Some contributions of native healers to knowledge about the healing process.

Abstract

In recent years, the work of shamans and other native healers has been investigated to ascertain what relevance it might have to contemporary health care. These contributions appear to cluster around four basic components of healing. A shared world view that makes the diagnosis possible; certain personal qualities of the practitioner that appear to facilitate the client's recovery; positive client expectations that assist the healing process; a sense of mastery that empowers the client.