Cultural Diversity of Afro-Colombian Traditional Healers: Preservation and Conciliation of Knowledge

Afro-Colombian diversity is interwoven with specific cultural health-care practices. Traditional healers possess a thousand-year-old tradition regarding health care. They enjoy the recognition, trust and respect of their communities, but are unknown to health institutions and the professional world, or ignored by them. Objective: The study describes health-care practices performed by traditional healers; specifically, remedieros (non-professional apothecaries) and parteras (midwives) in an Afro-Colombian community in Guapi, a town located in the Cauca region of Colombia. Methodology: This ethnographic study relied on participant observation and in-depth interviews with three remedieros and three parteras. The analysis was conducted in an inductive and interpretative way. Results: The results demonstrate different healing methods associated with the use of herbs, maneuvers, special formulas and prayers, among other elements. This diversity of methods implies the person is viewed in a holistic manner that is conducive to the adoption of diverse ways to heal and protect health. Conclusions: The importance of being aware of this knowledge and preserving it is a way to express a commitment to protecting, rescuing and favoring dialogue between professional and traditional healers. It also is an invitation to understand and acknowledge the role traditional healers can play in health care systems.