Open AccessSpiritual Possession and the Role of Traditional Healers in Nepal
Author(s) -
Sandeep Acharya
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of nepal health research council
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1999-6217
pISSN - 1727-5482
DOI - 10.33314/jnhrc.v17i01.1785
Subject(s) - possession (linguistics) , traditional medicine , alternative medicine , medicine , folk medicine , adverse possession , history , philosophy , land tenure , linguistics , archaeology , pathology , land law , agriculture
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.