Лекари в народной медицине тюрко-монголов Внутренней Азии: образы, функции

Abstract

In the traditional society there were always people capable of helping other people and animals in treating ailments, diseases, wounds and fractures — they are conventionally called healers. The goal of this article is to analyze the image, functions, methods and attributes of the healers among the Turkic-Mongol nations of Inner Asia. In the research of traditional culture of nations of Inner Asia the healer activities are often considered a part of shamanism practice. However, in the background of the shamanism rites there were the herbalists specializing in curative properties of the plants, bonesetters capable of setting bones and fixing dislocations and also masseuses, midwives, healers treating with whip and other healers. Among the Turkic-Mongol nations of Inner and Central Asia there is an unalterable opinion about curative powers of twins and women who gave birth to twins, brave people and strong men.