Practice Of Traditional Healers Research Articles

Pandangan Masyarakat Terhadap Dukun Sebagai Pengobatan Kesehatan Dalam Perspektif Aqidah Islam Studi Kasus Pada Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan

The background of this research is treatment by traditional healers, as an alternative for people who find it difficult to access modern medicine. People in Pargarutan Julu Village seek alternative traditional medicine because they are faced with health problems that are difficult to solve medically, indicating dissatisfaction or unmet needs in the modern health system. The purpose of the study is to find out the community's views on the practice of traditional healers as a form of health treatment has become a subject of complex debate, especially in the context of Islamic aqeedah. This paper investigates people's views on shamans as a form of health treatment, focusing on the perspective of Islamic aqidah. The research method is a qualitative approach and literature analysis. The results show that people's views on traditional healers are influenced by cultural factors, traditions, and lack of understanding of Islamic teachings. The informant mentioned that taking treatment from a shaman is part of shirk treatment. Therefore, there is a need for a better educational approach and religious understanding in the community to overcome the wrong perception of shamans and increase understanding of the correct Islamic aqidah in the context of health treatment.

A Chinese ‘modern’ device transforming the traditional healers’ practices in Cameroon

In the field of health, China's contribution is generally addressed either through its cooperation programmes or by the opening of private clinics by Chinese ‘doctors’. In Yaoundé and Douala, some private practices have been opened and various works have highlighted their role in the dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Cameroon. Yet the craze for these structures did not last long. Today, while signs of their existence are still visible, many of these firms are closed. China's influence in the health field is, however, far from negligible, but it is taking place in unexpected areas. The circulation of goods and knowledge from China leaves more room for local reappropriation. Indeed, some Cameroonian traditional healers include knowledge from China in their daily practice through the use of ‘machines’ coming from China to ‘purify the body’, to ‘eliminate fat’, to regulate the tension, to ‘stimulate acupuncture points’ or ‘make diagnosis’ (using the quantum analyser or a ‘diagnostic machine’). From direct observations conducted between 2014 and 2021, this article presents the issues at stake for the practice of traditional healers by the modernization of the field through specific therapeutic devices and the quantum analyser coming from China into the health Cameroonian landscape. The paper demonstrates that the performance of the diagnostic machine has less to do with the concrete efficiency of the diagnosis of pathologies than with the dynamics of visibility vis-à-vis patients. The quantum analyser is, therefore, an interesting element revealing the constant process of renewal of medical pluralism in Cameroon, in which China is playing a central role today.

Antibacterial Activity of Guyabano, Ulasimang Bato, Sambong, and Tsaang Gubat Leaf Extracts against Common Drug-resistant Bacteria

Background. Using plants as antimicrobials has long been a practice of traditional healers and validating these customs may lead to the discovery and development of useful herbal medicines.
 Objective. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of guyabano, tsaang gubat, sambong, and ulasimang bato against common pathogens.
 Methods. Aqueous or alcoholic leaf extracts of the different medicinal plants were prepared. The solid agar dilution method was used to determine the MIC of guyabano, tsaang gubat, sambong, and ulasimang bato against common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Echerichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella flexneri.
 Results. The alcoholic leaf extract of guyabano showed moderate activity against oxacillin-sensitive S. aureus with an MIC of 5-6.3 mg/mL. However, tsaang gubat did not exhibit any antibacterial activity for drug-resistant enteric organisms (S. typhi, S. flexneri, and E. coli) and S. aureus at a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Even at a concentration of 100mg/mL, ulasimang bato failed to show any antibacterial activity against drug-resistant S. aureus, S. pneumonia, H. influenzae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Sambong alcoholic extract had some antibacterial activity against penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae with an MIC of 12.5 mg/mL.
 Conclusions. Guyabano alcoholic leaf extract showed moderate antibacterial activity against oxacillin-sensitive S. aureus. Sambong alcoholic extract likewise exhibited inhibitory activity against S. pneumoniae. However, tsaang gubat and ulasimang bato aqueous extracts failed to show significant antibacterial activity for the pathogens tested.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Traditional Healers on Epilepsy in Lubumbashi

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by an abnormality in the electrical activity of the brain: In Lubumbashi, it was reported in a hospital study that 16.8% of patients living with epilepsy consult a traditional practitioner as soon as first epileptic manifestations. The objective of this study was to report the knowledge, attitude and practice of traditional healers in the face of epilepsy in the City of Lubumbashi. Method: From August 13 to October 15, 2019, a descriptive cross-sectional study involved seventy one traditional healers listed or not on the table of the Provincial Health Division of Haut-Katanga and who responded to a questionnaire on the definition, manifestations, causes of epilepsy (according to the International League for the Fight against Epilepsy, ILAE in acronym) and on the knowledge of recipes used in traditional medicine in the treatment of epilepsy. Results: Most traditional healers believed that epilepsy was a brain disease (46.6%) that was recognized by convulsions as the primary manifestation (61.5%). Almost half of traditional healers reported that epilepsy is a contagious disease (53.8%) and had taken incantations before seizures as their primary attitude (38.4%) to stop them; on the other hand, in the event of loss of consciousness they put the patients aside (53.8%). In the major part (66.6%), traditional healers treated epilepsy with a vegetable product and the traditional recipe most used was Azadirachta indica at 30.8%. Conclusion: Epilepsy is considered by traditional healers to be a brain disorder against which treatment with medicinal plants would be the best remedy, although the Congolese pharmacopoeia does not list them.

Community Perception towards Traditional Healers and Health Centers on Management of Dog Bites and its Relation with Veterinary Public Health Activities

A survey was conducted to investigate whether the community uses traditional healers or modern health centers after exposure to dog bites and veterinary public health responses on the issues in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Two stage cluster and simple random sampling procedures were employed to select inhabitants and other target study population for this study. The data were collected from 300 permanent inhabitants, 75 physicians, 28 veterinarians and 10 directors and vice directors of health centers/hospital through personal interview face to face using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Among the permanent inhabitants, 36.9% faced one or more incidents of dog bite in their family in past twelve months. Out of those victims the majority (42.45%) used treatment by traditional healers. The majority (60.6%) of the respondents (both victim and non victim families) accepted the practice of traditional healers. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between; residents living area, economic statues, educational level and the choice of treatment (traditional healers, health centers or both) for dog bite. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was also observed between; purpose of keeping dog, vaccination practice, reason not to vaccinate, economic status and residents’ living area. Analysis of data from directors/vice directors of health centers revealed higher proportion (70%) of directors/vice directors believe that veterinarians should be very much involved in zoonoses education for the patients. It was also confirmed by large proportion (60%) of officials that there was no health center/institution/hospital with a department specifically working on zoonoses in the area. Smaller proportions (40%) of directors/vice directors of health centers/hospital responded there were zoonoses departments in health centers, but without public health veterinarians. In the conclusion, this study confirmed the high preference common use of traditional healers to modern health centers for rabies suspected dog bite management. Besides, the study revealed a very minimal role of veterinary public health in the area. Strong participatory education about the risk of dog bites and rabies should be given to the residents of the area.

Traditional healers and the potential for collaboration with the national tuberculosis programme in Vanuatu: results from a mixed methods study.

BackgroundThis study was conducted in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. Our objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice of traditional healers who treat lung diseases and tuberculosis (TB), including their willingness to collaborate with the national TB programme.MethodsThis was a descriptive study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative analysis was based on the responses provided to closed-ended questions, and we used descriptive analysis (frequencies) to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the traditional healers towards TB. Qualitative analysis was based on open-ended questions permitting fuller explanations. We used thematic analysis and developed a posteriori inductive categories to draw original and unbiased conclusions.ResultsNineteen traditional healers were interviewed; 18 were male. Fifteen of the healers reported treating short wind (a local term to describe lung, chest or breathing illnesses) which they attributed to food, alcohol, smoking or pollution from contact with menstrual blood, and a range of other physical and spiritual causes. Ten said that they would treat TB with leaf medicine. Four traditional healers said that they would not treat TB. Twelve of the healers had referred someone to a hospital for a strong wet-cough and just over half of the healers (9) reported a previous collaboration with the Government health care system. Eighteen of the traditional healers would be willing to collaborate with the national TB programme, with or without compensation.ConclusionsTraditional healers in Vanuatu treat lung diseases including TB. Many have previously collaborated with the Government funded health care system, and almost all of them indicated a willingness to collaborate with the national TB programme. The engagement of traditional healers in TB management should be considered, using an evidence based and culturally sensitive approach.

Awareness of Oral Cancer in a Northwestern Nigerian State: Assessing the Knowledge, Opinion, and Practice of Traditional Healers and Herbalists

Background: Traditional healers/herbalists remain one of the most accessible and popular options of care to people suffering from cancers particularly at the community level in Nigeria. The majority of patients with oral cancer present at the terminal stage after exploring unorthodox care. This study assesses the awareness of oral cancer among traditional caregivers in Kano State, Northwestern (NW) Nigeria. Methods: Self-administered, structured questionnaires were administered to a cross section of 21 traditional caregivers. Results: Of the 21 traditional caregivers studied, the majority (66.7%) had never heard of oral cancer and only 7 (33.3%) were aware. The level of knowledge on oral cancer was assessed using a scoring system classifying respondents as having adequate (&gt;50%) or inadequate (&lt;50%) knowledge. There was a significant educational status gap as respondents with informal education had lesser knowledge than that of their counterparts who had formal education (61.9% versus 19.0%) (P = 0.012). Conclusions: It is important to have allied healthcare providers informed about oral cancer, as their knowledge and awareness of oral cancer and its risk factors, which were low in our study, are vital in prevention and early detection. Impact: This study provides an insight into oral cancer prevention using traditional herbalists who are popular caregivers for those seeking health-related solutions.

Existing Roles of Traditional Healers (mor baan) in Southern Thailand

Traditional healers (mor baan) played an important role in Thai health long before the introduction of Western medicine. Although modern health professional play a key role of health care provider of Thai health care system, traditional healers and their practice still exist in most rural areas of Thailand. In this article, we address the roles and practices of traditional healers in southern Thailand. An ethnographic method was employed. This approach is the hallmark method used to describe the role and the practice of traditional healers and to grasp in-depth understanding of their everyday life. Participation observation and unstructured interview with 18 traditional healers were conducted. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. Most of the traditional healers chose their role because they were influenced by their ancestors, although a few others chose it because of individual interests and a desire to help ill people. All are trained in multiple skills, using supernatural spirits, ceremonies and natural plant products as resources for counteracting various health problems. They refer patients to modern hospitals or other healers if they cannot adequately manage illness themselves. Their service provision is flexible and based on a holistic approach that suits people's lifestyles and needs. The role of traditional healer tends not to attract the interest of younger generations, although traditional healers have contributed greatly to people's health. Their presence improves people's access to healthcare and offers an alternative to modern medicine, which often has a limited role. We conclude that the services of traditional healers should be incorporated into contemporary healthcare provision of Thai health care system.

Knowledge and practice of traditional healers in oral health in the Bui Division, Cameroon.

BackgroundThe majority of Cameroonians depend on traditional medicines for their health care needs and about seven per cent of the average household health budget is spent on traditional medicines irrespective of their incomes. The aim of the present study was to determine the oral care knowledge and practices of Traditional Healers (TH) on oral health delivery in the urban and rural areas of Bui Division of Cameroon and the objectives to determine the cost of treatment and reasons why people visit TH.MethodsThe present study was cross sectional and utilized semi-structured questionnaires to collect data.ResultsThe sample consisted of 21 TH and 52 clients of TH. Sixty two percent of the TH's were above 40 years and 90% male. The mean age was 46 years (range 20-77 years). Twenty four percent of the TH practiced as herbalists and the remainder both divination and herbalism. Sixty seven percent of people in the Bui Division, who patronize TH for their oral health needs, fall within the 20-40 year age group. There is little collaboration between the oral health workers and TH and only 6% of all patients seen by TH are referred to the dentist. Socio-cultural and economic factors affect the oral health care seeking behavior of patients in this area and only 6.5% of patients visit dental clinics. Reasons for not attending dental clinics included high cost, poor accessibility, superstition and fear. TH's are not experienced in the treatment of pulpitis - the majority of patients who presented with toothache had temporary or no relief, but despite this 67% reported being satisfied with their treatment. Sixty nine percent of the patients visited TH because of low cost - the average cost of treatment with TH (approximately $5) is very low, as compared to conventional treatment ($50).ConclusionsTraditional healers are willing to co-operate with oral health workers in improving oral health. Since they have a vital role to play in health care seeking attitudes in this community and barriers affecting the oral health seeking behaviours should be removed. Mutual cooperation, collaboration and by integrating TH into primary oral health care services needs to be increased.

A study on the indigenous medicinal plants and healing practices in Chittagong Hill tracts (Bangladesh)

It has been unequivocally established that medicinal plants and associated knowledge play a significant role in the general welfare of the upland communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh. Notwithstanding the recognition, however, organised research on indigenous medicinal plants and knowledge has been strikingly limited. This local wisdom is fast eroding for such reasons as biotic interference, shrinking land resource base, deforestation, insufficient support from the government and public policies, and lack of appropriate management and institutional structure. In this context, this article, drawing on an empirical fieldwork, sheds some lights on the indigenous medicinal plants and associated practices in six selected locations of CHT. After a general introduction, the second section summaries selected key literature on the subject. The third section presents some observation on the medicinal plant resources in the study areas, while the next section introduces the practice of traditional healers or Baidyas together with their problems. The concluding section furnishes the following clues on improvement: (a) systematic documentation and recording of the existing medicinal plants; (b) organised motivational and awareness raising campaign regarding medicinal plants and their benefits; (c) establishment of experimental propagation nurseries; (d) research support for proper documentation and dissemination of the knowledge on medicinal plants and associated folk and herbal treatment methods; (e) utilisation of the local press, media and folk cultural practices as community-based extension and dissemination media to highlight the importance of medicinal plants and knowledge; (f) development of a network or platform to bring the Baidyas together by utilizing the community-based organisations.Keywords: Bangladesh, healing practice, indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, upland community African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(3) 2006: 37-47

The patient relationship and therapeutic techniques of the South Sotho traditional healer

Until 1996 the practice of traditional healers was outlawed in South Africa and not afforded a legal position in the community of health care providers. In 1978 the World Health Organization (WHO) identified traditional healers as those people forming an essential core of primary health care workers for rural people in the Third World Countries. However in 1994 the new South African government identified traditional healers as forming an essential element of primary health care workers. It is estimated that 80% of the black population uses traditional medicine because it is deeply rooted in their culture, which is linked to their religion. The traditional healer shares with the patient a world view which is completely alien to biomedical personnel. Therapeutic techniques typically used in traditional healing conflict with the therapeutic techniques used in biomedicine. The patients' perceptions of traditional healing, their needs and expectations, may be the driving force behind their continuous persistence to consult a traditional healer, even after these patients may have sought the therapeutic techniques of biomedical personnel. The operation of both systems in the same society creates a problem to both providers and recipients of health care. Confusion then arises and the consumer consequently chooses the services closer to her. The researcher aimed at investigating the characteristics of the relationship between the traditional healers and the patients, explored the therapeutic techniques that are used in the South Sotho traditional healing process, and investigated the views of both the traditional healers and the patients about the South -Sotho traditional healing process, to facilitate incorporation of the traditional healers in the National Health Care Delivery System. A qualitative research design was followed. Participants were identified by means of a non-probable, purposive voluntary sample. Data was collected by means of a video camera and semi-structured interviews with the six traditional healers and twelve patients, as well as by taking field notes after each session. Data analysis was achieved by means of using a checklist for the video recordings, and decoding was done for the interviews. A co-coder and the researcher analysed the data independently, after which three consensus discussions took place to finalise the analysed data. The researcher made conclusions, identified shortcomings, and made recommendations for application to nursing education, nursing research and nursing practice. The recommendations for nursing are reflected in the form of guidelines for the incorporation of the traditional healers in the National Health Care Delivery System.

The ethnoveterinary knowledge and practice of traditional healers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

A survey was conducted to record ethnoveterinary practices of traditional healers in Qassim region, the largest camel-rearing area in Saudi Arabia. Ethnoveterinarians had extensive knowledge on camel husbandry and physiology and camel diseases, which was reflected in the wealth of terminology on the camel, both in health and disease. Numerous ethnoveterinary procedures were practiced side by side with modern treatment methods. Ethnoveterinarians have acquired vast knowledge on camel diseases and used a variety of plants for treatment. Surgical procedures were practiced to correct fractures or treat wounds and abscesses or to help in cases of dystocia and uterine or vaginal prolapse. The role of ethnoveterinarians as leaders for local development in the delivery of veterinary services to pastoral areas is discussed within light of this and similar studies conducted elsewhere in the world.

Traditional healing practice using medicinal herbs

Traditional healing practice using medicinal herbs

Traditional healers and the treatment of sexually transmitted illnesses in rural Zambia

Lately there has been increasing interest regarding the practice of traditional healers and their use of indigenous plants to treat illnesses. Twenty-three local healers (n’ganga) in Chiawa, rural Zambia, were interviewed about knowledge, practices, and their use of indigenous plants in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) among male clients. They were also asked about their perceptions of modern medicine. The study revealed that all the n’ganga diagnosed and treated three main types of STIs. They named them as: songeya, doroba and bola- bola. They treated the illnesses with Strychnos cocculoides; Musa species; Solanum delegoense; Ximenia caffra; Diplorynchus condylocarpon; and Croton megalobotrys. Ten of the n’ganga perceived modern medicine to be effective against STIs and five of them sometimes referred some of the clients to the local health centre. It is being argued that a scheme to incorporate the n’ganga into STD control activities in which they can be utilised to refer clients to modern medical facilities can be baneficial. Given the necessary health information and support, the n’ganga may effectively execute this scheme.

Professional associations, ethics and discipline among Yoruba traditional healers of Nigeria

Four Yoruba traditional healers were interviewed on their professional associations and the objectives of such association. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 165 traditional healers on the ethics of traditional medicine and the discipline of erring members. Photographs were made of sign-posts related to the practice of traditional medicine found in strategic locations in and around Ibadan city. The results of the study showed a proliferation of Yoruba herbalist associations. These associations serve as meeting points for healers for social purposes, and to share their professional experiences. There are rules and regulations (mostly unwritten) that guide the practice of traditional healers. Disciplinary bodies also exist to deal with offending members. The misleading nature of one herbalist's sign post is highlighted. The disadvantage of not having a central professional body to control its activities, and the dangers of unsubstantiated claim of proficiency in the treatment of certain diseases by herbalists is emphasized. The invited comments on this paper have stressed the growing interest in traditional medicine and have touched on some of the problems confronting researchers and health planners in matters relating to traditional healers. The author is in agreement with many of these comments and has attempted giving answers to some of the questions raised by the discussants.