Regular registration fee is available until 1 October Membership & Registration Payment

WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

From Roots to Remedies: Indigenous Healing Practices among Tiwas in Assam

presenters

    Joyraj Kalita

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Assam

    Nagaland University

    Presence:Online

Keywords:

Tiwa, indigenous healthcare, ethnomedicine

Abstract:

This research paper investigates the indigenous healthcare practices of the Tiwa community in Morigaon District, Assam. The Tiwas, an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage, utilize a variety of traditional healthcare methods that are vital to their community's health and well-being. This study aims to document these practices, analyze their impact, and explore their integration with modern healthcare systems. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs ethnographic methods, including field visits and interviews with Tiwa healers and community members. The research highlights a range of Tiwa healing practices such as herbal medicine, spiritual rituals, and dietary measures. Additionally, it examines the role and social status of Tiwa healers and the community's perceptions of health and illness. The findings indicate that Tiwa healthcare practices significantly contribute to the community's health. Despite the challenges in healthcare delivery in rural Assam, there is a substantial potential for developing integrative healthcare models that incorporate both traditional and modern practices. The study concludes with recommendations for policy and practice, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage while enhancing healthcare outcomes. This research enhances the understanding of indigenous healthcare systems and advocates for the recognition and integration of traditional practices within modern healthcare frameworks.