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Article: Origins of healing: an evolutionary perspective of the healing process.
- Article from:
- Families, Systems & Health
- Article date:
- September 22, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 American Psychological Association, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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When healing ceremonies are observed cross-culturally, it is apparent that, despite differences in geography, economics, environment, and culture, there are many common features. These include body language that promotes altruistic behavior; the use of physical touch, which has a calming effect and provides a sense of well-being; the offering of an etiological explanation of the illness, which relieves guilt in family and close associates; the use of hypnotic behaviors, which, by altering consciousness, promote an openness to new ways of looking at the illness and actions to rectify it; and the healer's invocation of a higher power, which encourages sick persons to have ...