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Table 3 Characteristics of different kinds of traditional healers

From: The role of traditional health practitioners in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: generic or mode specific?

Typology of traditional health practitioners

 

ISangoma

UMthandazi

INyanga

Process to become THP

. Called by Amadlozi. Trained by an expert through the guidance and instruction of Amadlozi

. Invoked by the spirit of Isithunywa and Amadlozi

. Individual choice to become an Inyanga

. Apprenticeship with an expert

Role

. Divination Contact and communication with Amadlozi (those of healer and those of a patient)

. Prayer Provides holy water and other mineral substances such as ash and salt to facilitate healing

. Treatment, which includes herbs, plants and traditional rituals

. Traditional rituals

Ancillary roles

• Counselling

• Protecting

• Mediating