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Item Attitude of Bhutanese people on traditional medicine gso.ba rig.pa.(2010-02) Lhamo, NamgayBhutan hosts two forms of traditional medicine: local healing practices and the official traditional medical system known to the nation as gSo-ba Rig-pa. While local healing practices lacks proper documentation, the medical tradition of gSo-ba Rig-pa has been integrated with the nation’s system of health care services. This integration of TM with modern health care system not only adds dimensions to the nation’s system of health care but also provides an alternative to the patients in terms of active healthcare decision making. Given the opportunity to enjoy free medical facilities of both the systems, empirical studies such as this has become imperative for the clear understanding of people’s knowledge, attitude and perspectives so that researched evidences of health seeking-patterns can be clearly stated.Item Average birth weight of term newborn babies: a hospital based study in Thimphu, Bhutan.(2015-11) Dorji, PhurbIntroduction: The birth weight of every new born is a key predictor of its immediate outcome and indirect indicator for later development. There were no studies done in Bhutan to look at the average term birth weight. This study was under taken to estimate the average term birth weight of new born in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu and to study its correlation with maternal factors and sex of the new born. Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collected from the birthing center record for those delivered between January 2011 to December 2014. A total of 13,647 singleton babies were included. Other variables studied maternal age, parity, education level, family income, antenatal booking visits, sex of baby and maternal ethnic origins. Data were analysed for correlations. Results: From the 13,647 singleton cases, the overall average term birth weight for new born was 3,177± 435 g with boys (mean weight 3,228± 435g) being heavier than girls (mean weight 3,121 ± 429 g). This study also proved the expectation that birth weight will improve with improvements in economic situation and female literacy level. The term birth weight was positively correlated with parity, number of antenatal visits, family income, maternal education level and age. Conclusions: The average term birth weight of new born in JDWNRH is 3,177± 435 g. The mean birth of North Bhutanese (mean as 3,260 ± 436g) is heavier by 200g than the South Bhutanese (mean as 3,060 ± 411 g).Item Balancing traditional beliefs and medical science: mental health care in Bhutan.(2015-11) Nirola, Damber Kumar; Durham, Judith C; Kraus, Kurt LIn the Kingdom where Gross National Happiness is the most precious commodity, there is a growing awareness of the individual and communal toll that unmet mental health needs bring to bear on Bhutanese society. Even though mental illnesses are becoming public health issue, there is a tendency to neglect the care of mentally ill person in the general setting. The reason for the neglect is due to lack of understanding and poor management of mental illness by the health professionals and community at large. This article emphasizes the need to balance the traditional beliefs and medical science in order to provide a comprehensive mental health care in Bhutan.Item Bhutan Health Journal : intiating a new era in Bhutan.(2015-11) Dorji, PhurbItem Bhutanese Brag-zun (mineral pitch): Its uses and scientific findings.(2009-02) Wangchuk, PhurpaBrag-zun is the most sought after medicinal products in Bhutan and also in the Asian countries. It is used in many folkloric and traditional medicines for treating various disorders and is commonly known as the "destroyer of all illnesses". According to gso-ba-rig-pa, Brag-zun is used for treating fever, ulceration of stomach, liver and kidney diseases, dysentery, gout, rheumatism, boosting the body immune system (as rejuvenators) and for improving the eyesight. In Bhutan, Brag-zun is collected from the rocky cliffs in Chukha, Punakha and Paro Dzongkhags and is used for formulating as many as seventeen different traditional medicines. The scientific literature review found that Brag-zun has been extensively studied and the findings substantiate most of its ethno-medical claims. However, no study was done on the Bhutanese variety of Brag-zun. Therefore, series of studies were carried by the authors mainly to asses its anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. These studies found that the Bhutanese variety of Brag-zun exhibited the anti-oxidant and the antifungal activities. It was active against Candida albicans and Microporeum gypsum. Thus, this paper describes the reported scientific findings of Brag-zun and the findings of the Bhutanese variety of Brag-zun.Item Bio-prospecting in Bhutan: Its Scope and Challenges.(2009-02) Wangchuk, PhurpaNatural products have been an important source of pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fragrances, veterinary products, organic pesticides and many more. Many of the modern drugs that are currently available are the natural products derivatives. Since the diseases are scourging the mankind and its allies, there is urgent need for new drugs. There is also increasing demands for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fragrances and other organic products. From these perspectives, there is huge potential for bioprospecting worldwide. For Bhutan, while there is a challenge in terms of funding the bioprospecting activities, there are lots of scopes for bioprospecting initiative. This is because; Bhutan is rich in biodiversity and also rich in traditional medical knowledge. These two critical factors supported by the reliable collaborators would make bioprospecting in Bhutan a success. Thus, this paper presents the scopes and challenges of bioprospecting in Bhutan.Item Blood Letting and Cauterization in Bhutanese Traditional Medicine.(2008-02) Wangdi, Drungtsho TendrilItem Collection of Medicinal Plants and the Production of Traditional Medicines in Bhutan.(2008-02) Tenzin, SherabItem Comparative study of Mongolian and Bhutanese Traditional Medical Services.(2015-11) Gyeltshen, Tempa; Tsend-Ayush, D; Davaa, GThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Bhutan and Mongolia in order to compare and evaluate the Mongolian and Bhutanese Traditional medical services. A structured questionnaire was administered to 202 patients from both the countries, aged 18 years and above. Furthermore, observation method was also applied in order to determine the facilities and the services in the hospitals. The study found out that although Bhutan and Mongolia are two distinct countries, the traditional medicine policies are quite similar because both are formulated keeping in mind the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO). The human resource was found to be consisting of mostly qualified physicians who have graduated from the government recognized institutes in both the countries. However, the services provided by the hospitals show a considerable difference between the two countries. Further, this study also found that physicians and patients in both Mongolia and Bhutan are satisfied with the services provided but they aspire for improvement in the facilities that are available. Although the services and facilities in both Mongolia and Bhutan are quite similar, Mongolia exceeds in the number of services provided compared to Bhutan due to much more advancement in economic development.Item The concept of gso-ba rig.pa.(2010-02) Nidup, Drungtsho DorjiIn gSo-ba-Rigpa, the fundamental healing philosophy is the concept of three somatic humors (basic types of energy or functional principles): rLung (from ether and air), mkhris.pa (from fire and water), and Bad.kan (from water and earth). According to the principles of gSo.ba rig.pa, they are present in everyone and everything. rLung is the energy of movement. Mkhris.pa is the energy of digestion or metabolism. Bad.kan is the energy of lubrication and structure. Although all three somatic humors are present in everyone, one is usually predominant in any given individual. gSo.ba rig.pa medicine sees disease as a result of an excess or deficiency in rlung, mkhris.pa, or bad.kan, and also the presence of toxins. Good health indicates a balance of these three energies in a body that is relatively toxin-free. In gSo.ba-Rig.pa, herbs are used to treat illness to restore this balance. For example herbs that deal with energy or movement are used to achieve rlung equillibrium. Herbs that treat digestion, assimilation, absorption, and metabolism balance the mkhris.pa, and those herbs used to treat structure and musculoskeletal system (the "glue" that holds the body together) disorders restore bad kan balance.Item Cordycep Sinensis in Bhutan.(2008-02) Dorjee, SonamItem Diagnostic Methods in Traditional Medicine System.(2009-02) LeythroxzItem The effects of a behavioral change program in reducing the house index of mosquito larvae in households in Phetcabun province, Thailand.(2015-11) Tshering, Ugyen; Pooma, Kamonchanok; Meksaengsee, Kiratikarn; Aiemsa-ard, NongnoochIntroduction: The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effectiveness of a behavioral change program in reducing house index of mosquito in Village Baan-Wangpong, Lomsak district in Phetcabun province, Thailand. Methods: The sample size of experimental and control group was 42 representatives of household in each group. Representatives of each sampled household were tested for knowledge, perception and behavioral practice in prevention of dengue fever before and after the program intervention. The program included training on dengue fever prevention by health personnel, demonstration of making mosquito repellents from local product, organising an awareness contest, broadcasting health messages through media and surveying households for mosquitoes’ larvae. Results: The study found that most households in village Baan-Wangpong had low knowledge (60.4%), perceived risk (60.4%), perceived severity (64.6%) and behavioral practice (77.1%) in the prevention of dengue fever prior to the program, with comparability in intervention versus control. The results showed that after the program intervention, the experimental group had a significantly higher level of knowledge (p=0.001), perceived risk (p=0.042), perceived severity (p=0.002) and behavior (p=0.028) in preventing dengue fever than before the program intervention and higher than the control group post-intervention. The experimental group’s house index was also significantly (p=0.001) lower than before the program and lower than the control group post-intervention. Conclusions: This study suggests that a proactive program about knowledge, perceptions and behaviors on prevention of dengue fever with support from public health personnel and community participation, can positively change health behavior, resulting in reducing the house index of mosquito larva.Item An Enquiry into the efficacy of Dutsi-nga-lum, a unique healing therapy in the Traditional Bhutanese Medicine.(2015-11) Wangdi, SangayDutsi-nga-lum is one of the most important and popular forms of therapies in Traditional Bhutanese Medicine that is prescribed for at least 13 different types of ailments. This study is intended to assess the efficacy and side effects of various therapies based on Dutsi-nga-lum. A total of 226 patients (informants) undergoing dutsi-nga-lum therapies were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to self-reporting of their experience with the dutsi-nga-lum based therapies. Of the total 226 informants, 72% responded that the dutsi-nga-lum treatments were effective in treating their ailments, while 28% of the informants were not sure of the result. The study found that dutsi-nga-lum based therapies are very effective in treating various ailments.Item Golden Needle Therapy (Serkhap).(2009-02) Wangchuk, TsheringSince Bhutan is been sandwiched between two giant continents; and concealed by the elevated terrains; the unique therapy with golden needle that prevails only in Bhutan has not really been eminent beyond the boundary. The philosophy is rooted in the Tibetan medicine which dates back during an era of Buddha. Since Chinese and Japanese acupuncture have various origins but Bhutanese acupuncture with golden needle has embedded in the Last treatise (Physi-rgyud) of Bgu-bzi (The four treaties). Some fundamental theory is seen common with the Chinese and Japanese acupuncture; regarding meridians, points and energy flow. We believe that the practice of acupuncture began during the Stone Age when stone knives or sharp edged tools were used to puncture and drain abscesses etc, with the passage of time it gradually made its way to the present queue. While Golden needle therapy is the backbone of the National Traditional Medicine Hospital; it is well administered with the infection controls and increasing in the number of patients annually; it has been vital to disseminate its effectiveness and the procedure involved. The properties of gold escorted with the conceal points, spiritual influence and the heat aids to the healing power. It is now available with the establishment of traditional unit in all twenty dzongkhags and some Basic Health Units. It continued to be developed and codified in texts over the years and gradually became one of the standard therapies used in Bhutan, alongside herbal medicine, Moxibustion, Venesection, Cupping and various hydro therapies.Item Health, Ethics and GNH – A qualitative study of vegetarian motivations.(2011-02) Lhamo, NamgayThis qualitative study explored the motivations of vegetarians by means of a survey questionnaire. Responses to questions were gathered from 25 participants and a follow up in-depth interview was conducted with 11 of those participants. Respondents were predominantly from Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing. Sixty percent were females and ages ranged from 18 to 55, with a median of 31 years. Data was analyzed using a thematic approach. While this research found that religious belief and ethical issues concerning animal welfare were the main motivators for the participants’ vegetarianism, a significant number of them also reported health benefits from being vegetarians, which provides enough reasons for continuing to follow vegetarian diet.Item Health, Wellbeing, Competence and Aging in relation to gso.ba rig.pa(2011-02) Wangchuk, DorjiThis article attempts to discuss the positive aspects of healthy living based on gso.ba rig.pa philosophy and principles, which are crucial for general wellbeing, health, competence and long life. It will focus on three humors and five elements of our body, as they are considered as the basic pillars of our body and vital energies. Since mind is the creator of all phenomena, an attempt is made to describe the mind and how it affects our health status. The food and behavior are described in detail as they are very important for maintaining optimal health, wellbeing and long life.Item High altitude Medicinal plants of Chokhor Geog, Bumthang.(2008-02) Wangchuk, Phurpa; Thinley, Jigmi; Dorji, YeshiItem Hypertension ‘the Silent Killer’.(2010-02) Wangchuk, TsheringPressure of the blood is explained in different ways by different medical systems and depending on the understanding of the Physicians. It is one of the oldest disorders known and affects more than half the world’s population. It is generally termed as the disorder of the rich as it is aggravated by rich unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity associated with rich peoples’ lifestyle. When blood flows through arteries it pushes against the inside walls of the artery. The more pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls, the higher the blood pressure. The size of small arteries also affects the blood pressure. When the muscular walls of arteries are relaxed, or dilated, the pressure of the blood flowing through them is lower than when the artery walls narrow, or constricts. Hypertension is a major health problem, especially because it has no symptoms.It is sometimes referred to as the silent killer. Many people have hypertension without knowing it. Hypertension is more common in men than women and in people over the age of 65 than in younger persons. Hypertension is serious as it increases the risk of heart disease and other medical problems than people with normal blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to Arteriosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, enlarged heart and renal failure.
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