Question

discuss the concept of body,health and illness in perspective of any one of african ethnic groups

Answer 1

DISEASES:

Good health is usually in terms of the relationship with one's ancestors. Traditional medicine has at it's base a deep belief in the interaction between the spiritual and physical well being of people. It is said as good health would also include good relations with ancestors and the community.

CAUSE OF DISEASES:

The first point of contact is the view that disease is often caused by attacks from evil or bad spirits. Some also believe that when the ancestors are not treated well, they could punish with disease. Spell-casting and witchcraft are also other ways one could become sick.

DIAGNOSING DISEASES:

Diagnosis of diseases in an African traditional healing system is a twofold event. Firstly, the organic or physical cause of the sickness has to be established by careful examination and questioning by the medicine man. Secondly, this is complementary to a division of the spiritual or mystical cause for the illness.

HEALING PROCESS:

In healing process we have methods like spiritual protection, sacrifices, spiritual cleansing, Appeasing the gods, Exorcism and pouring of libation.

PHYSICAL ISSUES:

If the case of sickness is deemed to physical causes the healing process is Prescription of herbs, clay and herbs application and counselling.

ADVANTAGES:

The advantages of African traditional medicine for healing process are:

_ It is 'holistic'. It addresses issues of soul, spirit and body.

_ It is easily accessible.

_ It is mostly cheap.

DISADVANTAGES:

_ It does not rely on accurate diagnosis.

_ Sometimes neglects the importance of dosage.

_ Often prepared in unhygienic conditions.

_ The knowledge of the medicine is not easily disseminated but kept by those who have it.

_ Some of the practitioners depend on divination which makes it difficult for Christian to access their services.