Atravessando fronteiras: viagem rumo à saúde tradicional

Abstract

The work aims at traditional health and proposes the research of knowledge and practice of traditional healthcare practitioners who apply body techniques to heal those who seek help. Conducted in two separate locations – Icoaraci District in Belém Metropolitan Area and in Chipaiá village in Cachoeira do Arari municipality in Marajó Island, both in the Brazilian Amazon – study explores the social construction of traditional healthcare practices as symbolic-magic and social element. Research methods involved observation and open interviews of/with eight different practitioners, four in each location, to understand and deepen knowledge on a popular massage practice named “puxação” which belongs to the Traditional Healthcare System (STAS). Study discusses concepts of creed, myth and symbolic representation in traditional knowledge; the way rituals are conducted and how such practices contribute to the social construction of traditional health practitioners; concepts of health and disease according to STAS understanding; the relationship between healing practices and the social system. Analysis also presents the interrelation between two different rituals Alma Mater massage in Portuguese, “puxação-da-mãe-do-corpo“ and Pregnant Massage “puxação de barriga-cheia” unique STAS practices, their importance for women´s health as well as their influence on the Western Healthcare System (SOAS).