This fascinating book provides a thorough understanding of the traditional healing practices of the abaNguni peoples of Southern Africa. Their worldviews and cultural practices across the lifespan are considered, with particular focus on traditional healers and indigenous treatments. The text also explores clinical applications and challenges in integrating traditional healing practices with Western health and mental care. "This book is a sterling testimonial of tireless advocacy for epistemic justice. Lohirajh Ravindra Naidoo and Shadrack Mpho Sehoto have given voice to a therapeutic epistemology long ignored, and left to languish in the prison of the minds of many Eurocentric proponents of mental health. They did more than just give it voice - they allowed abaNguni traditional healing to speak with amazing eloquence for itself. Insightful, challenging and ground-breaking. Elegantly written, eloquently articulated". Professor Cecil Bodibe, Former Dean of Students and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student and Alumni Affairs at University of South Africa. Diversity consultant. "This book is an excellent addition to the large global literature on traditional healing. It will undoubtedly contribute to the current collaboration of Western medical professionals and indigenous healers in meeting the urgent health needs of people throughout the world. Healthcare providers, teachers, and researchers will benefit tremendously from the information contained in this fascinating volume". Dr. Clemmont E. Vontress, Professor Emeritus of Counseling, George Washington University, USA. "This book further attests to the cultural influences on the conceptualizations of health, illness and healthcare. It describes the cultural meanings including associated metaphors of illness, care patterns shaping individual experiences of and social reactions to illness among the abaNguni of Southern Africa. It is a valuable resource for understanding indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices associated with health promotion, illness prevention, disease, curing and improvement of human conditions among the abaNguni community". Professor Olaniyi Bojuwoye, Department of Educational Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. "This text will contribute to the skills and competencies of counselors, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and mental health practitioners, and their understanding of abaNguni philosophy, healing, cultural practices, concepts, beliefs and religion. This book is a unique addition and much needed knowledge of our world of traditional healing in Sourh Africa and the world at large. As an African woman from the Yoruba ethnic group, I wholeheartedly recommend this book". Professor Mary Olufonmilayo Adekson, Counselor Education Department, St. Bonaventure University, New York. Author of 'The Yoruba Traditional Healers of Nigeria' (2003). About the Authors: Lohirajh Ravindra Naidoo, PhD., Clinical Psychologist. Former Director of the Student Counselling and Careers Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Shadrack Mpho Sehoto, MA., University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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