Integrating traditional healing and modern mental healthcare in India: Collaboration and challenges

Abstract

This paper explores the interplay between mental health discourse and traditional healing systems in India, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional and biomedical practices in mental healthcare. In India, traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions play a significant role in supporting individuals with mental illnesses and their caregivers. The perceived effectiveness and alignment of these practices with local cultural beliefs can either facilitate or impede the integration of formal mental health services into the community. Traditional healers, prominent in rural and tribal areas, are often the initial point of contact for families dealing with mental illness, owing to their easy accessibility, community proximity, and cost-effectiveness. However, the lack of regulation poses a significant challenge to effective collaboration between traditional and biomedical practitioners. Both groups express concerns about the absence of clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms, hindering their ability to work together cohesively. Bridging this regulatory gap is essential for creating a harmonious healthcare mechanism and system that can draws upon the strengths of both traditional and biomedical approaches to benefit patients and communities. By acknowledging and integrating traditional healers into the mental health discourse, a more comprehensive and accessible system can be established. Achieving a harmonized health system requires careful consideration of regulatory frameworks, cultural competence, and inclusivity, to maximize the benefits of traditional healing practices while ensuring safety, accessibility, and healthcare quality.

Keywords: Mental Health, Discourse, Traditional Healing, Healthcare