Zulu traditional healers’ conceptualization and treatment of trauma

There has been advancement of healing where mainstream western medicine is concerned. Significant progress has been made in this regard, concerning integration as well as motivation of integration of indigenous or traditional healing methods to treat psychological illnesses. Literature has advised that more work is required to ensure that the herbal medicines used to treat patients on traditional medicine conventions are utilized. The main aim of this study was to investigate the conceptualization of trauma by Zulu traditional healers. It objectives being to elicit views on traditional healing of trauma amongst traditional healers within the area of Ozwathini. A methodology of qualitative research design was applied in gathering findings for the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was adopted as a data collection tool. The sample was selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques under the non-probability methods; the total number of which was 10. The results in the findings gathered during the data collection process indicate that there is no consensus of the definition of trauma amongst the sample of study though one must acknowledge the comprehensiveness presented in the definitions. Variations in the treatment methods included counselling and use of medicinal herbs by the traditional healers during the identification and treatment of trauma. Recommendations of the study being that observations be conducted during the treatment of patients suffering from trauma to identify the exact methods and effects associated with the treatment of trauma by traditional healers.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Mlangeni, Mukelisiwe Penelope

• western medicine --Zulu traditional healers --psychological illnesses --trauma

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/24edd295-d7cf-4cf3-a8e4-02190a8f049d/download