Long before healthcare became a priority in Kashmir, self-taught healers used ancient remedies to cure fractures, infections, and even childbirth complications. Their legacy still lingers in the valley’s collective memory.
By Manzoor Akash
There was a time when the Kashmir Valley had a severe shortage of doctors, and hospitals were scarcely known, let alone frequently visited. Healthcare facilities were a distant dream for many, and people relied on age-old remedies and local wisdom for medical treatment. Unlike today, when healthcare is a top priority and Jammu & Kashmir, like other states, has made significant strides in medical infrastructure, the past painted a starkly different picture. The proliferation of hospitals and medical professionals came much later, and even now, long queues of patients in hospitals indicate that demand still outstrips supply. However, in those earlier times, when doctors and hospitals were not as readily available, who took care of the sick and injured? The answer lies in the rich tradition of community-based healing, where elders in both towns and villages played a crucial role in tending to the ailing.
These community healers, equipped with their indigenous knowledge and traditional remedies, selflessly dedicated themselves to treating ailments without any expectation of material reward. Their healing practices, passed down through generations, served as a timeless cure, offering hope and relief to many. Despite the immense progress made in medical science, the legacy of these traditional healers continues to be remembered and respected.
Several names of these self-taught healers remain etched in the memories of the people they helped, even though many of them are no longer alive. Their contributions are cherished, forming an invaluable part of local history. Among them was a renowned orthopedist, Ashur Parray from Saripara, Rafiabad, who was known for his exceptional skill in treating fractures and bone-related problems. During his time, orthopedic patients from the region rarely needed to travel to the Bone & Joint Hospital in Barzulla, Srinagar. His reputation was such that he was fondly referred to as “Ang-Watt,” meaning “the bone-setter.” I vividly recall an incident from my childhood when I fractured my right ankle. The unanimous advice from my fellow villagers to my father was clear: “There is no better hospital than Ashur Parray in Saripara.”
Another fascinating traditional healer was Abdul Ahad Shah from Batsuma, who practiced leech therapy, locally known as “Daerka” (jonkain). He effectively used leeches to extract impure blood from wounds, a technique that modern medicine has now adopted, particularly in reconstructive surgery and treating degenerative diseases. His skill in this practice made him a sought-after healer in the region.
Similarly, Abdul Ahad Sheikh, also known as Ahad Mukdum (numberdar) from Rawoocha, gained widespread recognition for his expertise in treating jaundice (locally called “Kaambal”). His healing practice, rooted in both herbal and spiritual traditions, has been carried forward by his son, Abdul Khaliq Sheikh. Every Sunday, Khaliq Sheikh continues his father’s legacy by treating jaundice patients through a spiritual process involving the chanting of sacred mantras while mixing water and oil in a terracotta lid known as “Aanuet.” He also prescribes dietary precautions, advising patients to avoid fried and oily foods, as well as certain sweet-and-sour combinations, like “Chuk Mudur.”
In the remote villages, a notable figure named Ghulam Nabi, known as “Kanegur” from Sonwane, Handwara, was revered for his ability to treat ear ailments. He was regarded as an expert in his domain, much like today’s Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists). Carrying only a simple spatula-like tool called “Kan-e-Kashu,” he performed remarkable procedures. I still remember the day he successfully removed a cherry pit lodged in my mother’s ear, a relic from her childhood mishap.
It wasn’t just the men who were the torchbearers of traditional healing; elderly women played an equally significant role. Many of these remarkable women provided essential healthcare services, often without recognition. Among them, my grandmother, Zoon Ded, stood out. She was a respected “warien” (midwife) who assisted in childbirth at a time when gynecologists were unheard of in villages. The very mention of “haspatal” (hospital) would send shivers down a patient’s spine, as hospital visits were perceived as a last resort. In those days, childbirth was a community affair, with midwives like my grandmother guiding women through labor in their homes. Her services were not compensated with money but with gestures of gratitude, often in the form of a “Batte Traem”—a plate of traditional Kashmiri Wazwan—offered during the newborn’s “Aqiqah” (a religious ceremony celebrating birth). It is remarkable to note that maternal deaths were rare in her time, a stark contrast to today, despite the presence of specialized doctors and advanced medical facilities. Back then, normal deliveries were the norm, and women rarely suffered from modern-day ailments such as thyroid disorders, cholesterol issues, diabetes, stroke, cirrhosis, or cancer.
From the neighboring villages, people also sought the expertise of elderly women for various ailments. One such healer was Zareef Appa, renowned for her unique method of treating dental infections using “Datur Dohu.” She would burn seeds of the Datura Stramonium plant mixed with homemade ghee on a heated knife, allowing the smoke to enter the patient’s open mouth. The process was believed to dislodge harmful germs, which would then fall into a water container placed beneath.
These traditional healers served people without any form of social or religious bias, embodying a true spirit of selflessness and communal care. Their remarkable success stories, involving the recovery of patients who were once believed to be at death’s door, remain a testament to their extraordinary skills and deep faith. While modern medicine has undoubtedly advanced and provided invaluable healthcare solutions, the legacy of these healers remains an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural and medical history. Their contributions, made with unwavering dedication and without expectation of financial reward, continue to inspire and deserve to be remembered with gratitude.
May God bless their souls and keep their wisdom alive in the hearts of those who cherish their invaluable contributions to society.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
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