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Myanmar girl with traditional Thanaka on her face. Note. From Thanaka: The traditional Burmese beauty secret, by Indochina Voyages, n.d., https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/thanaka-beauty-secret-burmese-women. Copyright n.d. by Indochina Voyages.

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The bark of some plants in Myanmar is used in the traditional Burmese beauty therapy known as "thanaka." This natural powder, 2000 years ago, is used for cosmetic purposes on the face and offers advantages including moisture management, antibacterial qualities, and sun protection (Indochina Voyages, n.d.). Thanaka has a smooth texture and a nice scent. It is made by grinding tree bark on a damp stone. Because of its efficiency and adaptability, it continues to be a well-liked option for all ages, including men. Markets in large cities like Yangon sell Thanaka in a variety of formats for individuals who are interested.

Reference:

Indochina Voyages. (n.d.). Thanaka: The traditional Burmese beauty secret. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/thanaka-beauty-secret-burmese-women

Indochina Voyages. (n.d.). [Myanmar girl with traditional Thanaka on her face]. https://www.indochinavoyages.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/thanaka_myanmar_2.jpg

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Traditional Burmese food served in a market. Note. From “Traditional Burmese food in Bagan, Myanmar,” by Alamy, n.d., https://www.alamy.com/traditional-burmese-food-in-bagan-myanmar-image68148623.html. Copyright n.d. by Alamy.

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Burmese food is a colorful fusion of flavors influenced by nearby nations and regional elements. Mohinga, a filling fish soup with rice noodles that is frequently referred to as Myanmar's national cuisine, is a staple (Rainforest Cruises, n.d.). Tea leaf salad created from fermented tea leaves combined with nuts and seeds, is another unusual dish. Burmese curries are oil-based and milder than those from other Southeast Asian countries. Originating in the Shan State, Shan noodles are rice noodles flavored with pork and sauced with tomatoes. These recipes highlight the many culinary customs of Myanmar distinguished by a harmony of savory, sour, and salty tastes.

References:

Rainforest Cruises. (n.d.). Myanmar food: 15 traditional dishes you should eat. https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/myanmar-food

Alamy. (n.d.). Traditional Burmese food in Bagan, Myanmar [Photograph]. https://www.alamy.com/traditional-burmese-food-in-bagan-myanmar-image68148623.html

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Learn Burmese Numbers: Counting from One to Ten

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Reference:

admin@l-lingo.com. (n.d.). Learn Burmese - Lesson 3: Numbers (1-10) | L-Lingo. https://l-lingo.com/free-lessons/en/learn-burmese/numbers-1-10.html

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Note. Image generated using Padlet from the prompt Burmese patient with nurse.

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As a student nurse preparing for placement, I've focused on Competency Standard 1.1 from the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework (CRCP, 2023), which emphasizes understanding cultural contexts and their impact on health. My recent discovery of Burmese culture and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar highlighted the importance of incorporating this cultural knowledge into patient care. Reflecting on this, I realize the need to integrate an understanding of trauma and displacement into my practice. This involves personalizing care by considering cultural backgrounds and addressing specific needs, ensuring more effective and empathetic patient interactions (CRCP, 2023).

Reference:Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership. (2023). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/competency-standards/about-the-standards/

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Note. Image generated using Padlet from the prompt young Burmese refugees in Sydney.

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Burmese refugees in Australia face significant challenges related to social determinants of health, including social inclusion and nondiscrimination. Discrimination and social isolation can lead to poor mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression (World Health Organisation, 2023). A study in Western Australia highlights that language barriers and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system hinder access to treatment, adversely affecting overall health (Chaves et al., 2009). Additionally, social isolation complicates the establishment of necessary support systems for navigating the medical system and maintaining well-being (Refugee Council of Australia, n.d.). Advocating for inclusive policies and reducing discrimination is essential for improving the health of Burmese refugees in Australia.

References:

Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O'Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B. A. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15(11), 1769-1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

Refugee Council of Australia. (n.d.). Refugees become self-reliant (Pillar 4). https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/rri-refugees-become-self-reliant/

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

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Note. Image generated using Padlet from the prompt Strongyloidiasis in Burmese.

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Strongyloidiasis, a parasite infection that affects about 26% of refugees, is one prevalent health issue (Chaves et al., 2009). This intestinal nematode can linger for decades and cause serious problems, particularly in those with weakened immune systems (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Ivermectin is suggested as the preferred course of treatment for strongyloidiasis in the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. Ivermectin is thought to be more than 90% successful in curing the illness when given once daily for two days in a row (Refugee Health Network of Australia, n.d.). Healthcare professionals should be on the lookout for eosinophilia or chronic symptoms, though, as some infections could not be fully eliminated.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Burmese refugee health profile. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/rih/coe/profiles/burmese.html

Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O'Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B. A. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15(11), 1769-1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

Refugee Health Network of Australia. (n.d.). Strongyloidiasis. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/strongyloidiasis/

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Note. Image generated using Padlet from Burmese yoga and herbal remedies.

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Body, mind, spirit, and universe is a prerequisite for good health

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Body, mind, spirit, and universe is a prerequisite for good health

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The fundamental tenet of traditional Burmese medicine is that harmony between the body, mind, spirit, and universe is a prerequisite for good health. They believe that imbalances in wind, fire, and water are the cause of illness (eCALD, n.d.). Western medicine is used in conjunction with herbal treatments and traditional practices because of this holistic approach to health. For example, pregnant women follow taboos and dietary restrictions because they feel that everything the mother does has an impact on the foetus. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these cultural health beliefs to treat Burmese patients with cultural competence and guarantee improved health outcomes.

Reference:

eCALD. (n.d.). Burmese Culture. Retrieved from https://www.ecald.com/assets/Resources/Assets/C2-S5-Burmese.pdf