Ethnomedicine and Tribal Healing: Practices in India
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 upon.
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 upon.
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