Relevance and Utility of Traditional Medical Systems (TMS) in the Context of a Himalayan Tribe

Abstract

This paper unravels the intimate relationships between culture, tradition and health practices in a tribal society in the Central Himalayas. The Jaunsari tribe which resides in this region is well known for its polyandrous practices. The tra ditional medical system of this region represents a worldview which attempts to be at harmony with natural and supernatural forces and to strike a critical bal ance. Their magico—religious system of medicine deals with all kinds of human suffering—physical, moral and social. Though these healers of the community play caste and gender specific roles, one of their main responsibilities is to bring the suffering individual close to the superhuman forces. It is argued that these tradi tional healers can be major resource persons in providing health services to the local communities.