Adapting Traditional Healing Values and Beliefs into Therapeutic Cultural Environments for Health and Well-Being

Although research has long established that interaction with the natural environment is associated with better overall health and well-being outcomes, the Western model mainly focuses on treating symptoms. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Indigenous Māori have long demonstrated significantly more negative health outcomes than non-Māori. Little research has examined the causes compared to Western populations or the role of the natural environment in health outcomes for Māori. An exploration of rongoā Māori (traditional healing system) was conducted to ascertain the importance of landscape in the process of healing. Eight rongoā healers or practitioners took part in semi-structured narrative interviews from June to November 2020. Transcribed interviews were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis and Kaupapa Māori techniques. The findings show how rongoā is underpinned by a complex set of cultural values and beliefs, drawing from the connection to wairua (spirit), tinana (body), tikanga and whakaora (customs and healing), rākau (plants), whenua (landscape) and whānau (family). Incorporating such constructs into the landscape can foster our understanding of health and well-being and its implications for conceptualising therapeutic environments and a culturally appropriate model of care for Māori and non-Māori communities.

Cupping: A Healing Method in West Sumatra (Indonesia) A Semiotic Perspective

This article investigates cupping a widespread traditional healing method in West Sumatra. However, the way cupping is used in some areas of the Malay-speaking region is unique in the sense that it uses buffalo horns during the cupping process. The author argues that for the matrilineal society of the Minangkabau in West Sumatra, the buffalo horn has a special connotation as it is crucial in many elements of their culture. By considering a semiotic research approach, the author wants to offer a new perspective on the Minangkabau and their culture. By doing so, the author intends to participate in the discussion about signs and symbols in the field of Minangkabau studies. In qualitative research that comprised fieldwork, traditional healers were observed and interviewed. The peculiar cupping technique was analysed, and a semiotic perspective seemed most fitting. It was detected that the usage of horns contains a specific meaning for the Minangkabau culture.

Adapting Traditional Healing Values and Beliefs Into Therapeutic Cultural Environments for Health and Well-Being

Although research has long established that the interaction with the natural environment is associated with better overall health and well-being outcomes, the Western model mainly focuses on treating the symptoms. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, the Indigenous Māori have long demonstrated significantly more negative health outcomes than non-Māori. Little research has examined the causes compared to Western populations or the role of the natural environment in health outcomes for Māori. An exploration of rongoā Māori (traditional healing system) was conducted to ascertain the importance of landscape in the process of healing. Eight rongoā healers or practitioners took part in semi-structured narrative interviews from June to November 2020. Transcribed interviews were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis and Kaupapa Māori techniques. The findings show how rongoā is underpinned by a complex set of cultural values and beliefs, drawing from the connection to wairua (spirit), tinana (body), tikanga and whakaora (customs and healing), rākau (plants), whenua (landscape) and whānau (family). Incorporating such constructs into the landscape can foster our understanding of health and well-being and its implications for conceptualising therapeutic environments and a culturally appropriate model of care for Māori and non-Māori communities.

LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ‘GURULATIH’ AS A PRACTITIONER OF TRADITIONAL HEALING IN THE SENI SILAT PUSAKA GAYONG MALAYSIA IN KELANTAN ACCORDING TO MAX WEBER'S THEORY

A trainer plays a very important role in imparting silat martial arts knowledge to ensure the validity of the knowledge learned. In addition, trainers are also considered as a symbol of perfection and are accountable in self-defense institutions. Through this study, the researcher has conducted a more in-depth analysis of the leadership of trainers according to Max Weber's theoretical views in operating a martial arts organization, the existence of traditional healing processes in martial arts, identify the type of disease experienced by trainees and to see the effectiveness of treatment towards the patient. In this this study, the researcher utilised the participant-observant method and interviewing respondents consisting of martial arts trainers in Kelantan. As a result, the researcher found that a trainer not only plays a role in teaching martial arts but is also responsible in learning and practicing traditional treatment. This is important in elevating the status of a silat trainer as a respectable and trusted leader.

Patient perspectives from the multi-disciplinary chronic pain clinic: a qualitative study

Aim: The chronic pain clinic (CPC) is a multi-disciplinary program that incorporates pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, including First Nations healing strategies, to manage pain, improve functioning and reduce opioid misuse among patients with chronic pain in Regina, Canada. Materials & methods: The care experiences of ten current clients were explored using a narrative interview approach. Results: The CPC provides high-quality and safe care for effective chronic pain management. Clients noted pain reduction and improvements in sleep, mobility, functionality, and mood. First Nation clients emphasized the importance of traditional healing strategies. Conclusion: This unique comprehensive multi-modal approach which incorporates First Nations healing strategies is effective in supporting the unique needs of local clients.

From Medicalizing State to Sacralizing Status of Thai Buddhist Monks in Secular Space: A Case Study of the Priest Hospital

This paper examines the sacred status of Thai Buddhist monks who have been engaging with the modern secular healthcare system, which also contrasts with their monastic traditions. It questions how modern medication has affected the sacred figure of Thai monks and what is their reaction to maintain their sacred status in such a secular space? Participant observations and informal interviews have been conducted, and data are conceptualized through the ideas of the birth of the clinic and biopower proposed by Michel Foucault. It finds that the traditional healing previously played by Thai monks has been challenged by modern medication eventually the monks also access the modern hospital. This phenomenon helps to change the idea of the cause of sickness, from demons to germs. This is interesting when some Buddhists request the monastic code-based healthcare system and monk patients’ zone. This paper argues that such an effort aims to maintain the sacred status of monks, who are perceived as holy persons and should not be seen by laypeople especially when they are in sickness, pain, and sorrow, which portray their ordinary human natures. Therefore, zoning management in the government hospital is needed to sacralize the monks’ status.

WARISAN PERUBATAN TRADISIONAL DALAM SENI SILAT DI KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

AbstrakSilat merupakan seni mempertahankan diri yang terkenal dalam kalangan masyarakat Melayu dan tersebar luas di Nusantara. Namun, tidak semua dalam kalangan masyarakat mengetahui tentang adanya proses perubatan secara tradisional di dalam persilatan dan kedua-duanya amat memerlukan antara satu sama lain. Dalam erti kata lain, perubatan tradisional dalam seni silat telah bergerak seiring dengan pembelajaran ilmu silat dan berfungsi sebagai ikhtiar untuk menyembuhkan pelbagai jenis penyakit. Aktiviti perubatan tradisional di dalam persilatan ini juga masih lagi diamalkan di Kelantan, yang juga terkenal dengan ritual perubatan melalui seni persembahan seperti Main Puteri dan Mak Yong. Walau bagaimanapun proses perubatan dalam seni silat yang dikaji berbeza dengan Main Puteri dan Mak Yong di mana ia tidak dipertontonkan di hadapan khalayak ramai. Mengungkap secara lebih mendalam mengenai perubatan dalam seni silat, pengkaji akan menerangkan objektif kajian ini iaitu apakah jenis penyakit yang dialami oleh pesakit dan bagaimana proses perubatan dilakukan oleh gurulatih. Di samping itu, pengkaji telah menjalankan kaedah pemerhatian serta pemerhatian secara ikut serta dan menemubual beberapa orang gurulatih seni silat itu sendiri. AbstractSilat is an art of self-defense that is well known among the Malay community and is widespread throughout the Malay Archipelago. However, the society might not be aware that in silat there is a practice of traditional healing and both need one another. In other words, traditional healing in silat have been moving along with the learning aspect of the martial art and serves as an effort to cure several illnesses suffered by a patient. Silat healing activities are still being practiced in Kelantan, which is known for its traditional healing rituals through the performance of Main Teri and Mak Yong. The healing process in the Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Malaysia, Kelantan branch is different from Main Teri and Mak Yong and can’t be shown to the public. In looking deeper into the healing process in silat, the researcher analyses the objectives of this study which covered the types of illnesses experienced by patients and how healing processes were done by the ‘gurulatih’. The research was conducted using the participant-observation method and interviews with a few silat ‘gurulatih’