The COMPARISION ABOUT PROCESS OF CANCER TREATMENT BETWEEN THAI AND LAO TRADITIONAL HEALERS

Abstract

This research aims to compare about process of cancer treatment between Thai and Laos PDR traditional healers. Qualitative approach was used in this research with major informants of 2 traditional healers of cancer from Laos PDR and Thailand. This includes cancer patients and relatives. Survey, observation and interview forms are used in data collection through survey, observation and in-depth interview. Content analysis is used and the results are as follows; 1. Results from the context of traditional healer in Laos PDR showed that traditional healers, 68 years with 1 son had his expertise in cancer, diabetic, high blood pressure and rheumatoid. He provided the treatment for both in- and out-patient. In Thailand, traditional healer, 83 years with 1 son and 5 daughters had their expertise in cancer and provided the treatment only for being out patient. 2. Results from comparison between Thai and Laos PDR traditional healers found that treatment procedures consisted of 1) interview for the background of the patient, 2) physical check up, using hands and blood pressure and fat level, 3) diagnosis and 4) herbal medicine providing. For knowledge transfer, his son received the knowledge. For Thai healer, treatment procedures consisted of (1) registration and interview for the background of the patient, (2) worship the knowledge, (3) praying for cancer treatment, (4) blowing and chanting and (5) providing herbal medicine. For knowledge transfer, the healer acknowledged the students in traditional Thai medicine curriculum and the locals at the learning center to bring the theory into practice.