Traditional Theories of Health and Disease

Understanding that cultural differences exist between a patient and a healthcare professional.

The ability to effectively provide care to people from diverse cultures.

A Filipino faith healer.

In Filipino culture, "Sakit" can mean illness or disease, or pain.

While sometimes used interchangeably, disease describes a physical ailment, and illness describes the experience of being unwell, including both physical and emotional aspects.

Forms of illness, in Filipino context, that may not be physical. They can be perceived as curses or supernatural.

A Filipino traditional healing practice involving palpation and massage.

A Filipino traditional therapy using steam inhalation.

While both are traditional healers, Albularyos are focused on healing illnesses while Mangtatawas specialize in spiritual cleansing and protection.

Albularyo fees can vary widely, from accepting donations to charging high professional fees. Some offer online consultations for convenience.

A traditional birth attendant who assists with prenatal visits and deliveries, typically in impoverished communities.

Magpapaanak, while uncertified, have gained experience and expertise through practice and community knowledge.

Magpapaanak provides postpartum care, including massages, medicinal herbs, and the 'suob' ritual.

'Kalusugan' is the Tagalog word for health. It's derived from the root word 'lusog,' meaning 'full development' or 'progressiveness.'

'Malusog' describes a healthy person, emphasizing their fully developed physical potential.

'Payat' means thin, indicating a person who hasn't reached their full physical potential. While not ill, they're not considered 'malusog.'

'Mahina' means weak and 'matamlay' means lethargic. Both indicate sickness and an inability to perform physical tasks.

'May sakit' means ill or sick, suggesting someone unable to do physical tasks and needing to rest at home.

Hallucinations are false perceptions of reality. A person might see, hear, smell or feel things that aren't really there.

Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held even with evidence to the contrary.

Disorganized thinking involves difficulty forming coherent thoughts and expressing them logically.

Abnormal motor behavior refers to unusual physical actions. It can include things like restlessness, repetitive movements, or stiffness.

In Filipino culture, illnesses are explained by either 'naturalistic' causes (e.g., cold/heat imbalance) or 'personalistic' causes (e.g., curses, evil spirits).

A mythical creature in Filipino folklore, known for its horse-like appearance, mischievous nature, and ability to lead people astray.

People who are often victims of Tikbalang's mischievous nature, sometimes being led astray and disappearing.

The Tikbalang enjoys playing tricks and may lose interest in the victim after a while, sometimes releasing them after days, but not always.

A shape-shifting creature in Filipino folklore, often associated with witchcraft and possessing supernatural powers.

While both are creatures in Filipino folklore, Aswang is a shape-shifter, known for witchcraft, while Tikbalang is a mischievous horse-like creature.

A rare eye condition, also known as Juvenile-Onset Open-Angle Glaucoma, affecting a specific group of patients.

A specific gene mutation, affecting the myocilin protein (MYOC), leads to cell death in the eye, ultimately causing glaucoma.

A protein found in the eye, when affected by a specific gene mutation, can lead to the development of JOAG.

These beliefs offer a framework for understanding and coping with illnesses, especially when medical explanations are lacking.

Using traditional beliefs to explain a disease or condition when a medical reason is unknown.

Traditional practices, rooted in a culture, that are used to address health concerns.

Cultural practices help individuals feel a sense of control over their illness and its outcome.

Specific Biblical verses, like those in Deuteronomy, reject practices like fortune telling, astrology, and horoscope readings.

A belief that certain actions, like “dirty living,” can result in a challenging or “toxic” shift at work.

A belief that consuming ice cream before work can ward off a challenging shift.

A New Year's tradition involving a prosperity bowl, reflecting a desire for good fortune.

A state of being possessed by evil spirits or the devil. This belief is not unique to the Philippines and has historical roots in various cultures, including biblical accounts.

A Filipino belief that a disease or illness is caused by supernatural forces or entities. This concept is used to explain illnesses with unknown or mysterious causes.

A mischievous dwarf-like nature spirit in Filipino mythology, believed to reside in anthills, under rocks, or trees. It is considered disrespectful to disturb their home, and they might seek retribution.

They say "tabi-tabi po" (please move aside) to politely ask the Nuno to step aside and avoid upsetting them.

A playful goblin in Filipino mythology known for appearing to children. They enjoy mischief but are generally harmless.

A mythical creature that can separate its upper torso from its lower body, giving it the ability to fly and hunt at night. Primarily known for feeding on the fetuses of pregnant women.

The Manananggal uses its long, hollow, and flexible tongue to pierce through the roof of a house and puncture the womb of a sleeping woman.

In traditional Filipino medicine, miscarriages and stillbirths were often attributed to the Manananggal's actions. However, modern medicine provides other explanations like chromosomal abnormalities or infections.

Modern medicine explains miscarriages and stillbirths due to various factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, diabetes, or infections caused by certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

A giant tree spirit in Filipino mythology. They are muscular, about 7-8 feet tall, and become violent when their dwelling trees are threatened.

While both are nature spirits, a Nuno sa Punso is mischievous and can be angered by disturbing their homes, while a Kapre is more aggressive and vengeful when their tree dwelling is harmed.

Many traditional Filipino beliefs suggest that some illnesses can be caused by supernatural entities or forces, such as spirits or curses, and these beliefs may co-exist with modern medical understandings.