Voodoo Health Practices

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“Voodoo medicine” is a common healing practice in the country of Haiti, and is performed by a voodoo practitioner. Some people go to other folk healers. These include people such as a “docte fey” (leaf doctor), a fam saj” (lay midwife), a “docte zo” (bonesetter), or a “pikitrist” (injectionist). (Purnell and Paulanka, 2003)
Many people resort to voodoo practitioners and leaf doctors for many reasons. Some reasons are more personal, and they want to receive healing by one of these healers because it is mainly through faith. However, some choose to go to folk healers because of convenience. Modern medicine is very uncommon in Haiti – the doctor patient ratio is 1/8,000. Even then, a majority of the health facilities that are in Haiti are understaffed and underfunded. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html) Another reason this type of medical treatment is preferred, is that voodoo is a part of their religion. If they submit to their religion for medical help, they are relying on their faith. Relying on faith partly comes from the Christianity that has been incorporated into their religious practices. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html)
Haitian voodoo practices are beneficial not just to someone’s health, but to other aspects of their life, as well. Taking part in voodoo practices confirms a relationship between you and your ancestors, gives you a chance to reconnect with your self-history, and the relationships you have between your peers. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0707_040707_tvtaboovoodoo_2.html)
Slaves brought voodoo practices to Haiti a many centuries ago, when they were brought over from a West African country, Dah...

... middle of paper ...

... L. D., & Paulanka, B. J. (2008). Transcultural health care: a culturally competent approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
Religion in Haiti. (n.d.). Aid for Haiti All for Him RSS. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.aidforhaiti.org/learn-more/about-haiti/religion-in-haiti
Rosenberg, D. (n.d.). An Up-Close Look at Haitian Voodoo Rituals. Slate Magazine. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/11/06/anthony_karen_a_photographer_s_look_inside_a_haitian_voodoo_ritual_photos.html
Thomas, M. (2008, May 17). A brief History of Voodoo in Haiti. by Matt Thomas. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.lifepaths360.com/index.php/a-brief-history-of-voodoo-in-haiti-4-14884/
Voodoo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (n.d.). Voodoo FAQs. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.realvoodoos.com/voodoo-faq.html#BelieveInGod

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