THE DESI WAYS: TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTICES OF SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN IN CANADA

Abstract

Although many South Asian immigrants have made their homes in Canada, little research has examined health behaviors in this population and fewer studies have examined the use of traditional health practices. As part of a larger study on health-seeking patterns of South Asian women living in Western Canada, an analysis was done on the use of traditional health practices. Using critical ethnographic methods, data were collected through face-to-face individual interviews ( n = 50), focus group discussions ( n = 12), and community meetings with a cross section of women in the South Asian community. Interviews were conducted in the language of each participant's choice. Thematic analysis was done on the transcribed interviews. Women's descriptions of traditional health practices varied and consisted of home remedies, dietary regimens, prayers, rituals, and consultation with hakims, veds, babajis, pundits, homeopaths, and jyotshis. Choosing to use traditional health practices was influenced by family members, the nature and severity of problems, beliefs and prior experiences, and the feasibility of using these practices. Traditional health practices were used on a daily or episodic basis. Women rarely used traditional health practices exclusively. Traditional health practices were used for small problems or when conventional medicines did not work. For women to meet their health needs, health care providers must be culturally sensitive and respect women's choices to use traditional health practices.