Health Traditions of Sikkim Himalaya
Author Information
Author(s): Ashok Kumar Panda, Sangram Misra
Primary Institution: Ayurveda Regional Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
Hypothesis
This study aimed to document the various plants used by Sikkim’s folk healers, practice patterns, demographics, and their socioeconomic condition with the future prospects of their tradition.
Conclusion
The study indicates that Sikkim’s health traditions and folk practices are declining due to shifts in socio-economic patterns and the younger generation's unwillingness to adopt folk healing as a profession.
Supporting Evidence
- 490 medicinal plants find their habitats in Sikkim due to its large variations in altitude and climate.
- Most folk healers (48%) have a monthly income in the range of Rs.1000–3000.
- 80% of the folk healers were ready to find alternative means of earning and wanted to leave their tradition.
Takeaway
In Sikkim, many people use traditional medicine from local plants, but fewer young people want to learn these healing practices.
Methodology
Data were collected through field surveys and workshops using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 48 identified folk healers.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the breadth of folk healing practices due to the limited number of participants and the focus on specific communities.
Participant Demographics
Most folk healers were male (81.25%), with a majority being over 60 years old and 52.08% being illiterate.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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