Traditional Healing System

Can traditional systems of healing survive?
Growing up in a modern, western society has a strong influence and impact on our views. In particular, our views on healing systems. We are often encouraged to seek healing or treatments based on a biomedical research, and practices. This is based on the economic status of the society and personal finances, politics, and access to resources. In general, this tends to be promoted throughout communities as being more effective and efficient. Although, western healing systems tend to be the most preferable, there are many people who are open to other forms of healing, in order to achieve the best treatment. There seems to be an increasing interest on traditional healings, such as herbal medicine or
Native American medicine which is further discussed in this essay. This essay compares biomedical western healing, to traditional Native American healing, and influential factors that may be involved with choosing a particular healing system.
Social authority, can greatly influence healing. In particular, authority figures, who are seen as more knowledgeable or professional. Joraleman (2010) has stated that status and authority can be used to promote healing systems. The social aspects could also be based on the societal norms. Professional healthcares are promoted more, as opposed to alternative or traditional healing systems. Biomedical treatments, are to promoted to seem as the preferable choice, in effectiveness in terms of trusted professionals and speed of service and recovery. Personally, I have always used western or biomedical healing. I have a problem with my back, lumbar spondylolysis, which results in almost constant back pain. I have consulted my doctor, who referred me to get an x-ray, I then went to a specialist, who referred me to get an MRI, which will resulted in another consultation with the specialist. I have had pain medication for my back, but it has not had any effect. Although, I only experienced, western treatments, alternative treatments have never been suggested or even mentioned. Medical professionals, usually will recommend other medical professionals, and their first choice is usually to prescribe medications.
Culture significantly influences one 's upbringing and family traditions, and affects their views on healthcare and treatments. Different ethnicities have various views and perspectives on treatments, these need to be considered when implementing treatments (Vaughn, Jacquez, & Baker, 2009). They may also affect the type of treatment a patient is willing to receive. For example, someone of Chinese descent, after seeing a doctor, may prefer to have traditional Chinese medicine instead of those prescribed by the doctor. When medical professionals, are aware of cultural differences, and how these differences can affect the treatments of the patients, they should try to find treatments that of which the patient will be comfortable with receiving (Vaughn, et al., 2009). In saying this, there are many professionals, who are well researched in medical issues that are specific to different ethnicities. However, this may cause stereotypes, as they may categorise their patients. An example of this is when my aunt, went to the doctor, and he started telling her of medical problems that are common in Indians, many of which did not affect my aunt (my family is South African Indian, while we are of Indian descent, there are some differences in common health issues). The doctor failed to talk to my aunt, and ask her more about her culture, before lecturing her about issues that did not affect her. On the contrary, our previous family doctor who was South African, was aware of more specific cultural issues. For example, many South Africans (or people with dark skin) living in New Zealand have vitamin D deficiencies (Ministry of Health, 2014), and she would regularly test this in blood tests. By applying this knowledge, the effectiveness on healing systems could be maximised. If medical professionals, make the effort to understand cultural differences, the patients will feel like they have more options, and will be open to more treatments.
Other influences on healing systems could include both political and economical. Political viewpoints on healing tend to focus on external causes for illnesses and how they can be treated externally or biomedically (Vaughn, et al., 2009). Political views of healing, tend to favour biomedical and professional health care sectors. These healing systems are promoted. This could even be shown on television with numerous programmes, centred on doctors or hospitals. While these shows are dramatised and extreme, there are always subtle messaging by emphasising medical issues, treatments, as well as political issues (Henderson, 2013). However, these shows tend to promote and glorify the professional health care sector, further emphasising how this should be the preferred choice, as opposed to alternative medications and treatments.
An economical standpoint on healing could be greatly influenced by access to treatment and issues that could potentially hinder accessibility. This could include urban versus rural differences in physical access. Living in Auckland, I can easily go to a medical professional, but if I lived in a smaller town this would be much more difficult, as I may have to go to a different city, which could be hours away. Due to this, some people may prefer not to go visit their doctors (unless in emergencies), and treat themselves based on information available online (Wathen & Harris, 2007). Financial problems, could be another major issue. The professional healthcare sector tends to be quite expensive, especially if you do not have insurance. I have learnt this from when my back problem was not covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). Medical issues that are covered by ACC, can make a big difference to the treatment that is received. If I had not had medical insurance, I would not had been able to afford any consultations, x-rays or other potential treatments.
There are many different traditional healing systems, most of which are scarcely practiced (depending on where you live) due to a general preference on biomedicine, and not researched as much as it should be.
Traditional healing, is based on indigenous people or tribes inhabiting a specific location (Struthers, Eschiti, & Patchell, 2004). Their communities, have a historical continuity in traditions, and preserving and developing future generations (Struthers, et al., 2004). The traditional healing practiced by indigenous people (in the United Sates), is often referred to as Native American medicine or healing. It is described as an "ancient, intact, complex holistic healthcare system practiced by indigenous people worldwide that is profound and more deeply rooted and complex than is commonly understood" (Struthers, et al., 2004, p. 142). Traditional healing focuses on the spiritual world, supernatural forces, and religion (Avery, 1991; as cited in Struthers, et al., 2004). Native American healing encompasses all aspects of an individual 's inner self, lifestyle, emotions, and natural surroundings, to ensure that the patient being treated is always a partner in the path towards balance and healing (White, 2003)."The principle of Native American culture is wholeness and interrelatedness, Everything is considered to have life, is interconnected, intertwined, and everything effects other things. Thus, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts and for health to ensue,
balance and harmony of the spirit, mind, emotions, and body must be accomplished" (Pierotti & Wildcat, 1997; Cohen 1998; Struthers, 1999; Alvord & Van Pelt, 1999; Dossey, Keegan & Guzetta, 2000; as cited in Struthers, et al., 2004, p. 145). Spirituality and communication with the spirit world is a significant component of Native American healing, it is a key component in effectiveness and the treatments used for healing. In an interview with a traditional healer, it was mentioned that his powers came from the Great Spirit, and that he learnt from his elders to recognise his gift, and that the spirits told him to do things in his dreams. He uses tobacco to communicate to the spirits, by praying to them in the woods, and offering them the tobacco (Aitken, Haller, 1990; as cited in Struthers, et al., 2004). Although similar there are similar beliefs throughout Native American healing, this can differ based on different areas, tribes or healers specifically. (Vogel, 1970; Struthers, et al., 2004). Neddermeyer (2006), encompasses these beliefs into a quote "Everything in the universe is Spirit, each thing in it is of the same Spirit and it is all Connected."
Native American healing is strongly influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors. The interactions between the individual and their environment can affect they health and wellbeing. They have a connection to natural, sacred, and social realms (Francis, 2004). There is a focus on communities or tribes, and working together especially during the healing process. For example kinship, and caring for someone, as a part of their treatment process, thus aiming to restore their social place (Francis, 2004). I have previously mentioned the traditions within a community based on the area of the tribes, and how they strive to preserve their culture and traditions for future generations (Struthers, et al., 2004). This is important, especially when there are western alternatives. If their traditions are not expressed within their society, they will slowly start to become extinct, leaving future generations without adequate understanding of traditional healing practices. Not only does traditional medicine have to compete with biomedicine, there are variations of the traditional healing based on influences from Christianity. An example of this is Native American Church (NAC, use of peyote, based on a philosophy of self esteem) healing or Navajo Christian faith healing (combination of Navajo and Roman Catholic practices). Some traditional healers do not entirely agree with. and consider these to be fads (Csordas, 1999). In a time with so much influence from modern culture, it can be hard to understand and learn about traditional healing. A major political factor is Indigenous people living in suburban areas may struggle to achieve oneness within their environment. The human-environmental interactions, and interactions to natural resources are limited (Middleton, 2010).
Western healing is considered to be more scientific and rational, whilst traditional healing is considered to be more spiritual and (sometimes) irrational.
This is most likely due to differences between the two healing systems, and the lack of understanding from both sides (Kangwa, 2010). An example of this can be shown in Africa, in which some people may see going to the hospital as a place to go to die, or if one is critically ill. Biomedical viewpoints on healing tend to focus more on external causes for illnesses and treatments, and seeking explanations for causes of illness. There is more of an emphasis on biological explanations such as genetics and family history. Whereas traditional viewpoints focus more on internal causes of illnesses, and mostly excluding external causes. Treatments are influenced by the social, spiritual and/or the supernatural (Swami, Arteche, Chamorro-Premuzic, Makip, Stanistreet, & Furnham, 1994). Biomedical professionals need to acknowledge that in order for the most effective healing to occur, there must be a compromise and connection between the logical mind (scientific viewpoint) and the intuitive mind (traditional viewpoint) (Kangwa, 2010). Native American healers (and other traditional healers) understand that there are external causes affecting health that cannot be healed traditionally. However, there may not always be the same understanding for biomedical professionals or patients with a preference to western medication. In fact,
sometimes the doctors or healers may not have any influence on treatment, if the patient is set on one particular type of treatment (Kangwa, 2010). Broome and Broome (2007) have effectively summarised characteristics of both western and Nate American medicine in a table (adapted from Cohen, 2003). Western medicine: focus on pathology and curing disease; diseases are biological; treatments are measureable; treatments are dependent on medications, and technology; searching for details or a microscopic cause; based on scientific research. Native American medicine: focus on health and healing the person and community, diseases do not have a simple cause or reason; outcomes not always measurable; physical, environmental, emotional, social and spiritual influences as causes ("big picture"); based on intuition and teachings from nature, elders, and visions; empowers patients to control their own health. Most importantly, is the shared concept from both sides; that any interventions should results in the most effective and rapid cure or management of illness (Broome & Broome, 2007).
Although there are many difference between the two sides, there is a respect between western-trained professionals and traditional healers (this could be more prevalent in the United States due to the population of Native Americans) (White, 2003). This would be a key component in the survival of traditional healing systems. Although I have not experienced traditional healing, I think that a collaboration between both healing systems (for treatments) would be the most effective. Which method is more effective, traditional or western? In situations that seem incurable by western medicine, people may turn to healing their body from the inside (e.g. holistically), by focusing on the mind, spirit, and body (Neddermeyer, 2006). However, in situations that cannot be cured internally, such as a serious illness (e.g. cancer), one may turn to biomedicine. This shows the interaction between both healing systems. No single healing systems is the "right" way, different healing systems work bests when there is an understanding of both traditional and western. Whatever the preferred healing system used is, the ultimate goal should be an integrative approach for clients who use both systems (traditional or western) of health care and treatments, that will be the true test of survival.

References
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