Integrated approach about role of indigenous medicinal plants of Southern Africa for Mind Health in Ayurvedic perspective
DR SHAARDULI TERWAADKAR
B.A.M.S., F.I.I.M, AyurvedaParangat, AyurvedaVaridhi, Masters in Ayurvedic Dietetics, DIY Ayurveda, Yoga, Diet and Lifestyle Consultant MD - Sukhayu Wellness Center, Sangli, India Founder & Ex CEO - The Ayurveda Foundation of South Africa Mobile: +91 99234 79287
INTRODUCTION:
Africa is a blessed land with all kind of wealth, natural, cultural and also valuable ancient Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This continent in all holds multiracial and multicultured society. That gives this society a mixed up view on various health problems. I would like to present Traditional African Medicinal view on health problems those we call ‘Mind Health Care practices’ & how medicinal plants of Southern Africa have major contribution in maintaining mind health of Africa.
DEFINITION:
According to Ayurveda, Manas or mind comprises of one of major aspects of health. When a person’s mind do not perform its normal functions, mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as Buddhi, Dhruti & Smruti ,then this dysfunction causes abnormal, irrelevant & irresponsible behavior ,sometimes it makes potential harm to that person & society. I couldn’t find clear definition of psychological problems mentioned by African Traditional Medicine.
Similar to Ayurvedic concept of Manovikar, ATM also mentions about abnormal psychological behaviors when people behave abnormally, irrelevantly and irresponsibly. But African concept of disturbed mind health is always associated with spiritual disharmony and abnormal behavioral symptoms are not merely termed as ‘psychological disorder’.
According to references found about African culture & African Rituals, I can say that mind abnormalities are only seem to be mentioned as psychological symptoms or symptoms associated with physical disorders or spiritual calamities & are not clearly defined as a 'Psychological Disorder’. They are also treated in symptomatic way of treatment & are believed to be cured automatically when root cause of problem is dealt with.
They are mostly seem to be part of spiritual or ancestral curse or part of any physical disease or are considered as an etiological factor of physical problem coming in future.
AFRICAN ASPECT ABOUT DISEASES:
Similar to Indians, Africans believe that body always works in alliance with mind & spirit. Same like Indians, they also believe that health problems occur when balance between body, mind & spirit is disturbed. That is why spiritual ways to heal body problems are main part of Traditional African Medicinal System. Many Africans believe that there are some diseases, which have African Experiential causes & can therefore not be treated by allopathic medicine. It seems that whether traditional healers are included in a health plan or not, users of service will continue to find & use practitioners who they believe are the only people capable of helping them.
Most illnesses of any severity is believed to be intentionally caused. There are broadly four possible causal agents;
God, the ancestors, Witches & Pollution, which results from the victim being in a particular ritual state.
Rituals are performed typically on 3 types of occasions;
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At the life cycle rituals of birth, initiation, marriage & death
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To thank the ancestors for the successful accomplishment of a task, especially a long journey.
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When illness strikes.
Ancestors illness is seldom as serious as that caused by witches & it can be best understood as cautionary, a gentle nudging to remind people to perform the rituals of the home-though as we have seen failure to respect seniors is a heinous offense which can bring down full ancestral wrath about one’s head. Such wrath thus acts as a sanction for moral behaviors.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA:
Traditional medicine is a term used to describe culture-bound health care practices that existed before the development of western medicine. In simplified terms traditional healers in SA can be classified into 3 broad categories;
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The traditional doctor or ‘Inyanga’-This is usually a male who uses herbal & other medicinal preparations for treating diseases.
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The ‘Sangoma’-This is usually a woman who operates within a religious, ’supernatural’ context. Communicating with the ancestors & the use of ‘magic’ is common practices of Sangoma.
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The ‘Faith Healers’-This is a person whose health care integrates Christian ritual & traditional practices. As these people do not strictly fit the above definition they are not included as traditional healers.
