A Qualitative Study of Traditional Healers and Their Experiences of Marginalization by Biomedical Professionals

U.S.-born and migrant Latiné communities historically access traditional healers, preferring culturally informed treatment approaches. Biomedical practitioners occasionally integrate traditional healers into treatment to inform culturally bound syndromes. This study used a qualitative framework to explore traditional healers’ lived experiences of working with biomedical practitioners. Eight traditional healers who specialize in one or more traditional healing art sat for semi-structured interviews on their attitudes and beliefs about collaboration, steps to collaboration, and ways to overcome barriers. Findings reflected the oppression, marginalization, and obstacles to collaboration traditional healers often encounter from biomedical practitioners. The findings highlight the role of cultural preservation as a form of resistance against the Latiné health paradox, which posits that Latiné migrants experience poorer health the longer they are in the United States. The findings can inform legal mandates and policies on how best to incorporate traditional healers into treatment.