'Emch' and 'Domch' : Varieties of Providing Health Care and Medical Knowledge Issues as Reflected in the Oral Memory of Mobile Pastoralist Communities in Khyargas Soum, Uvs Province
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | This study explores the varieties of health care provision and the transmission of medical knowledge among mobile pastoralist communities in Khyargas Soum, Uvs Province, with a particular focus on the roles of “Emch” (professional (western) medicine) and “Domch” (indigenous medical knowledge). Drawing on oral memory collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation, the research examines how these communities integrate traditional healing practices with contemporary medical approaches in the context of nomadic pastoralism. Findings reveal a complex interplay between professional and traditional health care systems, highlighting the persistence of oral traditions in shaping local understandings of illness, treatment, and wellness. The study underscores the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous medical knowledge while recognizing the challenges and opportunities for harmonizing it with formal health services. These insights contribute to broader discussions on culturally sensitive health interventions and the resilience of traditional knowledge in remote and mobile populations. |
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