Sensitising indigenous community toward conservation of Amchi tradition of Spiti valley

Abstract

The traditional healthcare system of Spiti valley is renowned as ‘Amchi system’ which includes both ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine methods. It is performed and practiced by local healers known as ‘Amchi/Amji’ for centuries. This noble profession solely depends on local medicinal plants. In current scenario, amchi livelihood and indigenous medicinal flora are under threat due to the advancement in pharmaceutical sector. This has trapped the younger generation with instant allopathic effects and led to societal ignorance about their native herbs. Hence, awareness programmes and documentation are very important as it encourages the community to pass down the knowledge to young generation to reduce the cultural gap. The present article describes the interventions in sensitising local community toward conservation of native flora as well as noble amchi profession.