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Shamans in a Hmong American community
Deborah G Helsel1, Marilyn Mochel, Robert Bauer
1Department of Sociology, California State University, Fresno, CA.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 2005
Summary
Shamanic care addresses physical and emotional issues, often diagnosing them as spiritual imbalances. This healing practice remains vital for immigrant communities, reinforcing cultural and social bonds.
Area of Science:
- Medical Anthropology
- Cultural Psychiatry
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Shamanic care is a traditional healing practice with deep cultural roots.
- Understanding the patient experience and shamanic interventions is crucial for holistic healthcare.
- Immigrant communities often maintain traditional healing practices alongside Western medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the comprehensive process and meanings of shamanic care.
- To analyze patient complaints, shamanic diagnoses, treatments, and perceived outcomes.
- To understand the role of shamanic healing in a Hmong American immigrant community.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 924 patient contact forms from 36 shamans over 18 months.
- Quantitative description of patient demographics and complaints.
- Qualitative analysis of diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with diverse physical, emotional, and psychological complaints.
- Shamans frequently diagnosed conditions as soul loss or spiritual disturbances.
- Shamanic treatments were perceived by shamans to yield positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Shamanic healing continues to meet spiritual needs within immigrant populations.
- Shamanic rituals foster connections to family, culture, and community.
- The study highlights the enduring significance of traditional healing practices.