The intermedicality relationship among Truká Indians, in Cabrobó - Pernambuco

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Traditional indigenous knowledge about health is based on a holistic approach, which in turn is founded on harmony between people, families and community and the universe that surrounds them. One of the challenges that precedes the work of health professionals is respect for differences, where the knowledge and technologies of biomedicine cannot be transmitted vertically, showing that recognition of the cultural and social diversity of indigenous people is vital. OBJECTIVE: To identify the self-attention practices of Truká Indians and this population's relationship with biomedicine, witnessing the occurrence or absence of an interrelationship between biomedicinal practices and traditional healing systems. METODOLOGY: This study is characterized as a qualitative research project. To conduct this survey, data were collected at the Truká's central base in Cabrobó and on indigenous territory, on Assunção Island. Data were collected between November 2010 and January 2011, when semi-structured interviews associated with the "Participant Observation" method were conducted, and a field diary was used. Twenty-one individuals took part in that research, including Truká Indians and professionals on a multidisciplinary Indian health team. RESULTS: For the Truká Indians, the cure process is polysemic. It is composed of territory ownership, ritual practices such as the Toré ritual, prayers, and the use of homemade syrups and bottled herbal infusions. They use allopathic medicines in turn, in a process denominated intermedicality.