Indigenous Health Essay

Hampton, R., & Toombs, M. (2013). Chapter 4: Indigenous Australian concepts of health and well-being. In Indigenous Australians and Health: The Wombat in the Room. (pp. 73-90). Oxford University Press: South Melbourne.

The authors describe Indigenous perspectives on health and well-being based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s historical and cultural backgrounds. In the Indigenous culture, health comprises not just physical and mental health, but emotional well-being, social and environmental factors as well. Moreover, this holistic approach to health is most associated with their cultural and spiritual dimension. For instance, it is important to maintain their physical and cultural connection to traditional lands as well

Through showing the different definitions of health, the authors explain how those different understandings affect patterns of behavior on health depend on different cultures. In addition, an analysis of the models of health demonstrates even western medical approaches to health have different cognitions, same as the Indigenous health beliefs. The most remarkable aspect is a balance, a corresponding core element in most cultures which is an important consideration in Indigenous health as well. From an Indigenous perspective, health is considered as being linked, and keeping the connection is a priority to preserve their health. Consequently, health is a very much culturally determined. Health practitioners should anticipate and respect the cultural differences when they encounter a patient from various cultures. In particular, this article is good to understand why the Indigenous health beliefs are not that different than western medicine views using appropriate examples and comparative composition, even though the implementation the authors indicated is a bit abstract, not

Mentioning a diversity of culture and language in Australia with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians, the fact sheet indicates that these cultural differences may impact on the practitioner-client relationship and on the delivery of services. Therefore, in order to achieve good practice and health outcomes, physiotherapist should effort to understand the cultural needs and contexts of different patients. To be specific, practitioners need to be aware that some patients or clients have additional needs and modify their approach appropriately. For example, the Code of conduct strongly recommends becoming familiar with and using qualified language interpreters or cultural interpreters to help meet the communication needs of patients. Besides, it also includes more detailed information about Indigenous Australians. It stipulates significant disparities in the health status of Indigenous Australians result from the socio-economic inequities. Lastly, it is also comprised Aboriginal people’s preference of consultation or treatment by a same gender practitioner because of their traditional