Traditional Healing
Roy Moodley
The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies April 21, 2016 DOI: 10.1002/9781118663219.wbegss226 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that immigrant and ethnic minority groups have historically used a wide range of traditional healing practices for physical and mental health, that some of these practices are now mainstream, and that the blending of traditional and contemporary healing constitutes a form of resistance and empowerment amid marginalization, medicalization, and cultural imperialism. |
Abstract
Immigrant and ethnic minority groups have been accessing and practicing traditional healing since the days of slavery and colonialism, using healing practices such as animism, Ayurveda, Christian Pentecostal, Espiritismo, Maat, Orisha, Santeria, shamanism, Sidda, Spiritual Baptist, Voodoo, and many others to support their physical and mental health and well‐being. Research and practice in these areas are now becoming mainstream, for example yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness. The connection between traditional healing and contemporary healing practices results in a unique blend of healing practices that constructs itself as a form of resistance and empowerment in the midst of marginalization, medicalization, and cultural imperialism.