The traditional healer in the context of a changing world

Abstract

While the healing rituals and practices of the traditional Melanau shaman have been well documented in previous studies, the variety of Melanau healers and healing practices that exist is less apparent from the literature. Drawing on fieldwork research, this paper begins with an exploration of these diversities that includes healing practices, initiation experiences and Melanau concepts of illness, and traces how the role of the traditional healer in the Melanau communities has evolved to meet the challenge of social and cultural change over the past fifty years. In the 21 st century, increasing urbanization and development have issued new challenges to the status and viability of the traditional healing role, including the issue of regulation and integration of traditional healers within the wider Malaysian health system. The continuing relevance of the traditional healers and their contribution to wellbeing in local Melanau communities is explored in the context of these issues and debates.