Send me a Sangoma! Witch Doctor Wanted!
- Feb 1, 2017
- 2 min read
I have the most “Beautifully Unique” little girl (whom this blog is named after). She has various DSM 5 diagnoses and faces many daily challenges. She’s too young to take medicine required and limited or little longitudinal studies on these drugs are available, to offer us peace of mind.
As the years have progressed and she become limited in her life experiences, we have become pseudo professionals in managing her behaviours and challenges. Every day I learn from another parent, her teachers or the wider community.
For all intents and purposes, my logical mind seemed to embrace pharmaceuticals but when they weren’t an option.......I had to expand my horizons.
I was lucky enough to be raised in Africa, for some of my youth and like many other indigenous cultures around the world, traditional medicine is varied and widely used.
As an adult when people discussed alternative medicine, my mind conjured up visions of a Sangoma (African Witch Doctor). My view as a child of a Witch Doctor was a scary, larger than life, spell casting spiritual masters who exorcise evil spirits and heal people with magic and herbal medicine.
Obviously as an adult, I have come to understand, Alternative Medicine Practitioner such as a Sangoma are spiritual healers who practice traditional forms of medicine.
Many Modern day Traditional Healers or Alternative Therapists believe in Integrative Medicine. This is a powerful combination of conventional medicine and natural medicine that uses a preventative and holistic approach to empower individuals to achieve and maintain wellness.
“Send me a Sangoma!”
Noela - Wellness Advocate
Well when we least expected it - we found her!!! A year ago, Noela entered into our lives and it was a post on Facebook offering a sample of an Essential Oil and that started our journey.
Initially when I saw the FB post, my logical brains warning bells were ringing!!! Fear and apprehension that I could be making a mistake and risking my daughter’s health plagued my mind. I was worried about the lack of scientific studies and Western Medicines lack of support towards Natural remedies. I didn’t want “Airy Fairy Magical” solutions but factual, measurable outcomes. But the part of me that was a mother (who wanted the best for my daughter) was typing a reply faster than my mind could comprehend and say “No.”
I said “YES!”Thank Goodness!!!!
The “YES” and leap of faith into the unknown has given us natural alternatives. The effects have been nothing short of amazing. Grace is more at peace and able to cope in a fast moving world, she can never be cured but she is healthier and happier.
Grace is and always will be “Beautifully Unique.”
* As a side note: The World Health Organization (WHO) and other official groups acknowledge the potential effectiveness of traditional healers as primary health givers and their importance. WHO also supports the integration of western medicine and traditional healing, encouraging referrals between the two groups.
Excellent read on World Health Organisations Traditional Medicine Strategy http://www.wpro.who.int/health_technology/book_who_traditional_medicine_strategy_2002_2005.pdf
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