Med Nowozytna. 1998 ; 5(1): 19-28.

[Ethnology versus the issues of medicine as the "area" of research penetrations]

Paluch A.

Folk medicine is neither a closed not autonomous system. It focuses knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and convictions of man as to the Universe, surrounding reality and also that of supernatural character. Moreover, the folk medicine is governed and generated, to a large extent, by the myth paradigm. Medicine and the mythic and magical sphere constitute two complementary aspects, of the same entity. Each medical system that functions is distinct historical and cultural conditions, as well as diverse traditions, perceives and resolves, the problem related with a human being, disease and therapy differently. Consequently, no universal paradigm (standard) can be applied to various traditions, for there is no medicine to exist beyond history, culture, etc. Endeavoring to fathom and comprehend some "health problems", physicians should look at them in the broad sense and in a particular "context", the emphasis should not be pub only on medical fast proper. Unfortunately, it is often the case that finding solutions to such problems, i.e. attempting to search for the truth, is accompanied by many anomalies, or misunderstandings. Some impropriety, for instance, of stereotyping, simplifying, misinterpreting and displaying bias can be encountered.