Ethnomedicine and Tribal Healing Practices in India
This book examines various aspects of ethnomedicine and tribal healing practices, including its importance for inclusion and integration from a health systems perspective. Tribal healing practices is an under-studied component in healthcare system, health policy and health systems research. The book consists of original research papers based on empirical studies done by anthropologists, sociologists, public health practitioners and research scientists in various parts of India. It discusses issues of non-codified folk healing, with a focus on the therapeutic ideas and practices of tribal communities, located in anthropological theory and methods. It has a balance of empirical papers, review and theoretical papers, not only explaining ‘what is inside the healing practices’ but also touching upon the question of ‘why’ and delving into ‘what should be’ looking into the possibility to apply it for a larger good i.e., health care for all. This book discusses several important issues related to legitimacy, evidence and efficacy, recognition, certification and integration, protection and preservation, bio-piracy and bioprospecting, benefit sharing and intellectual property rights, sustainable use of medicinal herbs and conservation of nature and natural resources, biodiversity and possibilities of mainstreaming tribal healing. It is of interest to students and researchers from medical anthropology, medical sociology, cultural geography, liberal studies, tribal studies, ecology, sustainability and development and public health.
About the Book
Chapter Contributed
Ethics, Morality, and Healing: A Bhil Perspective.
About the Chapter
Health-seeking behaviours in tribal communities often reflect a pattern of medical pluralism. For instance, Bhil, a tribe in Rajasthan, often resorts to traditional healers like herbalists, shamans and dais (midwives) and biomedical practitioners. Though not bound by any written rules/regulations, these practitioners are guided by particular moral/ethical perceptions that govern their behaviour. This chapter looks at various dimensions of ‘ethics’ and ‘morality’ as understood by one of the most deprived sections in the country. It Investigates how Bhils characterise different healers as dharmi/adharmi based on the adherence/non-adherence to ethics and moral code. It sheds some light on the factors (other than just economic) essential for Bhils in choosing between different healthcare providers. The public health ramifications of these aspects are also touched u
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