ON THE HISTORY OF FOLK MEDICINE IN AJARA

Abstract

The article deals with the history of folk medicine and its importance in studying the folk medicine in Ajara.

Individual issues of Georgian traditional medicine are studied on the basis of written and empirical sources, special attention is paid to the diseases spread in Ajara and the treatment methods. The genealogies that were engaged in this work are presented, and the importance of magic in folk medicine is also analyzed. The practical part of the research concerns the analysis and importance of the treatment methods preserved in Ajara up today.

The research revealed that the traditional medical knowledge and methods of treatment originated from ancient times in Ajara and have their development stages. The history begins from the pagan period and continues to this day, that is why it was granted the status of an intangible cultural heritage monument.

Based on the empirical work, we found out that folk treatment methods still exist in the region. However, variety of traditional medicines are forgotten and are preserved only by individuals.

A complete study of folk medicine and its achievements is vitally important since it is one of the richest historical past and culture of the nation.