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Healing |
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| Classification of Illness | Based on empirical facts and scientific principles; rational | Based on the mythology or belief system of a particular culture: not rational |
| Healing Technique | Based on anatomical and physiological orinciples; can be effectively applied transculturally | Based on cultural values and beliefs; can be used in the area of cultural influence |
| Healer | Physician or other scientifically trained personnel | Shaman, medicine man, or priest grounded and trained in cultural lore (myth and ritual) |
| Patient | Must passively follow directions; doctor is responsible for the cure | Must actively believe in the therapy, carries most of the responsibility for the cure |
| Social function of healing | Small; sometimes almost nonexistent | Large; many persons may actively participate |
| Prestige of the healer and size of fee | Relatively large | Relatively large |
| Drawbacks | Ignores the patient's humanity; neglects the effects of cultural symbols on the harmony of mind and body | Ignores the patient as a biological organism; neglects the simplest rules of physical therapy and organic cause |