The Prominent Characteristics of Austroasiatic Traditional Folk Doctors in the Lower Kong River Ethnography.

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.