Nagaland University organises lecture on ‘Traditional medicine practices of Nagaland’

Dimapur, Nov. 22 (EMN): As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nagaland University, Lumami headquarters, organised a lecture on ‘Traditional medicine practices of Nagaland’ on November 21 at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall.

An update from the university stated that NU vice chancellor, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, who graced the programme as the chief guest, has emphasised on the importance of traditional knowledge. While pointing out that many great civilisations had crumbled and disappeared, he stated Indian civilisation has sustained because of the enriched knowledge system and its holistic outlook.

“In modern times, despite various innovations and inventions, there is no balance of mind or peace of mind which makes us suffer from many ailments. So, we should try to maintain equilibrium, a harmony in our lifestyle and with nature so as to keep ourselves healthy,” he said.

He further encouraged the department of Botany to offer diploma course on ethno medicinal plants or traditional medicine in collaboration with the proposed School of Horticulture.

The resource persons were Dr. Neizo Puro from Botany department and Judith Huidina, research scholar of Sociology.

Speaking on “Types of ethno medicinal practitioners: Indigenous knowledge of some Naga tribes,” Dr. Puro stated that the tribal people of Nagaland survived on the bio-resources available within their reach and that the indigenous knowledge system was part of their social and cultural life, which sustained them since time immemorial.

He pointed out that the use of ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments was a common practice of the Naga tribes and added that those knowledge systems have been passed down orally from one generation to another. 

He identified four types of practitioners in Nagaland such as (1) Practitioners who depend on their experience and the knowledge is passed down from their ancestors, (2) Practitioners who relied on spirits/ visions they receive from supernatural beings, (3) People who claim to have the spirits of animals such as tigers, snakes, etc., and (4) Kobiraz (bonesetter) or people who specialise in bone fractures, sprain, etc. He, however, stated that such traditional practices/ knowledge are not well documented.

Dr. Puro also highlighted the threats to indigenous traditional knowledge as well as some sustainable measures to conserve and enhance the existing knowledge system of the practitioners. Among others, he said, the practitioners should be acknowledged and duly certified by the government, assistance should be provided to revalidate the applications with scientific approaches for future generations, and the marketability of their products should be ensured.

He further suggested that cultivation of medicinal plants could be a fruitful alternative for the farmers of Northeast India. As the tribals have tremendous passion for medicinal plants and usage, he stated that the knowledge should be harnessed.

Judith Huidina, who spoke on “Traditional medicine practices of Nagaland,” pointed out that every aspect of the lives of the Nagas, as an indigenous people, was greatly dependent and closely linked to the forces of nature and the resources mother earth provided until recently.

She stated that the animistic rituals and practices have evolved since ancient times due to the strong dependence on the natural environment. For indigenous communities, she stated that the choice of treatment or prevention of the undesired state of health depended on their historical experiences, beliefs and understanding of the causative factors.

She also dwelt on the traditional understanding of health as being not limited to just the absence of disease, disability or death, but as a state of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social well-being. Hence, the traditional practices involved beliefs, customs, rituals, folklores, taboos and prescriptions involving plant and animal species as well as minerals.

Traditionally, she stated that the Nagas have developed several preventive, curative, palliative and promotive medicines, procedures and practices, along with supplementary customs and rituals. According to her, the Naga ancestors had identified the medicinal values or qualities of different food and included them in their diet.

“Certain animals like dog, porcupine, cricket, etc., all seem to have specific medicinal values apart from providing much-needed protein and nutrition,” she said.

She further stated that traditional healthcare providers in the Naga context have been bone setters, herbalists, traditional midwives, diviners, faith healers, and prayer warriors.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Athungo Ovung, head of Sociology department.