What is Sangoma?

Sangoma is a type of traditional South African healer. They are also often called shamans, although this word is mostly used in North American culture. In accordance with the South African tradition, one cannot choose the occupation of sangoma. Instead, the ancestors are selected by ghosts who contact individuals in different ways.

Although both men and women can become sangomas, most of these individuals are women. People who experience frequent headaches, intense stomach pain and even psychosis are considered to be natural heales. Once a woman was contacted by her ancestors, she is expected to train as Sangoma by shading an experienced individual.

Sangomas work on the treatment of physical illnesses, social cracks and anything else that bothers a community. While Sangomas goes through various training rituals before practicing any therapeutic art, it is believed that man's ancestors lead hands to any healing process. Guided ancestory and experience with these individualsThey try to maintain the community untouched mentally, physically and even socially. Since the task of Sangoma is to protect the village from any kind of evil, find lost animals and heal those who are sick, anyone who does not respect the role of healer, often stimulates problems. Work from small huts called ndumbas, those who require the help of sangoma, enter this cottage in search of auxiliary hands of the healer.

Healers use many different applications to cure physical diseases. One of the most popular forms of medicine used by Sangomas is called muti . muti is a type of drug that is a mixture of different stakes of trees and herbal plants. The term muti is often used to indicate any drug that is a given healer.

In many ways, Sangoma also works as an advisor and social worker in any given South African community. Many different families visit the healer of villages to repair family arguments. Since healers know the internal functioning of the village, these individuals can often offer advice and advice to those who need it. Although complicated, the relationship between the burghers and the healer is often great admiration and respect.

medical observers from Western countries have noted that Sangoma practices can promote diseases in South African communities. Because many different patients are often used one razor blade or other sharp object, disease such as HIV can be easily passed from one person to another. Today, traditional sangoma is alive in South Africa today.