A Buddhist monk has left a woman hospitalised after treating her with a super-strong hammer massage before 'grilling' her with herbs.

The holy man was moonlighting as a doctor claiming to cure sick locals using unconventional methods from his 'office' in an abandoned school in Phatthalung, Thailand, on March 27.

One of his patients, Wilaiwan Chimput, 53, sought him out hoping he could heal her paralysis. She had been having trouble walking for several years, and upon hearing of his healing services, met with the monk accompanied by her husband.

The religious leader administered the hammer massage, tapping on several points on Wilaiwan's body which he said would 'loosen and revive dead energy lines'.

After that, he lay her on an herb-covered bench, and lit up coals on a zinc sheet below her. She soaked up the heat for some 30 minutes, with the monk claiming the treatment would relax and restore her body.

However, when Wilaiwan went home she discovered numerous painful blisters on her back, bottom, and legs. The wounds worsened and eventually festered after two days, causing her to be hospitalised at the Srinagarind Hospital on March 21.

Her husband had tried contacting the monk, but his calls went unanswered.

After several days of silence, the monk's female assistant finally returned the calls and arranged for another meeting, offering the couple some healing oil to treat Wilaiwan's injuries. The angry husband slammed the phone down on her.

Wilaiwan's furious sister Somsri, 55, said: 'My sister and her family are in a difficult situation. Her husband only earns 100 to 200 baht (three to six USD) a day, and now they have to buy one pack of diapers a day for Wilaiwan.

'I want the monk to be investigated. Because of him, my sister's burden has increased. He also touches women's bodies during treatment.'

Local media went to the sham monk's office and found him still offering medical treatments. A sign had been posted prohibiting taking videos.

Reporters learned that he has allegedly been using the abandoned school to meet patients for the past five months.

The monk, estimated to be around 60, claimed he had learned his healing skills from northeastern Thailand. He has bene working with a female subordinate and claims he has successfully treated multiple people.

Somsri reported the monk to Soonthorn Kongthongsang, acting provincial health chief, on March 28.

A team of government inspectors were sent to the scene and found that the monk did not have a license and had violated Thailand's Public Health Act.

The monk had previously stayed at the Ban Thung Na Monastery, but relocated to the abandoned school after being expelled for touching women during treatments.

Authorities said they will investigate further and collect evidence to take legal action against him.

Soonthron said: 'The monk's actions are inappropriate. He has violated the Sangha Act, and the National Office of Buddhism will investigate and take action.

'The public should avoid unconventional treatments as these could further endanger their health. They should instead seek medical care at licensed public hospitals.'