Dai Medicine in Xishuangbanna of National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Chinese Name: 西双版纳傣医药（睡药疗法）
English Name: Dai Medicine in Xishuangbanna (National Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Declared Region or Unit: Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省德宏傣族景颇族自治州)

Overview of Dai Medicine

Dai Medicine is a traditional medical system formed by the Dai people based on their accumulated medical knowledge, combined with influences from Indian classical medicine and Chinese medicine. It centers around the concepts of the “Four Elements” and the “Five Aggregates.” The “Four Elements” (四塔) consist of earth, water, fire, and wind, while the “Five Aggregates” (五蕴) include form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. The “Medicine Interpretation Theory” (解药理论) is also a key aspect of this medical system.

Sleep Medicine Therapy in Dai Medicine

Sleep medicine therapy is one of the traditional external treatment methods in Dai medicine, primarily used to treat stroke, rheumatism, high fever, and syncope (fainting). There are two types of sleep therapy: cold sleep therapy and hot sleep therapy.

Cold Sleep Therapy

Cold sleep therapy is used to treat heat-related illnesses. According to the patient’s condition, an appropriate prescription is selected, and fresh Dai medicinal herbs are gathered and crushed (dried herbs can also be used). These herbs are mixed with an appropriate amount of medicinal wine and Eclipta prostrata juice (旱莲草), then evenly spread on the sleep therapy bed. The patient lies on the bed, with the remaining herbal mixture applied to the body (excluding the face), and then wrapped with cloth. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition. Cold sleep therapy has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing fever, calming the mind, alleviating wind-related conditions, relieving pain, and protecting internal organs. It is used to treat high fever that persists, convulsions, delirium, rheumatic diseases, gout, and redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints and muscles.

Hot Sleep Therapy

Hot sleep therapy is used to treat cold-related diseases. Fresh or dried Dai medicinal herbs are selected according to the patient’s condition, placed in a pot with an appropriate amount of water and wine, and heated. Once warm, the mixture is spread on the sleep therapy bed, and the patient lies down on it. The remaining herbs are wrapped around the body (excluding the face), and the patient is covered with cloth and blankets. The treatment typically lasts around 30 minutes, depending on the patient’s constitution and condition. The goal is to induce sweating, open sweat pores, promote circulation, expel wind toxins, and relieve pain. This therapy is used to treat rheumatism, post-stroke paralysis, postpartum diseases, and chronic lower back and leg pain in elderly people.

Cultural and Medical Significance

There are approximately 1.16 million Dai people in China, primarily residing in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州) and the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州) in Yunnan Province (云南省). The “Four Elements and Five Aggregates” theory of Dai medicine is closely related to Buddhist teachings. Sleep medicine therapy aligns with Dai medical theory and the customs of the people. The herbs used in this therapy are locally sourced, abundant, and easy to use, making it highly valuable for widespread application and promotion.