Question

1. Identify predominant health beliefs and practices of the India Hinduism culture
-Comparing Western (conventional) vs. Eastern (traditional) approaches
-Folk remedies and traditional remedies of the culture

Answer 1

India is strongly believed in medical healing. Before 2000BCE, they follow the herbal treatment for curing of disease. They followed noninvasive herbal treatment. They follow a holistic approach and cures the disease through Ayurveda, homeopathy, Siddha, and Unani. Hindus have a complex health belief and practices. some of the beliefs are

• Hindus preferred in homeopathic medicine, and not preferred for surgeries. Whereas in western they believe in traditional medicine and allopathy medicine.
• Hindus do not prefer insulin because it made from animals.
• Medical decisions are taken depends on the family culture and norms.
• Hindus mostly preferred for the vegetarian diet. They avoid medicines made up of garlic, pork, and beef.
• Hindus are not believed in narcotics. They give preference for mediation.
• Hindus women will not expose the body parts for physical examination especially to male physicians.
• hindus are strongly believed in Karmas and not willing in life support practices.
• Rural Hindus don't accept birth control practices and abortion.

Comparing to conventional medicine, Hindus believe in traditional medicine. Eastern medicine totally different which mainly focuses on body, mind, and spirit. Traditional medicine includes the use of herbs, spiritual activities, and body aches. Eastern medicine mainly focuses on prevention rather than cure. Traditional approaches are mostly safe and do not produce any side effects, but it is unhelpful during an emergency situation.

Folk remedies are practiced at home by using simple herbs and natural ingredients. Most of the folk healers are practiced still in rural areas. They treat the condition of snake bite, bone setting, mental disorders, and home delivery. Folk healers have their own autonomy and knowledge in their practices. These practices are based on rituals and followed over a generation to generation. Whereas the traditional medicines (Siddha, Ayurveda, homeopathy) are based on the knowledge, skills, and theories. The treatment is based on the tradition and culture of a particular group.