Abstract:
The purpose of this Ethnographic study is to study
the characteristics of Austroasiatic traditional folk doctors of
the Kha Ethnography in The People's Republic of Laos. The
target study group consists of Austroasiatic traditional folk
doctors in the lower Kong River Ethnography (Kha Tribe) in
The People's Republic of Laos. This study utilizes Qualitative
Research and relies on In-depth Interview. Thorough
interviewing with Folk doctors, their family, relatives and
neighbours about their birth until present. Including topics
about way of life, economy, religion, changes and
globalization to deduct information of the prominent
characteristics of Kha tribe group. Precise study group
purpose sampling, 10 traditional Kha doctors that live in
Champasak Province, the People's Republic of Laos
The results of the study indicates that the prominent
characteristics of the traditional folk doctors in The People's
Republic of Laos still utilize local knowledge continuously
while curing the people in the community and have 13 good
prominent characteristics that are fit to be traditional doctors
that people respect;1.merciful, 2.sacrificing, involved in
3.constant learning, 4.securing(defending) community forest,
5.upholding rituals, possessing 6.psychic powers,
7.transmitting herbal remedy knowledge, 8.have influence
within the community, through achieving the 9.respect and
admiration of the people, 10.self preservation through
example, 11.uphold the 5 precepts of Buddhism, 12.uphold
promoting alms and prayer and utilizing superstition(black
magic) to heal the patients. Additionally they are recognized
leaders in the community. They are examples in health. 13.
They conserve medical folk knowledge and care for the health
of the people in the community.
