Each of them has a hammer in hand. Seated in two rows, they are busy hitting their hammers. But they are neither the carpenters nor the masons. It may strike one as strange to know that those people working with hammers are doctors.

It is the scene of a three-day health camp organised in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The doctors are hitting people on various body parts of the visitors by using small wooden tools.

Among the many treatment techniques and therapies in practice around the world is the use of special hammers named Tok Sen. It is a traditional healing practice originated in Thailand. Tok Sen involves the gentle and rhythmic tapping of specially shaped wooden tools along the energy lines running through the body.

“I had unbearable pain in both knees. It was quite difficult for me to stand and walk due to the pain,” said Subhawati Pal, a 58-year-old woman from Mahilwari in Rupandehi district. “I came to know about the health camp of traditional Thai healing methods and visited it. Now knee pain has receded significantly. I feel good now.” The camp was organised in the hall of the Information Centre in Lumbini. “It is a uniquely good healing technique,” said Pal, who received healing for two days. “I can slowly walk now.”

The workshop entitled ‘Staying Healthy and Sustainable through Natural Approaches’ was jointly organised by the Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu and Subarnabhumi Clinic for Thai Traditional Medicine. The workshop ran from November 6 to 8. A team of six Thai doctors and their assistants provided services in the workshop.

A total of 12 Buddhist monks, 19 women and 21 men received the free-of-cost healing from the workshop. Some of the patients were provided with natural medicines as well. The Thai team had also provided training to 20 local people regarding the basic technique of Tok Sen healing practice.

In Thai language, Tok means sacred sound produced by tapping the wooden wedge with a mallet and Sen means the energy lines of the body. It is a traditional healing art originated in northern Thailand around 5,000 years ago. Tok Sen is a rhythmic method of tapping using a special wooden mallet and wedge combined with Thai acu-points that creates a healing vibration through the muscles in the body.

According to health experts, the patients suffering from pain in back, waist, neck, hand and leg are hugely benefited from the Tok Sen healing practice. It can be useful in numbness and nerve-related ailments as well.

“Tok Sen can be very helpful for patients suffering from various diseases,” said Chaiyanan Sirisakul, a doctor involved in the workshop. “Some people visiting the workshop here were relieved from pains. We feel very fortunate to provide services to the people in the birth place of Lord Buddha.” According to him, the healing practice does not have any side effects and it has been increasingly popular across Thailand. “It is cheap, simple and natural healing practice,” he added.

Binod Pasawan, a resident of Padariya in Lumbini, attended the workshop for the treatment of his back pain. “I visited the workshop for three days and received the Tok Sen healing,” Pasawan said. “I got rid of the back pain miraculously.”