Shenmiao - Week 7

Week 7 Topic – Spiritual Healing Practices Among Rural Postpartum Thai Women by Prangthip Thasanoh Elter et al.

Thai philosophy views the physical self as a holistic combination of body, energy, and mind-heart. Traditional medicine ascertains that childbirth gives Thai women an imbalance, which makes them vulnerable to diseases. Therefore, to heal the mind, heart, and spirit of a Thai woman, the new mothers observe postpartum practices that are not congruent with hospital practices (Chesla et al., 7). Indigenous postpartum practices in Asian countries integrate Thai medicine with Animism and Buddhism beliefs (Chesla et al. 1). The article establishes that influential caregivers combine Chinese traditional medicine and Buddhism to provide alternative Thai medicine.

 The central caregiving concept runs on the spiritual beliefs of consuming hot foodstuff to restore an individual’s body. The healing practice operates in four rituals, which are food practices, use of fire, drinking warm water, and taking a hot shower. Traditional belief system's primary goal is to rebalance the mind, body, and energy (Chesla et al., 5). For instance, the medication prescribes diets to aid in physical recovery. Besides, Buddhism spiritual practices ensured that women attain physical healing by lying down close to fire.

            Lying down close to the fire is a very complicated traditional healing practice that requires dedication and knowledgeable caregivers. Caregivers need experienced skills and concepts of khan, which is a religious belief in Malaysia that requires women to limit their food intake while next to a fire. Taking hot baths is also a strong family dynamics established by Isan women (Chesla et al., 6). Therefore, the childbirth experiences of indigenous women provide an in-depth understanding of postpartum practices used in Asian subcultures.

 The article proves that changing nursing practices should incorporate traditional knowledge on childbirth to promote cultural sensitivity. Nurses should approach Thai women tradition with an open mind, respect, and support to address their unique needs. For instance, nurses should collaborate with indigenous healers to design culturally acceptable interventions that will heal new mothers. Nonetheless, there is a need to conduct further research on indigenous postpartum practices in other Asian cultures to establish a maternal healing practice that incorporates cultural sensitivity.

Work Cited

Elter, Prangthip Thasanoh et al. Spiritual Healing Practices Among Rural Postpartum Thai Women. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 249–255. 15 Sept. 2016,

https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659614553515