Page 17 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

Traditional Medicine Systems of

Bhutan

Introduction

Healing and medicine have been an important part of life since time immemorial.
Illness, disease and death have prompted human beings throughout history to seek

answers and devise methods to treat and overcome them. This led to the establishment

of unique beliefs surrounding birth, and death. Early man attributed most illnesses to
misfortune, bad omens, evil spirits, wrong conduct or simply the will of God. The
methods employed to heal or overcome them are generally related to the performance

of rituals to drive away evil, appease the Gods and bring good fortune. While the
T raditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report
majority of humankind accepted the occurrence of disease passively, some individuals
and communities sought to investigate and seek answers more rationally. Over the past
years, the efforts of these medical and scientific pioneers have led to a better understanding

of ill health and the development of effective medicines and medical procedures.

8

Untitled-1 8 23/2/2567 BE 07:31