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Chapter 10. Non-Western and Indigenous Methods of Healing. Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10). Spirit Attacks: The Case of Vang Xiong . Symptoms: Sleeplessness Saw spirits Shortness of breath Nightmares. Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10). Shamanic Cure.
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Chapter 10 Non-Western and Indigenous Methods of Healing Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Spirit Attacks: The Case of Vang Xiong Symptoms: • Sleeplessness • Saw spirits • Shortness of breath • Nightmares Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Shamanic Cure Ms. Thor—respected Shaman: • Healing ceremony • Chanted to contact spirits • Cut a cloak in two and burned pieces • Crawl through hoop & between two knives Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Legitimacy of Culture-Bound Syndromes Nightmare Deaths and the Hmong Sudden Death Phenomenon: • Belief in spirit possession not uncommon in Southeast Asia • Westerners may dismiss symptoms • Working outside clients belief system may cause harm Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Causation and Spirit Possession Vang: • His problems were due to spirits who were unhappy with him • Good spirits served a protective function • His parental spirits deserted him • A shaman could heal and communicate with spirits • Survivor guilt and PTSD Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
The Shaman As Therapist: Commonalities • Healers who comfort the sick • Healer’s credibility is important • Show compassion • Avoid premature diagnosis • Offering of the self as an instrument of the cure Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Principles of Indigenous Healing • Reliance on the spiritual plane • Universal Shamanic Tradition • Communal, group, family networks, and elders important Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Holistic Outlook, Interconnectedness, and Harmony • Minimal distinctions between mind, body, and spirit • Collectivistic • Interrelatedness of all life forms • Problems not with individual, but disharmony within the group • Yogic philosophy balance of body and mind Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Belief in Metaphysical Levels of Existence • Near death experiences • Asians focus more on enlightenment and ideal mental health • Move to states of higher consciousness • Espiritismo (spiritism) • Vision quest or sweat lodge Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Spirituality in Life and the Cosmos Native Americans: • All things are connected • no difference between science and religion African Americans: • Rely on church communities • Connection to the spirit • Singing in choirs Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Implications for Social Work Practice • Do not invalidate indigenous cultural belief systems • Become knowledgeable about indigenous healing practices • To learn requires a lived reality Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)
Implications for Social Work Practice (Cont’d) • Avoid overpathologizing • Consult traditional healers • Spirituality is important • Expand your role to community work Multicultural Social Work Practice – Chapter (10)