Indigenous Healing Practice and Beneficiaries’ Perception

The concept of Indigenous healing has been regarded as a non-invasive medical practice for centuries, and despite the development of clinical treatments, many still depend on Indigenous healing practice for mental health. It is estimated that 80% of the population living in rural areas in developing countries depend on Indigenous healers for their health care needs (WHO, 2001). Despite the development of hospitals and educational institutions, people from the southern region of Karnataka, believe that entire unnatural occurrence is due to Bhootas (Spirits) and a certain portion of the population attribute mental illness is due to witchcraft and supernatural causes. In order to over from suchobstacles, people approach healers for a miracle solution. Acknowledging the significant role of the belief system of people seeking the help of traditional healers for various problems, the present study was conducted to understand the perception of beneficiaries’ on Indigenous Healing. A cross-sectional, interview survey was adopted and purposive sampling technique was used to select the 30 beneficiaries’ approaching Indigenous Healing healers in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka State.It was found that most of the beneficiaries approached Dharshana cult artists (Spirit Dance) (40 percent) to seek the solution for various problems, such as spirit possession (10 percent), the curse of the serpent (16.66 percent), health issues (53.33) and so on. The Herbs / Coconut/Lemon/ Kumkum were the common treatment method adopted by the healers (60percent), exorcism was a method of treatment adopted for spirit possession (30percent). Based on the findings it can be concluded that, belief system remains prominent in every aspect of the life of individuals who seek the help of healers while indigenous healers need be trained in order to provide better mental health care to the patients.