International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom through the Traditional Healing Practices of the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Author(s) Leikee Youton, Bompi Riba
Country India
Abstract Indigenous healing practices play a significant role in providing healthcare among indigenous communities, particularly in remote regions of Arunachal Pradesh in India, where access to modern medical facilities is limited. They refer to the practice of using natural remedies, rituals, and techniques passed down through generations within a particular culture or community to promote health, well-being, and healing. Traditional healing practices among the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh encompass a rich spiritual, ritual, and herbal methods deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. This tribe has a rich cultural legacy that includes traditional healing practices that promote peace with the environment and nature as well as a holistic approach to health and well-being. Ayurvedic ideas, which combine traditional Indian knowledge with indigenous wisdom, are incorporated by the Monpa community as well. With its emphasis on overall well-being and use of natural medicines, Ayurveda enhances the Monpa community's traditional therapeutic practices. Though the Monpa tribe relies heavily on traditional healing methods for addressing a wide range of ailments, scarce studies have been done so far in documenting these practices and their cultural significance. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a detailed overview of indigenous healing practices within the Monpa community, focusing on their historical roots, diversity, ethnomedicine, and role in healthcare delivery by drawing on ethnographic data and existing literature.
Also, since Indian knowledge System (IKS) of NEP 2020 was proposed to protect and promote the country’s rich cultural legacy, the objective of the paper is to document and understand the cultural significance of traditional healing practices to assess the compatibility of Monpa communities traditional knowledge system with that of Indian knowledge system by analyzing the potential integration of Monpa’s Indigenous knowledge into mainstream education in accordance with NEP 2020 guidelines. This qualitative ethnographic study will provide the diverse healing modalities utilized by the Monpa community by shedding light on the spiritual practices such as Mo and Lha-Jyugshi, ritual healing ceremonies like Chhoga and Shirnying Duidog. It will also explain how traditional medicines are sourced from the region’s rich biodiversity. This paper will elucidate the historical roots, practical applications, and cultural significance of indigenous healing practices within the Monpa society by direct observation, participant responses, and interviews with key informants. It will also highlight the challenges faced by these traditional healing methods, including the lack of comprehensive documentation and threats to biodiversity.
Keywords Arunachal Pradesh, ethnomedicine, indigenous wisdom, Monpa tribe, traditional healing practices, sustainability of culture
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-02-09

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