The system of medicine practiced during the Ayutthaya period was probably much the same as that of the Sukhothai period. Historical evidence pointed towards an integrated system of medicine incorporating the Indian derived Ayurvedic system and the Chinese system amalgamated with a deep-rooted belief in the supernatural, mystique and astrology. The principal philosophy of Thai medicine leans heavily toward the Ayurvedic teaching which is the attainment of an equilibrium among the four basic elements, namely earth, water, wind and fire, the very essence of life. To command respect from their patients, traditional doctors or healers must possess honesty and goodness in all their deeds. One of their virtues was to have veneration for their teachers. In Thai medicine, one of the most revered teachers was Chewaka Komarapaj, the royal physician of King Pimpisarn of India and personal physician to the Lord Buddha. He was lauded for his vast knowledge on drug matters as well as his skill in surgery.
During the reign of King Parai the Great, the existence of a number of drug stores serving the general public was well documented. There also existed a royal dispensary within the royal palace. In 1504, western style melecine was introduced into the kingdom for the first time by Portuguese merchants. Subsequently, there was an establishment of a western style hospital called “Ayutthaya Hospital” which was administered by a group of French missionaries. Under the pressure of such development, the royal Thai physicians united together to comply, for the first time in the history of Thai medicine, a book of Thai drug recipes called “Tamra Phra Osod Phra Narai”. Nonetheless, a number of French physicians found favour in the royal court and was, therefore, invited to contribute certain western drug recipes to this important document. Western medicine continued to flourish in Siam until the reign of Phra Ped Paja who ordered the banishment of all missionaries from the kingdom.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น