The place where natural medicinal water (Menchhu) is used for traditional healing therapies in Shumar Gewog in Pema Gatshel was recently given a facelift. Following the renovation, number of visitors, mostly elderly people is likely to double.
Prior to the development and maintenance works around the area, people were discouraged to undergo healing experience since there weren’t required facilities to take bath with menchhu.
But now, two bathtubs and a small hut have been constructed for the benefit of those wishing to have herbal water treatment.
“It was very dirty in the past. We had to bathe out in open space and then had to erect tents to change clothes. It was tedious but now no more,” said a villager from Shumar Gewog, Tshewang.
His friends also said they endured great deal of hardship arranging facilities for medicinal bathing.
“We dug hole and used few planks to soak in the herbal water. Then many villagers stopped using the medicinal water. However now, we are happy, it will be so convenient to heal our ailments through natural healing,” added another villager, Namgay Wangdi.
But now, the ambience around the Shumar herbal bathing place is clean and eco-friendly.
Gewog officials are hoping that people will use the natural healing therapy effectively. According to locals, the menchhu heals gastritis and soothes joint pains.
The Pema Gatshel Gewog Administration has spent about Nu 600,000 for the construction of the facilities.