Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why do Hmong traditionally like to keep the placenta after a baby's birth?
Why do Hmong traditionally like to keep the placenta after a baby's birth?
They believe a person's soul returns to the placenta and puts it on before journeying to the place where it will be reborn.
What is a 'tvix neeb'?
What is a 'tvix neeb'?
A shaman who can negotiate with the spirits for his patients' health.
What did Foua think about her experience giving birth at an American hospital?
What did Foua think about her experience giving birth at an American hospital?
She was impressed by the number of people there to help her and complained only about the food.
When and where did Lia officially receive her name?
When and where did Lia officially receive her name?
What was a part of the soul calling ceremony?
What was a part of the soul calling ceremony?
In what country have the Hmong lived during most of their history?
In what country have the Hmong lived during most of their history?
Why did the Chinese dislike the Hmong?
Why did the Chinese dislike the Hmong?
Which of the following is NOT a country where many Hmong have migrated?
Which of the following is NOT a country where many Hmong have migrated?
What is a characteristic of the Hmong, according to their history?
What is a characteristic of the Hmong, according to their history?
How did the Lees view Lia's epilepsy?
How did the Lees view Lia's epilepsy?
What are challenges faced by the Merced Community Medical Center (MCMC)?
What are challenges faced by the Merced Community Medical Center (MCMC)?
Why did the doctors at MCMC fail to correctly diagnose Lia with epilepsy at first?
Why did the doctors at MCMC fail to correctly diagnose Lia with epilepsy at first?
What are reasons the Hmong do not like Western doctors?
What are reasons the Hmong do not like Western doctors?
What method do Hmong use to cure disease?
What method do Hmong use to cure disease?
What did Dwight Conquergood do that made his public health campaigns a success among Hmong refugees in Thailand?
What did Dwight Conquergood do that made his public health campaigns a success among Hmong refugees in Thailand?
What is 'status epilepticus'?
What is 'status epilepticus'?
What are the names of Lia's doctors at MCMC?
What are the names of Lia's doctors at MCMC?
What was one of the side effects of Lia's medication?
What was one of the side effects of Lia's medication?
Why did Neil and Peggy feel angry with the Lees?
Why did Neil and Peggy feel angry with the Lees?
Why did Neil recommend that Lia be placed in foster care?
Why did Neil recommend that Lia be placed in foster care?
Why didn't the Hmong fight back when they were abused in the US?
Why didn't the Hmong fight back when they were abused in the US?
What does the phrase 'quab dab peg' mean?
What does the phrase 'quab dab peg' mean?
Why was Nao Kao angry at the interpreter Sue Xiong?
Why was Nao Kao angry at the interpreter Sue Xiong?
What is the name of the ceremony that gave Lia her official name?
What is the name of the ceremony that gave Lia her official name?
Who is Jeanine Hilt?
Who is Jeanine Hilt?
Who are Niel and Peggy Philp?
Who are Niel and Peggy Philp?
Who are Foua Yang and Nao Kao Lee?
Who are Foua Yang and Nao Kao Lee?
Who is Anne Fadiman?
Who is Anne Fadiman?
Why does a shaman tie cords around a baby's wrist?
Why does a shaman tie cords around a baby's wrist?
What are 'nyias'?
What are 'nyias'?
Who is Bill Selvidge?
Who is Bill Selvidge?
How many children did Foua and Nao Kao Lee have?
How many children did Foua and Nao Kao Lee have?
What would too much medicine do?
What would too much medicine do?
Who is Jeanine Hilt?
Who is Jeanine Hilt?
Who is Dan Murphy?
Who is Dan Murphy?
Who is Roger Fife?
Who is Roger Fife?
Who are Dee and Tom Korda?
Who are Dee and Tom Korda?
Who is Sue Xiong?
Who is Sue Xiong?
Who is May Ying Xiong?
Who is May Ying Xiong?
Who is May Lee?
Who is May Lee?
Who is Terry Hutchinson?
Who is Terry Hutchinson?
What sickness did Lia end up having?
What sickness did Lia end up having?
Who is Vang Pao?
Who is Vang Pao?
Who is Dang Moua?
Who is Dang Moua?
Who are Blia Yao Moua and Jonas Vangay?
Who are Blia Yao Moua and Jonas Vangay?
Who is Dwight Conquergood?
Who is Dwight Conquergood?
What are Hmong dermal treatments?
What are Hmong dermal treatments?
What is a febrile seizure?
What is a febrile seizure?
What is a grand mal seizure?
What is a grand mal seizure?
What is 'hu plig'?
What is 'hu plig'?
What is 'kua quav'?
What is 'kua quav'?
What is 'neeb'?
What is 'neeb'?
What is 'paj ntaub'?
What is 'paj ntaub'?
What is 'plig'?
What is 'plig'?
What is 'qeej'?
What is 'qeej'?
What is 'septic shock'?
What is 'septic shock'?
What is 'status epilepticus'?
What is 'status epilepticus'?
Study Notes
Hmong Traditions and Beliefs
- Hmong people keep the placenta after birth believing the soul returns to it for rebirth.
- "Tvix neeb" refers to a shaman who negotiates with spirits for health.
Lia's Birth and Name
- Foua appreciated the medical assistance during her birth at an American hospital but was dissatisfied with the food.
- Lia received her official name at a soul-calling ceremony, known as "hu plig," one month after birth.
Soul-Calling Ceremony
- The ceremony included slaughtering live chickens to check if Lia's soul was happy, binding her soul with wrist ties, and sacrificing a pig to invite an ancestor's spirit into her body.
Hmong Migration and History
- Hmong predominantly lived in China before migrating due to oppressive policies.
- They faced dislike from the Chinese for maintaining their customs and resisting assimilation.
Medical Challenges
- Merced Community Medical Center (MCMC) struggles with high public assistance patient rates and language barriers impacting medical history taking.
- Initial misdiagnosis of Lia’s epilepsy resulted from stopped seizures and no interpreter present.
Cultural Differences in Healthcare
- Hmong distrust Western doctors due to required tests and perceived invasiveness.
- Healing methods include shamanic ceremonies, dermal treatments, and herbal remedies.
Lia's Medical Journey
- Lia's doctors, Neil Ernst and Peggy Phelp, balanced medical training with cultural sensitivity but struggled to grasp the Hmong view of the soul in healing.
- The side effects of Lia’s medications included high blood pressure and memory loss.
Family Dynamics and Cultural Clash
- The Lees, Lia’s parents, were proud yet concerned about her epilepsy, associating it with shamanic abilities.
- Tensions arose between the Lees and doctors due to cultural misunderstandings and perceived lack of respect.
Foster Care and Advocacy
- Lia was placed in foster care due to non-compliance with medication, leading to her foster parents Dee and Tom Korda caring for her despite language barriers.
- Jeanine Hilt, the social worker, was dedicated to advocating for Lia and educating her parents about medication management.
Key Figures
- Anne Fadiman, the author, highlights the importance of cultural understanding in medical settings and integrates personal narratives.
- Vang Pao was a leader of Hmong forces in Laos and promoted education while employing shamans for healthcare.
- Dwight Conquergood was an ethnographer who advocated for culturally relevant health education among Hmong refugees.
Medical Terms
- "Status epilepticus" describes prolonged seizures without consciousness, while "grand mal seizure" refers to full-body seizures leading to loss of consciousness.
- "Septic shock" is a severe medical condition from infection causing inflammatory responses and potential organ failure.
Hmong Cultural Elements
- "Qeej" is a traditional Hmong musical instrument made of six bamboo tubes, reflecting Hmong artistry.
- "Paj ntaub" is a traditional textile art, signifying cultural heritage through intricate designs.
Food and Nutrition in Hmong Culture
- "Kua quav" is a traditional beef stew, emphasizing cultural significance in cuisine.
Neurological Insights
- "Febrile seizures" commonly occur in young children with high fevers and are different from other seizure types.
- Lia ultimately suffered from septic shock, which contributed to her health decline, showcasing the intersection of cultural beliefs and medical realities.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down'. This practice test includes flashcards about Hmong culture and beliefs related to birth and healing practices. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
