Bridging Traditional and Modern Healthcare: Ethnomedicine in the Chakpa Community of Andro, Manipur
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Abstract
Ethnomedicine is the study of traditional medical knowledge, practices, and beliefs of various cultural and ethnic communities. It is an interdisciplinary field encompassing anthropology, medicine, botany, and pharmacology, aiming to understand and integrate indigenous healing systems into modern healthcare. Traditional medicine has played a crucial role in human societies for centuries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that nearly 80% of the global population relies on it for primary healthcare. The recognition of ethnomedicine as a distinct discipline in the 1960s highlighted its significance in addressing healthcare needs and preserving indigenous knowledge. A notable example of ethnomedicine can be found in Andro, a village in Manipur inhabited by the Chakpa community. The community has a rich tradition of using medicinal plants, many of which serve dual purposes as food items, spices, or snacks. Approximately 56% of these medicinal plants are collected from the wild, while 24% are cultivated, ensuring their sustainable use. This deep-rooted knowledge system plays a vital role in community health, reinforcing the importance of preserving traditional healing practices. The study of ethnomedicine is essential for bridging the gap between traditional and modern healthcare systems. By documenting and analysing traditional healing methods, researchers can identify bioactive compounds that may contribute to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, integrating ethnomedical knowledge into modern healthcare can enhance culturally sensitive medical practices and improve healthcare accessibility in indigenous and rural communities. Understanding and preserving ethnomedicine is crucial for global health and sustainable healthcare development. As modern medicine advances, recognizing the value of indigenous knowledge systems can foster a more holistic approach to healthcare. Future research should focus on validating traditional remedies through scientific studies while ensuring the ethical protection of indigenous knowledge and resources.
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References
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