Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Deki Choden National Traditional Medicine Hospital Deki Choden 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Deki Choden National Traditional Medicine Hospital Deki Choden
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Yangdon Yangdon Paro Traditional Medicine Unit Yangdon Yangdon
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sangay Needup Bumthang,Wangdicholing Traditional Medicine Unit Sangay Needup
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Wangzin Rabgay ERRH,Mongar Sonam Wangzin Rabgay
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tshiltrim Dorji Punakha Traditional Medicine Unit Tshiltrim Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji CRRH Gelephu Thinley Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Impact of Herbal Steam Bath(Lang-Lum) on the treatment of Chronic low Bcak pain among patient in selected Traditional Medicine Hospitals in Bhutan:a cross sectional study |
| Public title | Impact of Herbal Steam Bath (Lang-lum) on the treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain among patients in selected Traditional Medicine Hospitals in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Background | Globally, chronic low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absenteeism, imposing a high economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry, and government. The World Health Organization reported in 2020 that approximately 619 million people worldwide are affected by LBP, making it one of the leading causes of disability. In Bhutan, apart from allopathic medicine, traditional medicine (Sowa Rigpa) provides various kinds of treatment for people as an alternative choice of medication. Chronic LBP which is classified as kheldram bar du gyeba in Sowa Rigpa is treated with various kinds of therapies. Amongst different types of therapies, patient availing herbal steam bath for chronic low back pain was increasing yearly. Despite its long-standing use and increasing popularity, the impact of Herbal Steam Bath (Lang-lum) for chronic LBP remains largely anecdotal, with limited scientific evidence available. Therefore, it is important to evaluate its therapeutic benefits using a scientific approach. This study aims to assess the impact of Herbal Steam Bath (Lang-lum) on the treatment of chronic LBP among patients in selected Traditional Medicine Hospitals in Bhutan, thereby contributing to evidence-based practice within the traditional medicine health care system. |
| Objectives | Among patients with chronic LBP treated with standard protocol of Herbal Steam Bath at four selected Traditional Medicine units between 1st April and 31st August 2026, to describe the, sociodemographic and clinical profile, Common adverse effect observed during the therapy,pain scores before and after therapy and functional status/disability before and after therapy. |
| Study Methods | This study is a cross-sectional design among patients with chronic LBP availing Herbal Steam Bath therapy at four selected Traditional Medicine Hospital. Data will be collected using a structured pro forma on REDCap, hosted at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, and analyzed in STATA 18. Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index will be used to assess the pain and functional status of the Chronic LBP. Descriptive analysis for sociodemographic characteristics and paired t-test, one way ANOVA and post hoc test for pain score and functional status will be reported. Ethics approval will be sought from the Research Ethics Board of Health, Ministry of Health. Administrative approval from Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health, site clearance from four selected Traditional Medicine units have been obtained. Informed written consent will be obtained from all participants. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The impact of Herbal Steam Bath therapy for chronic LBP will be evaluated among patients attending four selected Traditional Medicine Units. The assessment will integrate impact of Herbal Steam Bath therapy written in ancient Sowa Rigpa texts with contemporary scientific evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic value. The study will examine the extent of pain reduction, clinical profile, adverse effect and functional status of the chronic low back pain. |
| Keywords | Chronic low back pain, herbal steam bath, Traditional Medicine |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Mar-2026 |
| End Date | 30-Aug-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | National Traditional Medicine Hospital |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (Traditonal Medicine Hospital Therapy) |
| Involves human subjects | No |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |