The Mental Health Relevance of Traditional Medicine and Shamanism in Refugee Camps of Northern Thailand
Author(s):
Jilek, Wolfgang G; Jilek-aall, Louise
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Curare, Volume 13, Issue 4 (1990). pp. 217-224.
Language:
English
Abstract:
In 1988/89 about 107,600 refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, & Laos were cared for in UN camps in Thailand. The biggest group consisted of 58,000 Laotians, primarily of Hmong ethnicity from the mountainous regions. Most Laotians adhered to their own culture, including a traditional healing system with special herbs & ceremonies. At first, the traditional healing practices were used somewhat clandestinely, but later they moved into an organized primary health care center. Special attention is given to shamanism & the Hmong concepts of illness & death. The impact of Western medicine can be negative on the Hmong, leading to stress symptoms on the individual level & to Messianic, nativistic, & syncretistic strategies on the group level. Also discussed are new techniques of blending modern drug addiction therapy with Hmong ceremonies. Adapted from the source document.