African traditional medicine
African Traditional Medicine
African Traditional Medicine (pronunciation: Af-ri-can Tra-di-tion-al Med-i-cine) is a term that refers to the indigenous or traditional health care practices of African culture that have been used for centuries to treat various health problems. The term is broad and encompasses a wide range of practices, including herbal medicine, spiritual healing, and midwifery.
Etymology
The term "African Traditional Medicine" is derived from the continent of its origin, Africa, and the practice of traditional medicine, which refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.
Related Terms
- Herbal Medicine: A branch of African Traditional Medicine that involves the use of plants and plant extracts to treat illness.
- Spiritual Healing: A form of healing that involves the use of spiritual practices, often involving the invocation of spirits or ancestors.
- Midwifery: A practice within African Traditional Medicine that involves assisting women in childbirth.
- Traditional Healer: A person who is recognized by the community where he or she lives as someone competent to provide health care by using plant, animal and mineral substances and certain other methods based on the social, cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that are prevalent in the community, regarding physical, mental and social well-being and the causation of disease and disability.
See Also
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