Traditional healers of Southern Africa
Traditional healers in Southern Africa
Traditional healers of Southern Africa are practitioners of indigenous healing practices that have been passed down through generations. These healers, known as sangomas and inyangas, play a vital role in the health care system of Southern African communities, providing spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.
Types of Traditional Healers[edit | edit source]
Sangoma[edit | edit source]
A sangoma is a spiritual healer and diviner who communicates with the ancestors to diagnose and treat ailments. Sangomas undergo a rigorous initiation process known as thwasa, where they learn to interpret the will of the ancestors and use various divination tools, such as bones.
Inyanga[edit | edit source]
An inyanga is a herbalist who specializes in the use of medicinal plants, known as muti, to treat physical ailments. Inyangas are skilled in the preparation and application of herbal remedies and often work in conjunction with sangomas to provide holistic healing.
Practices and Rituals[edit | edit source]
Divination[edit | edit source]
Divination is a key practice among sangomas, who use various methods to communicate with the spiritual realm. The most common form of divination involves the casting of bones, which are interpreted to provide guidance and insight into a person's life and health.
Initiation Ceremonies[edit | edit source]
Initiation ceremonies, such as thwasa, are essential for those called to become sangomas. These ceremonies often involve rituals such as animal sacrifices, which are believed to appease the ancestors and ensure the successful training of the initiate.
Healing and Cleansing[edit | edit source]
Healing practices among traditional healers include spiritual cleansing, herbal treatments, and rituals to restore balance and harmony. Sangomas may perform dances and songs to invoke the presence of ancestors and facilitate healing.
Community and Social Roles[edit | edit source]
Traditional healers hold significant social roles within their communities. They are often called upon to perform ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals, providing spiritual guidance and support to community members.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Traditional healers are deeply respected in Southern African cultures for their knowledge and connection to the spiritual world. They serve as custodians of cultural heritage and play a crucial role in preserving traditional practices and beliefs.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD