The Wisdom of Thai Indigenous Healers for the Spiritual Healing of Fractures.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the wisdom of Thai indigenous healers (IHs) for physical and spiritual healing and their treatment process for fractures. Twelve IHs from four regions of Thailand were selected using cluster and purposive sampling. They were interviewed on their methods for treating fractures. The Colaizzi method was used for analysis, and we returned to the IHs for validity confirmation. The wisdom of IHs is believed to be inherited from ancestors and from a "sixth sense," their former teacher's spirit. There are no textbooks, only one-on-one training. The annual Wai Khru ceremony, where IHs pay respect to their teachers, is believed to also impart a blessing of greater wisdom to the student healer. Their physical treatment of fractures is like that by an orthopedic physician, but their methods and materials are different because physical treatment is combined with spiritual care. Certain aspects of IH practice may have application for professional nursing. It is suggested that incorporating traditional spiritual care into nursing may improve patients' quality of life, both physically and spiritually.