Indigenous Healing Practices in India: Shamanism, Spirit Possession, and Healing Shrines
Psychosocial Interventions for Health and Well-Being January 1, 2018 Shubha Ranganathan
This chapter reviews anthropological and psychological literature on indigenous and ritual healing, tracing a shift from early studies of shamans and healing cults in non-Western contexts—focused on symbolic performances—to more recent attention on everyday contexts where people seek alternative healing for illness or distress. Key terminology has evolved from 'ritual healing' and 'indigenous healing' to 'everyday healing' or simply 'healing.' The chapter addresses central questions of efficacy and effectiveness, arguing for the importance of diverse healing practices in society while cautioning against simplistic attempts to incorporate alternative healing into biomedical treatment and cure.