Syncretism in Miao Healing: Bridging Shamanic Practices and Scientific Treatments with Religion, Ritual, and Local Knowledge
Religions March 6, 2024 Zhengfu Chen 1 citation
The Miao (Hmong) community in Southwest China blends shamanic healing with scientific medicine, rooted in a worldview where soul and body are intertwined and ancestors, spirits, and shamans coexist. Through autoethnography, participant observation, and interviews, this research follows a Miao woman’s healing journey, showing how traditional customs and local knowledge are synthesized with modern treatments. Despite barriers such as limited healthcare access and high costs, many Miao still consult shamans, demonstrating resilience in navigating both systems. The work argues that recognizing this syncretism can improve intercultural communication and foster culturally sensitive healthcare, ultimately enhancing well-being for the community.