Spiritual Possession and the Role of Traditional Healers in Nepal
Journal of Nepal Health Research Council March 9, 2022 DOI: 10.33314/jnhrc.v17i01.1785 via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSpiritual possession is a relatively common phenomenon across many cultures, including in Nepal, where illness is often attributed to possession and people seek treatment from traditional healers. These healers typically lack medical training, which may lead to serious illnesses being inadequately managed. Nevertheless, the authors suggest that traditional healers might have a role in patient care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Traditional healers in Nepal, though not medically trained, may have a potential role in patient management, but their lack of training could lead to mismanagement of serious illnesses. |
Abstract
Spiritual possession is a relatively common phenomenon, and occurs in many cultures around the world. It is a frequent claim in Nepal that illness is caused by spiritual possession, and ill people often seek out traditional healers for treatment. Traditional healers are often not medically trained, and this could have an adverse effect on a person’s health as serious illnesses may not be managed appropriately. However, there is perhaps a role that traditional healers can play in the management of patients. Keywords: Culture; Nepal; spirit possession; traditional medicine.