine
examination. The patients are treated with medicines and different therapies
such as golden and silver needle insertion, blood letting, herbal stream application
and bath, cupping, moxibution, massage etc.
The National Traditional Medicine
Hospital in Thimphu
alone treats more than 50,000 patients annually and the figures are growing
every year. So is the case with district Indigenous Units. The Traditional
medical system serves as complimentary to the modern medical services and is
housed in the same hospital building. This allows cross referrals between the
two systems and also a choice for the patients.
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