The aims of this research were: 1) to study the history and operation of the Dhamma medical volunteerism; 2) to study their volunteering operation results in KhonKaen province. This research employed the qualitative research methodology to collect the data from the practitioners, with the age 40 years old upwards, of the Dhamma medical volunteerism by using an in-depth interview form. The obtained data were analyzed in terms of behavioral practices based on the Dhamma medical principles or nine techniques before being presented by the descriptive analysis.
The research found that the Dhamma medical volunteer is a person who has learned Dhamma medical profession, which is a medical integrated knowledge by taking good points of health science, modern medical science, traditional Thai medicine and traditional medicine. It is integrated with the Buddhist ideal with support for humanity, harmony with good people, self-reliance to create health and can transfer knowledge to others without any compensation. It is important to cultivate awareness in physical and mental readiness, creating knowledge, communication, self-confidence, benefits to the community and continuous activity attendance.
There are four main aspects of the practice of Dhamma medical volunteerism: 1) physical well-being: bright eyes, smooth skin and strong teeth; 2) mental health: energetic feeling, cheerful feeling, having a strong heart and belief in their potential; 3) social well-being: a good relationship with the family and opportunity to help others; 4) intellectual wellbeing: consideration of benefits and value of food, most self-love, food consumption as medicine, and inviting others to turn to healthier food.
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