The shamanic cure: A psychological interpretation

Journal/Book: Salud Publica Mexico. 1999; 41: AV Universidad 655, Col Santa Maria Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca 62508, Morelos, Mexico. Inst Nacional Salud Publica. 221-229.

Abstract: The present paper is basically a theoretical analysis of the shamanic cure, which proposes communication as the basis of the healing process. This process is described as a communicative act focusing on the interpretation of symbolic elements. The context is the social dimension in which the process is inscribed, the linguistic mode employed, and the type of relationship established between the shaman, the patient and the people,We also recount the way in which a shared symbolic reality is built,and how the shaman's world view has important effects on people. The interpretative framework is the psychosocial focus and an explanation is offered in terms of the establishment of a communicative act as a scenario in which the symbolic reality is constructed, and in itself constitutes the cure into which the patient enters every session. The magical vision of shamanism is analyzed and its influence on the health-illness process.

Note: Article Pelcastre-Villafuerte B, Inst Nacl Salud Publ, Ctr Invest Sistemas Salud, Dept Disenos & Modelos Alternativos Atenc, Mexico City, DF, MEXICO

Keyword(s): symbolic reality; communication; social construction; cure; shamanism

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