Health Sciences and Medicine: American Indian - Essay Example

"Health Sciences and Medicine: American Indian " is a perfect example of a paper on social and family issues.  The health view and the causes of illness vary from culture to culture. In addition, it varies from an individual to another. The Navajos (American Indian) seem to view health as all-encompassing; however, there is a wide range of personal views among the American Indian. In the major one, the American Indian views health and disease as events manifestation in the environment. In the culture, an individual’s health is influenced not just by the performances of others, but also by the terms of others. For instance, the American Indian phrases “hozhooji nitsthakees” and “hozhooji saad” that imply “thinking and speaking in a positive manner,” illustrate this view. Therefore, this could have implications that researchers should consider. For instance, researchers might have to be commonly sensitive when describing possible dangers of research (American Indian Education Handbook Committee, 1991).

            In running together with the current trend all over the United States, American Indian is currently administering most of their health facilities, considering their operation from the public health service. The community has implemented the Navajo Tribal Health Authority that has plans to develop an American Indian medical school at Shiprock in New Mexico. The traditional American Indian healers were called ‘Hataali’ (singers). The traditional medical practice of this culture treats the whole individual and is not coordinated in isolation but a ceremony that composes of the relatives of the patients. The ceremony can last for about three to nine days depending on the illness that is being cared for and the ceremony to be executed. According to Navajos, an individual’s health implies that there is disharmony in the universe. The proper order is retrieved back with sand painting in a cleansing and healing ceremony (Bennahum, 1998).

 

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