Decolonising Healthcare: Breathwork as a Traditional and Complementary Medicine
Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
This study investigates the potential for Breathwork as a traditional and complementary medicine to promote decolonisation in healthcare. The study utilised qualitative interviews with healthcare practitioners who integrate Breathwork into their practice, in order to explore their viewpoints on the potential therapeutic benefits of this modality. Colonisation has played a significant role in historically discriminating against indigenous knowledge systems when it comes to healthcare, leading to an epistemic ignorance around various healing modalities. To address this issue, a shift towards pluralistic healthcare systems that integrate traditional and complementary medicines is needed. This can provide patients with a wider range of medical options and a more holistic approach to healing, empowering the individual to take control of their own health. However, change needs to start at policy level, with a commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity within healthcare systems. Academic institutions also have a critical role to play in transforming their healthcare curricula to be more inclusive of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines. This involves recognising the extent to which Euro-western teachings still dominate healthcare education today and working towards greater diversity in curricular content. The observations made in this study suggest that socially constructed definitions of health require transformation, particularly in countries as diverse as South Africa. In conclusion, this study aimed to highlight the possible impact Breathwork as a traditional and complementary medicine may offer the healthcare sector. By acknowledging the historical discrimination against indigenous knowledge systems and embracing a more pluralistic approach to healthcare, South Africa can work towards building a more equitable and culturally sensitive healthcare system that not only meets diverse needs but offers empowerment for individuals to become active participants in their wellbeing.
Description
This report is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements to the Faculty of Humanities, for the degree of Master of Arts, in the Department of/Centre for Diversity Studies, School of Social Sciences, at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.
Keywords
Breathwork, Traditional Medicine, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Decolonising Healthcare, Power Relations, Inclusivity, UCTD
Citation
Jardine-Lindberg, Zuraida. (2023). Decolonising Healthcare: Breathwork as a Traditional and Complementary Medicine. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. tps://hdl.handle.net/10539/39958