HEALTH

 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-
being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
 One of the basic rights that are in the International Human Rights Law.
 Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social status, has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical
and mental health.

Culture-Specific Syndromes and Illnesses

 Defined as a combination of psychiatric (brain) and somatic (body) symptoms that are considered to be a
recognizable disease only within a specific society or culture.
 There are no objective biochemical or structural alterations of body organs or functions
 These folk illnesses are unique and affect a specific ethnic group or society.
 These diseases are not recognized in other cultures; thus, they are considered to be rare and exotic.

Culture-Specific Syndrome Are Characterized By:

 Widespread familiarity within the culture.
 Complete lack of familiarity or misunderstanding of the condition of people in other cultures.
 No objectively demonstrable biochemical or tissue abnormalities.
 The condition is usually recognized and treated by the folk medicine of the culture.

Some Examples of Culture-Bound Syndromes Currently Identified In The Global Community Include:

BUGHAT
 Originated from Cebu, commonly known as “binat” which translates to “relapse”.
 It occurs when someone is recovering from illness but gets sick again shortly after or even during the recovery
period.
 It usually comes as one or a combination of symptoms: headache, body pain, fever, etc.
USOG
 Usually happens to young children
 This topic in Filipino psychology happens when an unsuspecting stranger greets you with an evil eye.
 Symptoms of usog are usually a development of fever and sometimes convulsions
 The theory states that the stranger inside the child's house may cause distress and fear within a child. Thus, the
child is overpowered or nauusog by the stranger and may feel afraid or get sick.
LATAH
 A culture-bound syndrome from Malaysia and Indonesia.
 Latah is an exaggerated startle response, typically found among women.
 Being surprised may result in screaming, cursing, dancing and hysterical laughter that might last a half hour or
more.
 They may imitate the people around them or things they see or hear in the media
 Latah often occurs following a traumatic episode. There are many cultures that have similar syndromes
(AMURAKH&MYRIACHIT), but it is unclear how or if they relate to each other.
VOODOO DEATH
 Voodoo death is a culture-bound syndrome observed in Haiti, Africa, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific and
the Caribbean.
 Also known as psychogenic death or psychosomatic death, is the phenomenon of sudden death as brought about
by a strong emotional shock, such as fear.
 This is said to happen when an individual who has disobeyed a ritual or taboo is hexed or cursed by a medicine
man or sorcerer (often by pointing a bone at the culprit) and dies within a few days.

WENDIGO PSYCHOSIS
  Wendigo psychosis is a culture-bound disorder that involves a craving for human flesh and the fear that one will
turn into a cannibal.
 The syndrome is characterized by delusions of becoming possessed by a flesh-eating monster (the wendigo) and
is manifested in symptoms including depression, violence, a compulsive desire for human flesh, and sometimes
actual cannibalism.
 This once occurred frequently among Algonquian Indian cultures, though has declined with the Native American
urbanization.

SYSTEMS OF DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION, AND HEALING

Traditional Health System

 Refer to the healthcare beliefs and practices that have been established by indigenous people in developing
nations.
 This often reflects the concept that human beings function as an integral part of nature.
 Traditional health systems are less intrusive compared to western health systems and make use of natural
medicines such as herbs. Massages and mind/body practices that address the physical, mental and spiritual well-
being of the patient are included as well.
 Most cases of countries that use traditional healing can be found in some parts of Asia and Africa.
Examples of traditional healing include:
a. acupuncture b. herbalism c. use of Chinese medicine d. rubs

Western Health System

 Are the modern-day practices of the medical world and are typically referred to as medical science.
 Patients are treated based on standardized diagnostic practices.
 Western medicine and treatment are usually done by a doctor, nurse, and other conventional healthcare providers.
 Their practices and methods are of western medical and scientific Teachings and traditions.
 SURGERY- is a well-known forefront of Western Medicine.

Alternative Health Systems

 Is a healing practice that has the effect of medicine but does not necessarily originate from medical practice, or a
scientific method.
 Also defined as a number of practices that are beyond the scope of conventional medicine.
 It consists of a wide range of healing practices health, care, and therapies.
 These alternative healings are not backed- up by scientific facts but have still proven successful in healing
illnesses and psychological strains.
 Alternative health approaches are based on a philosophy different from the conventional medicine system.
Examples of this include Homeopathy, Neuropathy, Christian Faith Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and
Chiropractors.

Prepared & Reported by:

Abegail Cabuling
Regie Torres
Christine Rey