The Affects Of Globalization On Health And Healing Practices

Health and healing practices differ internationally from culture to culture, each using both traditional and non traditional forms of medicine and healing methods. The globalisation and increasing capital of these methods, challenge western medicinal practices with the belief that practices such as alternative healing, shamanism and music can cure illnesses and diseases and obtain the same result as traditional western practices (Friedson, Steven M. 1996). Through increased capital and globalisation, alternative methods of health and healing practices have both increased and declined, depending on each practice (Roseman, M 1990). Throughout this essay, the result of globalisation and capitalism on health and healing practices will be further

Thus, both traditional and non traditional medicinal practices are used and applied amongst different cultures internationally. One untraditional method that has been affected by both globalisation and capitalism is Shamanism (Gouk, P 2000). The practice of ‘Shamanism’ originates from North Asia and is a spiritual form of medicine where a Shaman, the doctor who conducts said practice, uses a connection to the supernatural dimension to heal and bring forth knowledge of the patient (Gouk, P 2000). The Shaman is believed to have contact to spirits and through allowing the patient to enter a ‘trance state’; they are able to be healed and cured (Friedson, Steven M. 1996). The use of this method has rapidly decreased throughout the years as traditional medicinal practices have become of easier access to countries which previously used this. Another unconventional method of healing is known as ‘music therapy’. Music therapy is a technique which allows a trained therapist to prescribe a certain type of music (Roseman, M 1990). The aim of this is the music is believed to help the patient deal with psychological issues as well as overcome physical pain (Friedson, Steven M.

Due to globalisation of health practices, it has begun to spread throughout western culture (Gouk, P 2000). It is believed to connect to the brain and thus calm nerves, reduces stress and provides many lifestyle benefits. One of the central places which practices music therapy is Africa (Friedson, Steven M. 1996). Many procedures in Africa involve a heavy endurance of pain, such as male and female circumcision. During this, music therapy is used as it is therapeutical and believed to thoroughly help manage the pain. This method is also used in other practices such as general surgeries and replaces the general aesthetic used in the western world. In the country of Tanzia (South Africa) this is a common occurrence and is still practiced to this day (Gouk, P 2000). Due to globalisation, music healing has spread and has become increasingly popular in western culture and is used in many locations. These range from places such as local schools and community centres and even used in some hospitals; this number slowly increasing as it gains more exposure in the western world. (Roseman, M 1990). Therefore, globalisation has affected alternative healing practices such as these as due to increasing knowledge and access to traditional western medicine, unconventional