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The Myanmar culture focuses on medicinal plants and draws from Buddhist healing, Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic concepts.

Over 158 medicinal plants with more than 78 uses are used; for example, Asiatic Penny Wort treats memory impairment and eye diseases. The plant is crushed and used with honey to treat memory problems, and for eye diseases, it is crushed and combined with honey and milk. (Chan, 2015)

Myanmar medicine is based on four traditional practices (Chan, 2015):

1.    Desana System: based on Buddhist philosophy, uses herbal/mineral compounds while focusing on the body's natural reactions.

2.    Bethlizza System: stems from Indian Ayurvedic concepts and uses herbal/mineral compounds to restore balance to the three dosas: Kapha, Vataand and Pitta.

3.    Astrological System: prescribes dietary practices based on a person's birth date, age, and relevant calculation of stars and planets

4.    Vezzadara System: dependent on meditation and alchemy to bring a person back to health

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A Glance at Traditional Medicine in Myanmar - Myanmar Insider

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The belief in turning to nature to heal and cure, is strong in nearly all Asian na- tions, and in Myanmar, even more so. Traditional medicine treatments have been followed in Myanmar for generations and continue to be popular even today, though more in remote rural areas, not least due to non availability of western […]

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Like a lot of the Myanmar culture, the cuisine is influenced by neighbouring nations such as Thailand, India, and China (Aye, 2020); dishes are aromatic, textured, and flavourful, using spices and vegetables. The national dish, Mohinga, is a fish-and-shallot-based broth with rice noodles traditionally served as a breakfast dish. Due to most dishes including meat, namely pork and fish, vegetarians are rare in the nation (Aye, 2020). Burma comprises of 138 ethnic groups with their own recognisable dishes and ingredients (Aye, 2020).

-       Kachin is known for beef, bamboo shoots and chillies

-       Mogok is known for pork dishes

-       Bagan is known for pone yay gyi - a fermented bean paste

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MiMi Aye introduces us to the Burmese cuisine of Myanmar, sharing several recipes which showcase the unique flavours, ingredients and textures in the process.

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For me, the most significant section in Domain 1 of the 'Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds" framework was section 1.2.

I have developed my knowledge surrounding the influence individuals' experiences may have on their time in the healthcare system.

Having learnt about this impact, I now realise the difference in how I should approach every individual I care for because of their unique experiences.

This understanding will be essential to me in the workplace because I want to ensure every patient I encounter feels safe while caring for them.

Because I am not yet confident in my ability to continually provide such individualised care, I will now make a conscious effort to shape my provided care to accommodate any trauma

Previously, I hadn't thought about how an individual's past trauma would affect their experience with the healthcare system. I believe this is because I lack exposure to the healthcare system and diverse individuals.

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Traditional Burmese clothing dates back to the 1750s, when it was first designed with large pieces of jewellery for people in powerful positions (Stephen, 2017). The style of dress was influenced by the end of the British era in the country. When Indian immigrants began crossing the borders, the dress was altered to mimic the traditional dress (Stephen, 2017)

Women wear floral headpieces, decorated blouses and a htaimen - a traditional dress.

Men wear turbans, slippers, and fur-lined embroidered jackets called Taifons with cotton shirts.

Both men and women traditionally wear long, tight sewing pants called Longyi, a cylindrical piece of cloth worn without straps and loosely wrapped around the waist (Stephen, 2017).

Unlike in some cultures, the traditional dress is worn regularly to suit the hot weather experienced in this nation (Stephen, 2017)

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The traditional costumes of Myanmar are considered as a symbol expresses clearly about the unique culture and warm hospitality of this country, which creates a deep impression for those who have already gone through Myanmar tours. Their costumes are very simple, which reflect the friendly and unsophisticated in living style.

History of Myanmar Traditional Dress

The traditional dress of Burmese people is said to be date back to the 1750s where it was first designed with stunning jewelry by those who held positions of power. worn in the Konbaung court. Women wore floral head ornaments, uniquely decorated blouses, felt footwear, and a htamein, which you can see many women wearing today. The traditional outfits of Myanmar for men included a turban, hnyat-phanat slippers, a silk jacket embroidered with fur, and a cotton shirt. Myanmar dress changed slightly at the end of the British era in the country. When Indian immigrants made their way to Myanmar, the style was also altered slightly to mimic their dress.

Traditional costumes of Myanmar contain two sets, offered for both Burmese men and women.

Myanmar Traditional Dress for Burmese Men

Longyi (sewing pants and tight pants) is the name of the traditional clothes of the men, which is a perfect combination of the shirt or jacket called Taipon (traditional clothes). It's quite flexible in size, shapes for matching with the man's body. specifically, It's a sheet of cloth that has about 2 meters long, 80 centimeters wide and frequently sewed into a cylindrical shape, which is worn around from the men's waist to their feet.

Moreover, there is one interesting point is that men's dress is strapless and quite loose; therefore, when they have to move regularly, they often have to adjust the skirt and wrap it back tight even in the middle of the street.

However, Longyi is designed without pockets, so it quite hard to carry cash, mobile phone or other personal items, make sure to bring your handbag, bag to hold these items. Men's jacket with 2 layers, fabric buttons, bright wear in the daytime, black and dark color wear in the night. The head wrapped a white turban with a protruding corner sharp like the leaves.

Myanmar Traditional Dress for Burmese Women

Burmese women's traditional clothes are Thummy. Compared with Laos or Thailand's dress, Thummy is quite similar. They do not wear the turban-like men. Both Burmese women and men wear flip-flops.

Besides the traditional costume, Myanmar people wear European clothes on many occasions and when they wear suits, they wear shoes. Basically, Burmese people often mix Longyi with other items of clothing, from T-shirts, shirts, jackets, to vests.

When and Where Myanmar People Wear Traditional Clothes

Compare to other countries' traditional costumes such as Ao Dai (long dress) of Vietnam, Kimono of Japan or Hanbok of South Korea, which is only worn on special occasions, events and some national festivals, the traditional dress of Myanmar are worn regularly in daily life while doing homework, riding a motorbike, going to work and even in sports competitions. There are some reasons:

Firstly, the weather in this country is so hot as 40 degrees so the costumes' material is suitable to make people feel comfortable.

Secondly, as mentioned above, these traditional clothes are very easy to mix with other items.

Thirdly, the structure and style of Burmese traditional costumes are very simple; therefore, they are easy to put on and take off when needed in daily life.
Last but not least, it also becomes a multifunctional item in many cases. For example, they can be pulled up to be used as the "raincoat", "the UV sun shirt"..., or Burmese women can enroll it to make a stable substrate to carry commodities (fruits, rice bags, foods) without holding hands.

How can people work or play sports with that kind of skirt? That question will vanish completely as soon as you enter the Burmese's normal life. From taxi drivers, fishermen to farmers, they are all wearing longyi without any inconvenience, sometimes they stop to wrap their longyi tighter. A young soccer player said: "Wearing longyi to kick the ball is really comfortable and hardly being fell. It's even much more comfortable than wearing pants".

It is obvious that the way Burmese people wearing traditional costumes is not euphuistic and also the same as the lifestyle of Myanmar people. When visitors take Myanmar vacation, they can see that Burmese women rarely wear makeup even in the special occasion in their country. Therefore, tourists will certainly have the feeling that everything is so simple, peaceful and they are always welcomed by friendly and sincere Myanmar people. Taking Myanmar tours, trying to wear their traditional costumes and interacting with the local people promises to help tourists enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Where to Buy Myanmar Dress & Traditional Costumes

Wearing Myanmar dress is a great experience for tourists when traveling to the country. Longyi and Thummy are sold in many stores across the country. Base on the quality that you can purchase them at different prices. Kyal Sin Longyi Shop at I-20, Ground Floor, Yuzana Plaza, Yangon is an ideal place for you to purchase Myanmar dress at high quality. Additionally, you can find them in Bogyoke Aungsan Market with various designs.

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Traditional Dress of Myanmar | History & Interesting Facts

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The traditional costumes of Myanmar are considered as a symbol expresses clearly about the unique culture and warm hospitality of this country, which creates a deep impression for those who have already gone through Myanmar tours. Their costumes are very simple, which reflect the friendly and unsophisticated in living style.

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Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on Burmese Refugees and Migrants

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Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on Burmese Refugees and Migrants

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Refugees who arrive internationally to Australia are at an increased risk of poor health outcomes, mental health and general well-being (Crawford et al., 2023). This can be due to these individuals being excluded from participating in social, economic and political domains due to ingrained privilege and oppression (Crawford et al., 2023). Theoretically, international migration has many benefits; however, the biggest challenge is the individual gaining a sense of inclusion in their new nation (Crawford et al., 2023). Social exclusion experienced by refugees and migrated peoples is subjective, and all factors should be considered; these barriers to the healthcare system reinforce feelings of discrimination and social exclusion (Crawford et al., 2023). Because of these feelings, individuals may feel apprehensive to seek care as they lack the understanding and feelings of safety when caring for their health.

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Religion in Myanmar is an essential part of everyday culture (Evason, 2017). Most of the Burmese population (87.9%) follow Buddhism, which is deeply rooted in the nation's cultural history. The most practised is Theravāda Buddhism, as it provides the most stability in everyday life (Evason, 2017). Christianity is followed by 6.2% of the population, with the two most common beliefs being Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. 4.3% are Muslim, and less than 1% of the population are Animists and Hindus (Evason, 2017). Religion in Burma is closely related to an individual's ethnic origins (Evason, 2017). For example, Bamar people are primarily Buddhist, and most minority ethnic groups belong to minority religions.

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Religion is an essential aspect of life in Myanmar and central to conceptions of personal identity. Most of the Burmese population identify as Buddhist (87.9%). However, there are also significant minorities of Christians (6.2%) and Muslims (4.3%), as well as some Animists (0.8%) and Hindus (0.5%). Generally speaking, one's religious identity is related to ethnic origins. Most Bamar are Buddhist while people belonging to minority religions are usually from minority ethnic groups. Christianity is dominant among the Kachin, Chin and Naga ethnic groups. It is also practised widely among the Karen and Karenni ethnic groups, although many Karen and Karenni are Buddhist and some Karen are Animist or Muslim. Islam is widely practised among ethnic Indians, the Kaman and Rohingya as well as some Bamar.

Religious Conflict

Religion has become a source of deep friction in Myanmar. Buddhism is integrally linked to the idea of the Burmese nationality. This Burmese Buddhist nationalism became highly politicised in the early 20th century for the role it played in the independence movement against the British. Meanwhile, Christianity was seen as a British establishment. The role of religion in the rise of nationalism was also heightened by the ethnic differentiations between core followings (most Buddhists being Bamar whilst Christians and Muslims are generally from minority ethnic groups).

Religious minority populations experienced arrest and detention, restrictions on religious practice and various forms of discrimination. At times, the military sought to widen divides for political purposes by inciting violence. For example, they were known to dress up as monks and torch Islamic and Christian places of worship.

While religious persecution is perceived to have been reduced since the election of Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, this is only true for some groups. Currently, intolerance towards a small Muslim minority - the Rohingya - is especially violent and inhumane. Rohingya Muslims are subjected to physical abuse, torture, extrajudicial killing, summary execution, arbitrary arrest and detention. Government policy restricts their religious practice, marriage, travel and access to education, and prevents their employment in the social services. The Rohingyas are also denied citizenship, meaning anti-discrimination laws do not apply to them. Some radical Buddhist leaders openly promote hostility towards them. See Political Situation under Core Concepts for more on this.

Buddhism in Myanmar

Buddhism is deeply embedded in Burmese culture and has become associated with the national identity of the Bamar. The prominent form of Buddhism practised in Myanmar is Theravāda Buddhism. Followers of Theravāda Buddhism take refuge in the 'Triple Gem': the teacher (Buddha), the teaching (dharma) and the monastic community (the Sangha). These three elements of Buddhism provide a sense of stability within Burmese society by offering a structure for people to base their everyday routines around.

The Sangha (the Buddhist monastic order that includes ordained monks, nuns and/or novices) is an important institution in Myanmar. Monks, nuns and other lay spiritual leaders hold great status and respect within their communities. It is commonly expected that males will enter the monastery twice in their lives as a rite of passage - the novitiation ceremony (shinpyu). This happens for a period of time as a child and again as an adult. The education as a novice can last for a few months, if not several years.

In Myanmar (and Theravāda Buddhism more generally), the Buddha is not considered a 'God' as understood in the Christian sense of the term. Devotion towards the Buddha is more similar to the respect a student has for a teacher. Reverence to the Buddha is accompanied with his core teaching (dharma) known as the 'Four Noble Truths', which dictates that underpinning all existence is suffering and one can reach liberation through practising the 'Eightfold Path'. The practice of Theravāda Buddhism is unique in Myanmar for it incorporates spirit (nat) worship. See the section on Animist beliefs below for more information on this.

Christianity in Myanmar

Christianity is the second largest religion in Myanmar. Its followers mostly belong to indigenous ethnic minorities that converted through European missionary work in their regions. The biggest traditions are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

The Burmese approach to Christianity generally puts an emphasis on Bible study and prayer services (hymn singing). There is also a widespread practice of fasting on Martyrs' Day. Christian ideas are often intermingled with the traditional beliefs of indigenous ethnicities. For example, some people may have tattooed skin for magical protection.

Animist Beliefs in Myanmar

Though the majority of the indigenous ethnicities of Myanmar have converted to Buddhism, Christianity or Islam, people often incorporate animist beliefs into their understanding of organised religion, health practices and daily life. Most of these traditional beliefs involve spirit worship. For example, Buddhists tend to believe that nats (spirits) dwell in natural objects or phenomena such as rivers. There are nat shrines across the country where people can make offerings for protection or success. Many Karen similarly believe that the benefits of spirits can be found through rituals - such as guardian spirits (ther myng khae). Historically, most nat kădaws (spirit mediums) were women. However, today most are gay men and many are either transgendered or transvestites.

Many Karen and Karenni believe that a person possesses a number of souls called 'kla' which might flee for various reasons (e.g. in connection with a mental breakdown). It is seen as vitally important to retain the kla and losing kla puts a person in danger of illness. People may try and retain the kla by tying a sacred string around someone's wrist. Some Karen people also believe in an omnipresent unknown total force called 'pgho' and non-Christian Chins may believe in 'hnam', an evil spirit that dwells within humans. Some people may carry elephant tail hairs to ward off evil.

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Learn about the religious make-up of society and how religion influences daily life and culture

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Malaria is an infection spread via mosquitos that carry the disease as a vector and transmit it through contact with the skin barrier and bloodstream (Phillips & Francis, 2024). Malaria is rampant in Myanmar due to the presence of infected mosquitos, and refugees who are from or have travelled through the nation must be screened for it (Phillips & Francis, 2024). A voluntary Departure Health Check is offered to all refugees; it includes an RDT for Malaria and treatment if results are positive, 72 hours before departure for Australia (Phillips & Francis, 2024). The disease is diagnosed via the results of a blood test, and to treat Malaria, patients are given a variation of oral medications and radial therapies depending on the strain.

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Religion is an essential aspect of life in Myanmar and central to conceptions of personal identity. Most of the Burmese population identify as Buddhist (87.9%). However, there are also significant minorities of Christians (6.2%) and Muslims (4.3%), as well as some Animists (0.8%) and Hindus (0.5%). Generally speaking, one's religious identity is related to ethnic origins. Most Bamar are Buddhist while people belonging to minority religions are usually from minority ethnic groups. Christianity is dominant among the Kachin, Chin and Naga ethnic groups. It is also practised widely among the Karen and Karenni ethnic groups, although many Karen and Karenni are Buddhist and some Karen are Animist or Muslim. Islam is widely practised among ethnic Indians, the Kaman and Rohingya as well as some Bamar.

Religious Conflict

Religion has become a source of deep friction in Myanmar. Buddhism is integrally linked to the idea of the Burmese nationality. This Burmese Buddhist nationalism became highly politicised in the early 20th century for the role it played in the independence movement against the British. Meanwhile, Christianity was seen as a British establishment. The role of religion in the rise of nationalism was also heightened by the ethnic differentiations between core followings (most Buddhists being Bamar whilst Christians and Muslims are generally from minority ethnic groups).

Religious minority populations experienced arrest and detention, restrictions on religious practice and various forms of discrimination. At times, the military sought to widen divides for political purposes by inciting violence. For example, they were known to dress up as monks and torch Islamic and Christian places of worship.

While religious persecution is perceived to have been reduced since the election of Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, this is only true for some groups. Currently, intolerance towards a small Muslim minority - the Rohingya - is especially violent and inhumane. Rohingya Muslims are subjected to physical abuse, torture, extrajudicial killing, summary execution, arbitrary arrest and detention. Government policy restricts their religious practice, marriage, travel and access to education, and prevents their employment in the social services. The Rohingyas are also denied citizenship, meaning anti-discrimination laws do not apply to them. Some radical Buddhist leaders openly promote hostility towards them. See Political Situation under Core Concepts for more on this.

Buddhism in Myanmar

Buddhism is deeply embedded in Burmese culture and has become associated with the national identity of the Bamar. The prominent form of Buddhism practised in Myanmar is Theravāda Buddhism. Followers of Theravāda Buddhism take refuge in the 'Triple Gem': the teacher (Buddha), the teaching (dharma) and the monastic community (the Sangha). These three elements of Buddhism provide a sense of stability within Burmese society by offering a structure for people to base their everyday routines around.

The Sangha (the Buddhist monastic order that includes ordained monks, nuns and/or novices) is an important institution in Myanmar. Monks, nuns and other lay spiritual leaders hold great status and respect within their communities. It is commonly expected that males will enter the monastery twice in their lives as a rite of passage - the novitiation ceremony (shinpyu). This happens for a period of time as a child and again as an adult. The education as a novice can last for a few months, if not several years.

In Myanmar (and Theravāda Buddhism more generally), the Buddha is not considered a 'God' as understood in the Christian sense of the term. Devotion towards the Buddha is more similar to the respect a student has for a teacher. Reverence to the Buddha is accompanied with his core teaching (dharma) known as the 'Four Noble Truths', which dictates that underpinning all existence is suffering and one can reach liberation through practising the 'Eightfold Path'. The practice of Theravāda Buddhism is unique in Myanmar for it incorporates spirit (nat) worship. See the section on Animist beliefs below for more information on this.

Christianity in Myanmar

Christianity is the second largest religion in Myanmar. Its followers mostly belong to indigenous ethnic minorities that converted through European missionary work in their regions. The biggest traditions are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

The Burmese approach to Christianity generally puts an emphasis on Bible study and prayer services (hymn singing). There is also a widespread practice of fasting on Martyrs' Day. Christian ideas are often intermingled with the traditional beliefs of indigenous ethnicities. For example, some people may have tattooed skin for magical protection.

Animist Beliefs in Myanmar

Though the majority of the indigenous ethnicities of Myanmar have converted to Buddhism, Christianity or Islam, people often incorporate animist beliefs into their understanding of organised religion, health practices and daily life. Most of these traditional beliefs involve spirit worship. For example, Buddhists tend to believe that nats (spirits) dwell in natural objects or phenomena such as rivers. There are nat shrines across the country where people can make offerings for protection or success. Many Karen similarly believe that the benefits of spirits can be found through rituals - such as guardian spirits (ther myng khae). Historically, most nat kădaws (spirit mediums) were women. However, today most are gay men and many are either transgendered or transvestites.

Many Karen and Karenni believe that a person possesses a number of souls called 'kla' which might flee for various reasons (e.g. in connection with a mental breakdown). It is seen as vitally important to retain the kla and losing kla puts a person in danger of illness. People may try and retain the kla by tying a sacred string around someone's wrist. Some Karen people also believe in an omnipresent unknown total force called 'pgho' and non-Christian Chins may believe in 'hnam', an evil spirit that dwells within humans. Some people may carry elephant tail hairs to ward off evil.

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Learn about the religious make-up of society and how religion influences daily life and culture