The Yao Medical Culture: Historical Memory and a Guide to the Development of Medical Cultural Industry in Jinxiuyao of Guangxi

Abstract

          The Yao medicine culture is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the Yao people in Jinxiu, Guangxi, and has profound cultural and medical value. However, the rapid development of modernization and the dominance of Western medicine pose major challenges to the protection and sustainable development of Yao's medical culture. This study set three objectives:(1)To study the historical memory of Yao Medicine.(2)To investigate the current status and challenges of Jinxiu’s Yao Medical Culture.(3)To explore a sustainable development guide for Jinxiu’s Yao Medical Culture industry. This study adopted qualitative research methods, combined with literature review, observation, interview, group discussion, etc., and collected data by means of interview outline, observation record and other tools. Ten key information providers, 15 practice information providers and 20 general information providers were selected. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were used to analyze the data. The results show that: (1) Yao medicine is ancient and unique. Yao medicine culture is an important carrier of Yao's history, tradition and values. (2) The Yao medicine culture in Jinxiu is characterized by excessive collection of Yao herbs, lack of successors of Yao doctors, loss of Yao medicine experience and insufficient development of traditional Yao medicine products; Lack of publicity and promotion. (3) Put forward the protection of Yao medical resources; Training Yao medical talents; Explore and develop traditional Yao medicine, build brand to promote Jinxiu Yao medicine culture and other countermeasures. The study argues that this unique cultural heritage can be maintained and enhanced by strategically integrating Yao medicine into the broader medical culture industry and modern medical practice. The study provides a set of recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and local communities to ensure the survival and prosperity of Yao medical culture in modern times.