Purvya says that in the past, monks, astrologists and folk healers had different gifts and abilities. Monks could determine people’s misfortunes by looking at their prayer books. Astrologists could see the past and communicate with the dead. Folk healers collected herbs and made medicine. Purvya also says that she knew several folk healers, including Maani bagshi, Sokhr emch (blind healer) and Shar emch (yellow doctor). Maani bagshi cured Purvya’s father, who was coughing up blood. He gave her father a drink made from vodka mixed with seeds. Her father took a spoonful of the drink three times a day. Sokhr emch cured Purvya, who was suffering from parotitis, and her mother, whose hand was twisted. The method he used when treating Purvya consisted of sprinkling her with water. Purvya admires Maani bagshi as a smart and powerful healer. She also relays what Sokhr emch told her regarding the power of folk healers – Kalmyks can cure all illnesses, except for ulcers.