Indigenous Healing in South Africa: A Neglected Potential

Abstract

The incidence of indigenous healing, recognition of the spiritual and emotional dimension in the lives of our population, lack of ‘professionally’ qualified mental health workers, inadequacy of imposing Western approaches on other cultures, proven effectiveness of nonprofessional workers in the mental health area, shortcomings in and disenchantment with Western models of healing and the holistic nature of indigenous healing compel cognisance. The similarity between certain Western approaches, such as that of Jung, and indigenous healing, development in brain research, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, arguments by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the call to integrate indigenous and Western approaches to healing, necessitates a closer look at the area. South African academics and professionals have urged for the recognition of indigenous healing in order to provide a comprehensive mental health service. It is felt that indigenous healing can teach us and offer unique opportunities in the applied and research aspects of psychology.