An intermediate stage between polytheism and monotheism, which assumes a "Great Spirit", with lesser deities subordinated. With the beginnings of shamanism there was the advent of the medicine man or witch doctor, who assumed a supervisory relation to disease and its cure. Formally, shamanism is a religion of Ural-Altaic peoples of Northern Asia and Europe, characterized by the belief that the unseen world of gods, demons, ancestral spirits is responsive only to shamans. The Indians of North and South America entertain religious practices similar to the Ural-Altaic shamanism. The word shaman comes from the Tungusic (Manchuria and Siberia) saman, meaning Buddhist monk. The shaman handles disease almost entirely by psychotherapeutic means; he frightens away the demons of disease by assuming a terrifying mien. (From Garrison, An Introduction to the History of Medicine, 4th ed, p22; from Webster, 3d ed)

Shamanism is not a medical term, but rather a cultural and anthropological concept. It refers to the religious or spiritual practices of certain indigenous cultures, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. A shaman is a community leader or healer who uses altered states of consciousness, often induced by rhythmic drumming or trance-inducing plants, to communicate with spirits or supernatural entities. They believe that these interactions can help diagnose and treat illnesses, provide guidance, and ensure the wellbeing of their community.

While shamanic practices are not considered a medical treatment in Western medicine, some elements of shamanism, such as the use of plants for healing purposes, have been incorporated into complementary and alternative medicine approaches. However, it is important to note that these practices should not replace evidence-based medical treatments.

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