The Practice of the Power of Healing by the Hmong Shamans and the Cambodian Traditional Healers of Indochina
Author(s):
Lemoine, Jacques; Eisenbruch, Maurice
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
L'homme, Volume 37, (1997-10). pp. 69-103.
Language:
French
Abstract:
The holistic healing practices of two unrelated cultures, the Hmong people of Laos & Cambodia's Khmer, are examined, looking at what each reveals about human responses to healing & recovery. The activities of Hmong shamans are considered in terms of their relationship to the patient, source of healing power, recourse to symbols & sacred space, & metaphor & mythology present in their healing. Description of Cambodian master healers focuses on their relationship to the patient, suffering & its purpose, sources of power, healing rituals, language use, & relationships to sacred space. Hmong shamans work by transforming their own body images so they are granted the power to heal, while Cambodian healers transform the patient's body image into one that accepts healing. It is suggested that the success of these techniques indicate that healing takes place in the healer-patient communication, particularly when the healer "takes over" the patient's suffering. 5 Figures, 46 References. Adapted from the source document.