Folk healing practices and folkloric modalities of traditional healers in Northwestern Cagayan, Philippines
Paper Details
Folk healing practices and folkloric modalities of traditional healers in Northwestern Cagayan, Philippines
Abstract
Despite the modernization in health care, advancement in technology, and the internet of things, there are still individuals who resort to traditional healers or ‘mangngagas’ in local dialect. Hence, this study was conducted to describe the dynamics of traditional healing in Northwestern Cagayan, Philippines. The study used descriptive survey design and data were collected through survey questionnaire and interview to 79 folk healers in the communities surveyed and were analyzed through descriptive statistics. The study found that it was through self-discovery and experience from parents that they became folk healers. Of the 10 types of folk healing practices that these folk healers treat 10 distinct folk illnesses, it was fond out that most are physiotherapist using mostly coconut oil, glass/plate and leaves as paraphernalia and through a variety of cultural, spiritual, and ritual procedures. These folk healers were patronized since they are near in the locality, the practice is common in the place, and the people believed that traditional medicines cure folk diseases. The study suggests that the study area has rich intangible resources on healthcare management that necessitates positive reception, documentation, preservation and inclusion.
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