Dynamics of kinship and the uncertainties of life: Spirit cults and healing management in northern Thailand

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis is about kinship, health and healing in a Northern Thai village. Although traditional spirit mediums and spirit cult observances in Chiang Mai city are in decline and have led to a breakdown of the matrilineal system, in the village of Baan Yang Luang in Mae Chaem district the belief in matrilineal spirits and ancestors is still maintained in interesting counterpoint to social change. The power of spirits is used to manage human suffering-whether sickness, death or agricultural failure. Kinship in Mae Chaem is based on the relationship between humans and ancestral spirits or lineage guardian spirits. Illness is thought to derive from conflicts among humans or between humans and spirits. Healing is attained by the reforming and reshaping of relationships, and by the reconciliation of conflicted parties. The thesis investigates how matrilineal spirit cults, personhood, and social relatedness are created, shaped and transformed through the struggles of illness and healing management. It examines the complex relations among illness, kinship and personhood in reincarnation, healing, lineage recruitment, sacrifice, and spirit worship. In conclusion, it explores the mutual relationship between the two processes: kinship transformation and healing management, both of which depend crucially on power relations within the society. People use the dynamic aspects of the kinship system to interpret and manage illness; at the same time, illness is used as a means to reform and maintain the fluidity of kin relationships. The dynamic systems of health and kinship enable people to create, choose, negotiate and participate in the transformation of social relations and identity, in order to cope with a changing society. Finally, I hope this study will shed light on how identity, kinship, personhood, and lay medical knowledge are conceived, created and sustained from an emic perspective.This work is funded by the Thai Govenment and Chiang Mai University

Dynamics of kinship and the uncertainties of life : spirit cults and healing management in northern Thailand

This thesis is about kinship, health and healing in a Northern Thai village. Although traditional spirit mediums and spirit cult observances in Chiang Mai city are in decline and have led to a breakdown of the matrilineal system, in the village of Baan Yang Luang in Mae Chaem district the belief in matrilineal spirits and ancestors is still maintained in interesting counterpoint to social change. The power of spirits is used to manage human suffering-whether sickness, death or agricultural failure. Kinship in Mae Chaem is based on the relationship between humans and ancestral spirits or lineage guardian spirits. Illness is thought to derive from conflicts among humans or between humans and spirits. Healing is attained by the reforming and reshaping of relationships, and by the reconciliation of conflicted parties. The thesis investigates how matrilineal spirit cults, personhood, and social relatedness are created, shaped and transformed through the struggles of illness and healing management. It examines the complex relations among illness, kinship and personhood in reincarnation, healing, lineage recruitment, sacrifice, and spirit worship. In conclusion, it explores the mutual relationship between the two processes: kinship transformation and healing management, both of which depend crucially on power relations within the society. People use the dynamic aspects of the kinship system to interpret and manage illness; at the same time, illness is used as a means to reform and maintain the fluidity of kin relationships. The dynamic systems of health and kinship enable people to create, choose, negotiate and participate in the transformation of social relations and identity, in order to cope with a changing society. Finally, I hope this study will shed light on how identity, kinship, personhood, and lay medical knowledge are conceived, created and sustained from an emic perspective.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceThai Government : Chiang Mai UniversityGBUnited Kingdo

Potential Roles of Inflammation on Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Ankle

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle (PTOA) is frequently observed following a debilitating consequence of intra-articular ankle fractures. Numerous risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PTOA, including articular incongruity, joint malalignment, and concomitant soft tissue damage. Despite attempts to restore joint anatomy and manage soft tissues to avoid long-term complications after intra-articular ankle fractures, the incidence of PTOA remains markedly elevated. Inflammatory processes triggered by intra-articular ankle fractures have emerged as potential instigators that expedite the progression of PTOA. Injury to the articular cartilage and subchondral bone may lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, which can contribute to cartilage degradation and bone resorption. This study provides a narrative review on the current knowledge concerning the association between inflammation and the development of PTOA following intra-articular ankle fractures. We also discuss novel therapeutic agents that target inflammatory pathways to impede the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after intra-articular ankle fractures. These medication and interventions were summarized within this review article

The Specific Anatomical Morphology of Lateral Ankle Ligament: Qualitative and Quantitative Cadaveric based Study

Objective The accurate understanding in morphological features of the lateral ankle ligaments is necessary for the diagnosis and management of ankle instability and other ankle problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical morphology and the attachment areas of lateral ligament complex of ankle joint based on the cadaveric study. Methods Fifty‐four fresh frozen cadaveric ankles were dissected to evaluate the lateral ankle ligaments. Each ligament was separated into two or three small bundles. In the investigated footprint areas, acrylic colors were used as a marker point to locate specific areas of ligament bundle attached to the bone. The Image J software was used to measure and analyze the sizes of the specific footprint areas to achieve descriptive statistical analysis. Results The double bands of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were found as a major type in the present study with 57.41% (31 of 54 ankles) while the single band of ATFL was observed in 42.59% (23 of 54 ankles). The attachment sizes of the ATFL, posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were evaluated into two areas; proximal and distal attachments. The average of proximal or fibular part of ATFL, PTFL and CFL were 85.06, 134.27, 93.91 mm2 respectively. The average of distal part of ATFL, PTFL and CFL were 100.07, 277.61, 249.39 mm2 respectively. Conclusion Considering the lateral ankle ligament repaired or reconstruction especially using arthroscopy, the precise understanding in specific detail of the lateral ankle ligament may help both diagnose and select the appropriate treatment for solving the ankle problems. These observations may help the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure for determining the appropriate techniques and avoid complication to patients