Page 233 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

by a rehabilitation medicine physician. In the case where a patient has chronic muscular

pain (lasting more than 3 months) along with stress or mental condition or physical
condition that require dhatu adjustment, the patient will be referred to a Thai traditional

medicine practitioner. The patient’s dhathu chao ruen will then be determined based on
their birth date and time. Current health condition of the patient will be assessed by

checking pulse, TTM physical examination and examining dhatu imbalance to determine
whether earth, water, wind, or fire is the cause of the disease, so that appropriate herbal

remedy can be compounded and prescribed for the patient. Next, the patient will be
referred to a Nuad Thai therapist to receive traditional Thai massage therapy to relieve

any problematic muscle spasm or stiffness. Upon follow-up evaluation by TTM doctor,
if ‘taut band’ indicating an endogenous localised contracture within the muscle is detected,

the patient will then be referred to an acupuncturist for additional treatment, as this
contracture cannot be resolved by Nuad Thai therapy. Patients will be followed up once

a week initially, and less frequent afterward, based on his/her condition. For some
patients who cannot be successfully treated with TTM or TCM procedures, such as those

who need physical training for muscle strengthening as well as specialised rehabilitation
equipment, a referral to the physiotherapy department will be considered for integrative

care.
Such holistic integrative care causes significant improvements in chronic or

intractable cases, with over 50% reduction in symptoms within one month and more
than 80% reduction within three months. In addition, the quality of life of all cases are

significantly increased, while the utilisation of hospital resources for the treatment is
drastically reduced by over 800,000 baht a month. Therefore, this integrative approach

of Khon Kaen Hospital now serves as a model for the treatment of chronic muscular
pain in the region, and as a study site visit of other hospitals outside the region.

(Currently, Khon Kaen Hospital is expanding the clinic’s area by opening the second
integrated medical examination room within the hospital premises to accommodate more

patients’ access to services.)

Thailand

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