Introduction The central theme in this review will cover empowerment and spirituality for chronically ill individuals in the aging population with an emphasis on gender and differing cultural backgrounds. I attempt to show how the literature on this subject has advanced to the point where crucial factors of cultural background, spirituality and belief systems affect how the chronically ill improve health and wellbeing through being empowered by their spiritual and cultural background. Body In the available literature, (Johnson, Elbert-Avila, Tulsky, 2005) shows how the influence of spiritual beliefs and practices affect the specific culture of Africans Americans in a positive, healthy beneficial way for the chronically ill aged. In the study it was shown that AAs request specific life sustaining therapies at the end of life much more than Caucasians. Spirituality seems to serve as one of the main sources of meaning and purpose and is also used a as a framework for people to interpret their life experiences. An elder Native American women’s perspective is expressed in an academic paper (Levi, 1998). In the indigenous religious experience Mother Earth and Father Sky are utilized for guidance and healing along with the Sundance and Ghost Dance and others. The Shaman or Medicine Man uses herbs and techniques and also contacts the spirit world for assistance in healing. The Native American woman elder is connected with nature and the natural healing power of herbal medicines and healing energies. It also involves the aspect of Native American spirituality and healing of the chronically ill by restoring their cultural self identity and participating with the community in soul and physical healing practices and to also with th... ... middle of paper ... ...uence of spiritual beliefs and practices on the treatment preferences of African Americans. Ethnogeriatrics and Special Populations, 53(4), 23-34. Leetong, A. (2010, Jan). The model of quality of life improvement for chronic patients in community by using social support. Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 29-33. Levi, J. (1998, Mar). The embodiment of a working identity: Power and process in Ramamuri ritual healing. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 23(3), 13-46. Metcalfe, J. (2005, July). Management of patients with long term conditions. Nursing Standard, 19(45), 53-61. Wells, M. (2010, Oct) Resilience in older adults living in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Online Journal of Rural Nursing & Healthcare, 10(2), 45-53. Zola, I. K. (1989, Oct-Dec) Aging and disability: toward a unified agenda. Journal of Rehabilitation 55(4), 6-9.
Further, prayer and medicine interplay to paint a classical image of the Native’s creed, yet, for many obsolete or preposterous existences of the shaman. To re-install beliefs present in the world for thousands of years, but have been disappearing, writers such as Neidhardt introduce the element of the
In the text “Seeing Red: American Indian Women Speaking about their Religious and Cultural Perspectives” by Inés Talamantez, the author discusses the role of ceremonies and ancestral spirituality in various Native American cultures, and elaborates on the injustices native women face because of their oppressors.
Folk medicine is an important aspect of the Appalachian region. According to Mathews, folk medicine is known in involving diseases or illnesses “which are the products of indigenous cultural development and are not explicitly derived from the conceptual framework of modern medicine” (Mathews 1). Folk or traditional medicine is found in all societies, throughout in history, and predates innovation of modern medicine. Folk medicine also explains roles for “indigenous practitioners”(1) who treat and restore health for the individual and community. Folk medicine beliefs and practices serve for the treatment and prevention of aliments and are resistant to change even when the cultural tradition may have gone extinct.
A shaman is appointed to be the head of the tribe. Spirituality is a very important, everyday thing. The tribe is constantly at war with demons. There are ritual hallucinogens that are used for contact with spirits and the spirit world. The spirits control events in life which the shaman attempt to harness. The shaman gains the powers of these spirits by going to the spirit world, and he uses these to put curses on enemy shamans and heal tribe members from the vices of demons. Diseases and illnesses are causes by the demons and as such can only be heal by spiritual power.
The conceptual model guiding this paper is A Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. The theory defines self-care as a process of maintaining health using health promoting practices and management of illness. It emphasizes that self-care should be performed in both healthy and ill states. In addition, the theory further emphasizes that it is imperative for every individual to engage in some level of self-care from day to day by making informed food choices and rational healthy living styles. An individual in stable condition can maintain health without the need of moving into illness care. However, after an ill and illness management
Throughout ancient history, many indigenous tribes and cultures have shown a common trait of being hunter/gatherer societies, relying solely on what nature had to offer. The geographical location influenced all aspects of tribal life including, spirituality, healing philosophy and healing practices. Despite vast differences in the geographical location, reports show various similarities relating to the spirituality, healing philosophy and healing practices of indigenous tribal cultures.
List the values (at least 3) and beliefs (at least 3) about intercultural spiritual care you would want to put into practice in a conversation with this patient and his family. Beside each value and beliefs, provide quotations from either Bidwell (Julie) or Grefe’s chapters that help you describe why this value or belief is part of your intentional theology. Please make sure you provide at least one quote from each: Bidwell, Grefe’s chapter 6 and Grefe’s chapter
I have decided to discuss the topic of Spirituality in Native Americans. To address this topic, I will first discuss what knowledge I have gained about Native Americans. Then I will discuss how this knowledge will inform my practice with Native Americans. To conclude, I will talk about ethical issues, and dilemmas that a Social Worker might face working with Native American people.
In fact, Native American medicine men belief is firmly grounded in age-old traditions, legends and teachings. Healing and medical powers have existed since the very beginning of time according to Native American stories. Consequently they have handed down the tribe's antediluvian legends, which i...
Spiro, Howard M., Mary G. McCrea. Curnen, and Lee Palmer. Wandel. Facing Death: Where Culture, Religion, and Medicine Meet. New Haven: Yale UP, 1996. Print.
Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2012). Toward healthy aging: Human needs & nursing response (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Mosby.
Cultural competence is a skill essential to acquire for healthcare providers, especially nurses. Cooperating effectively and understanding individuals with different backgrounds and traditions enhances the quality of health care provided by hospitals and other medical facilities. One of the many cultures that nurses and other health care providers encounter is the American Indian or Native American culture. There are hundreds of different American Indian Tribes, but their beliefs and values only differ slightly. The culture itself embodies nature. To American Indians, “The Earth is considered to be a living organism- the body of a higher individual, with a will and desire to be well. The Earth is periodically healthy and less healthy, just as human beings are” (Spector, 2009, p. 208). This is why their way of healing and symbolic items are holistic and from nature.
Older adults are a very knowledgeable population and have had a lot of life experiences. As people age, things start to change physically, mentally, and socially. It’s important to understand the process of aging, so that older adults can be taken care of properly. I interviewed P.R. who is a 71-year-old male that lives alone in his home. P.R. is a retired coal miner, and is currently living off his social security and savings. He lives close to both his daughter and son, who frequently help him out with things that are needed. P.R. was able to give me a lot of insight about specific challenges that he has experienced in his life that is associated with aging. I will be discussing challenges that P.R experienced physically, mentally,
In healthcare organizations, medical staff must conform to their hospital and their country’s code of conduct. Not only do they have to meet set standards, they must also take their patient into consideration. When making a decision upon a patient, medical staff must recognize religious backgrounds and spiritual beliefs. By understanding a patients’ beliefs and their belief system, a medical worker can give the patient their deserved medical assistance without overstepping boundaries or coming off as offensive. The practices and beliefs of four religions will be articulated throughout this essay to fully understand how religion can either help or hinder the healing process.
According to Hutchison (2015), “religion is symbolic patterns that consists of values, beliefs, behaviors and experiences” (p. 184). I personal conceptualize spirituality as a vital role in my life that helps me during a time of sickness, forgiveness, and needed guidance. Spirituality helps guide me throughout life during the difficult times I have encountered. Spirituality impacts my life in positive ways that influence and regulate my behavior and health. Health is very important to me; I believe the spirit can heal a person from their sickness. It seems that the spirit heals me every time I pray to be healed from sickness. The spirit gives me strength at a time of weakness. When I feel at my lowest point in life I call on the spirit to pick