Indigenous_Medicine_and_Traditional_Healing_in_Africa__2019__69-100

Indigenous Medicine and Traditional Healing in Africa

Overview

• Authors: Senior Lecturer PhD Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, PhD Candidate Eugenia Ama Anderson

• Affiliation: Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

• Contact: mcgyamfi@yahoo.com

Abstract

• The literature on traditional medicine in Africa is broad and diverse, primarily categorized by country, region, or time.

• Emphasizes the importance of a systematic review focusing on:

  • The nature of traditional medicine and healers

  • The impact of societal changes on traditional medicine

  • Analysis based on scholarly literature

Characteristics of African Traditional Medicine

• Components:

  • Herbal (Physical): Utilizes plants and botanical remedies.

  • Mystical (Spiritual): Incorporates spiritual practices and beliefs.

  • Social Elements: Reflects social values and community constructs.

• Dependence on Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Traditional healing is closely tied to the socio-cultural and religious contexts of the people.

Controversy and Survival

• Traditional healing is a contentious subject, often disputed between colonists and Africans.

• Factors enabling the survival of traditional medicine include:

  • Secrecy Techniques: Employed by traditional healers to protect knowledge and practices.

  • Government Inertia: Colonial and post-colonial governments often failed to provide effective alternatives to traditional medicine.

Methodology

• The study employs a qualitative research method:

  • Retrospective cross-examination of literature.

  • Analytical review of diverse scholarly sources related to traditional medicine and healing in Africa.

Keywords

• Indigenous medicine

• Healers

• Healing

• Evidence-based medicine

• Western medicine

• Africa

Introduction

• A group's survival is contingent upon its knowledge of the environment and its ability to confront various challenges.