Burmese culture and Health by

Balancing Elements: Burmese Health Beliefs and Traditional Practices

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-26 09:47:29 UTC

Burmese refugees often have unique health beliefs. They believe in maintaining a balance between "hot" and "cold" elements in the body for good health. For example they use "Thanaka", a paste made from tree bark, to cool the skin when the body is considered too "hot"(Refugee Health, 2012). In Karen culture (an ethnic group of Burmese), food is considered essential for good health, and they believe that "food is medicine and medicine is food." When they are ill, they avoid certain foods, for instance, yellow foods for those with hepatitis, and they believe that papaya can tigger malaria (Refugee Health, 2012). These beliefs influence their approach to health and healing.

Refugee Health. (2012). Refugees from Burma: Considerations for Health Providers . 1. https://www.refugeehealthta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Burma_Refugee_Health_Profile-1.pdf

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-26 10:06:21 UTC

For me, the most important aspect of culturally responsive practice is understanding the unique needs of Burmese refugees. Reflecting on Domain 1: Clinical Expert from Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice framework, I have realised the importance of competency standard 1.1., which emphasises understanding individuality, their beliefs, and their cultural and religious backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). I have enriched my understanding of their beliefs such as the “hot” and “cold” balance, and how these influence treatment decisions (Refugee Health, 2012). This knowledge will be essential in the workplace, as it builds trust and improves patient outcomes. To further enhance my skills, I plan to seek additional training to confidently address diverse cultural needs.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds Competency standards framework for clinicians. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Refugee Health. (2012). Refugees from Burma: Considerations for Health Providers . 1. https://www.refugeehealthta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Burma_Refugee_Health_Profile-1.pdf

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination in Health

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-26 10:56:08 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are non medical factors that influence health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2024). When fairly treated, refugees can access essential services such as healthcare, education and employment, which are vital for their physical and mental wellbeing (Ziersch et al., 2020). For Burmese refugees, building social connection, not only within their community but also with wider Australian population (e.g., through churches), is a key source for overcoming challenges and adapting to life in Australia. This helps manage stress and promote healthy behaviours, improving overall mental health and well-being (Wong et al., 2020).

Wong, C. K., White, C., Thay, B., & Lassemillante, A.-C. M. (2020). Living a Healthy Life in Australia: Exploring Influences on Health for Refugees from Myanmar. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010121

World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

Health Concern among Burmese Refugees: Addressing H.Pylori Infection

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-27 05:39:49 UTC

Burmese refugees in Australia face significant health challenges due to migration and past living conditions (Chaves et al., 2009). A major concern is the high prevalence of H. pylori infection, affecting 80% of those tested and is linked to gastrointestinal problems like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer (Chaves et al., 2009).

Routine H. pylori screening is not recommended, except for high-risk groups with a family history of gastric cancer or peptic ulcers. Patients over 50 with H. pylori and symptoms like anorexia or GI bleeding should be further assessed, possibly with endoscopy. Treatment should follow Australian Therapeutic Guidelines, with a follow-up test after 4 weeks and specialist referral if first-line therapy fails (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024).

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2024). Helicobacter pylori. Australian Refugee Health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/helicobacter-pylori/

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

Traditional Burmese Dance- "Ta Bin Taing"

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-27 11:54:16 UTC

"Ta Bin Tiang," meaning "lone" or "the only person," is a traditional Burmese solo dance. It gracefully depicts a royal princess's daily chores, transforming routine tasks into elegant, dignified movements (Acuña, 2022)

Acuña, M. G. (2022, November 9). Traditional Dances of Myanmar. My Virtual World Trip. https://myvirtualworldtrip.com/2022/11/08/traditional-dances-of-myanmar/

Traditional Burmese Dress: Longyi

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-27 12:26:44 UTC

The traditional Burmese costume, “Longyi”, is still worn daily by both men and women (Tran, 2019). Men wear the plain or checked “Paso”, tied with a knot, while women wear the patterned “Htamein”, tucked and folded at the waist. Moreover, each ethnic group have distinct “Longyi” styles, indicating its rich cultural heritage (Tran, 2019).

Longyi are easy to put on and take off, and serve as raincoats or carriers for goods (Exotic Voyages, 2019). Unlike other countries, the Burmese dress simply and rarely wear makeup. This everyday practice highlights the simplicity that define the Burmese society (Exotic Voyages, 2019).

Exotic Voyages. (2019). Traditional costumes of Myanmar. Exotic Voyages. https://www.exoticvoyages.com/blog/traditional-costumes-myanmar-34520.html

Tran, C. (2019, November 7). The story of Longyi - An impressive Myanmar traditional dress. Indochina Voyages. https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/myanmar-travel-guide/whats-special-traditional-clothes-myanmar

Ethnic Diversity in Myanmar ( Burma)

tsheringchoki333 — 2024-08-27 16:28:40 UTC

Myanmar, previously known as Burma, is a country with over 135 officially recognized ethnic groups. These groups are divided into 8 major races; Burman, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Kayah, Mon, Arakanese and Shan, based on their geography (Devi, 2021).

Myanmar’s ethnic diversity is a result of its strategic location, being bordered by India, China, and Thailand (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust [HART UK], 2021). People have migrated and settled in isolated areas over time, preserving their distinct cultures and languages. As a result, there are over 100 languages and dialects. However, the government has historically discouraged minority languages to promote a common national identity, leaving some groups like the Rohingya, Tibetans, Anglo-Burmese and Gurkhas unrecognized and stateless. (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust [HART UK], 2021).

Devi, P. (2021, December 11). Myanmar’s Ethnic Groups: Their Origins and Traditions. My Travel Diary. https://www.traveldiaryparnashree.com/2021/12/myanmars-ethnic-groups.html

Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART UK). (2021, February 8). A brief overview of the ethnic minorities of Burma. https://www.hart-uk.org/a-brief-overview-of-the-ethnic-minorities-of-burma/