Anthropology

universe, hand, hearts-4573369.jpg

Western Medicine Separates Body and Soul

It is not surprising that the concepts of American biomedicine clash with religious ideologies about health and healing in the United States. This conflict, discussed by Arthur Kleinman in his paper, What Is Specific to Western Medicine? (), is demonstrative of the American dichotomy between secular and spiritual values. This single-minded perspective inherent in American biomedicine is indicative …

Western Medicine Separates Body and Soul Read More »

Ayahuasca, “Vine of the Soul” Review

The phenomenon of ayahuasca usage discussed in Taylor’s article, “La Medicina” and in the video, “Vine of the Soul,” reveals multiple ideologies about the role of ayahuasca in healing among indigenous Amazonian and Peruvian shamans, as well as differing definitions of healing itself between indigenous and Western peoples. Many people seek out ayahuasca shamans in …

Ayahuasca, “Vine of the Soul” Review Read More »