Every year many people from Tuva Republic are headed to Manba Datsan hospital, which might suggest the increasing popularity of traditional Mongolian medicine in Tuva Republic. This time, we talked to Tuvan citizen, Khovall Alla, who was treated at Manba Datsan hospital and shares her experience with us. She’s had stomach pain for nearly 6 or 7 years and finally got it cured at Manba Datsan hospital.
–When did you arrive in Mongolia? And how did you hear about Manba Datsan hospital?
-I arrived in Mongolia in July and was admitted to Manba Datsan hospital shortly after. I’ve had stomach pain for years and been to plenty of different hospitals for help. Finally, a khamba lama in Tuva suggested to me that I should go to Manba Datsan hospital in Mongolia. Some of my acquaintances highly recommended it too and which was the reason I decided to head to Manba Datsan hospital.
–How was your health before being admitted to the hospital?
-On top of nearly 6 or 7 years of stomach pain, I couldn’t eat meat. Even if I did, I would throw up right away. I also had loss of appetite confirmed by a doctor, due to the constant pain my stomach. I rarely went out for meals, instead I would have home-cooked light foods such as mash or fruits. I think having loss of appetite is a form of illness. I actually had loss of appetite as well as frequent burping for many years due to the pain in my stomach. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with stomach ulcer at Russian hospital.
–How are you feeling now? What changes have you noticed so far?
-I’ve had this pain for so long and I know that one time treatment wouldn’t be able to cure it. However, to my surprise I got so much better. The treatments that Manba Datsan hospital offer have been quite effective. Now I can eat meat whenever I want and even my appetite increased too. Also, I started going out for meals and most importantly, my frequent belching has stopped. I would like to thank the doctors Khamba Lama Natsagdorj.D and Uyanga.B for treating my illness. I was prescribed 2 months of medication following the discharge and I will return to Manba Datsan hospital next spring after taking all the medications. I promise to recommend Manba Datsan hospital to anyone having medical issues like me in Tuva and let them know about the traditional Mongolian medicine.
–Was it your first time receiving traditional medical treatment? How was it overall?
-I found it quite unique and very beneficial. I was exhausted, inactive and had no energy due to not being able to eat nutritious food as it always had caused stomach pain. After my stay at Manba Datsan hospital, I now feel full of energy. As a result of daily massages I had, now I’m able to have deep sleep every night. The staff at the hospital were very friendly and helpful and I really enjoyed the food served there too. What’s more, the monks at Manba Datsan monastery recited healing mantras for me and it made me feel at peace and I’m very grateful for them. I guess that’s what they mean by healing body, mind and soul at the same time. I will definitely be back to this hospital to be completely free of my illness.
–Thank you for talking to us. Wish you all the best.
From: Traditional Mongolian Medicine newspaper №08 (37)