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Contents

Introduction

List of Contributor Biographies

Part I. Encountering Cultural Change in the Field

Chapter 1

Questions of Cultural Genocide and the Intellectual Property of Western Herbal Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Background: A Research Project

Content and Aims of This Chapter

The Idea of Cultural Attrition of Traditional Knowledge in Western Herbal Medicine

Defining Cultural Genocide

Defining Cultural Genocide, and Its Relevance to CAM and WHM

Under the CAM Umbrella

A Survivor of History: Claiming Contemporary Territory for Traditional Herbal Medicine

Common Use of Western Herbal Medicine as ‘Folk CAM’

Positioning WHM as an ‘Indigenous’ Folk Healing System: Encompassing Both TK and Evolving Contemporary Knowledge, with Respect to IP

Preventing the Cultural Genocide of Traditional Healing Knowledge

WHM’s Charged Relationship to Biomedicine

To Begin a Process of Asserting IPR for WHM and Its Traditional Knowledge Base

A Herbal Bill of Rights for WHM

Conclusion

References

Chapter 2

Outback Healing: Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine across Shifting Socio-Cultural Landscapes

Abstract

Introduction and Background

Defining TCAM

Prevalence of TCAM

Health in the Remote Australian Context

Social and Economic Accessibility

The Political Landscape of TCAM

Australia’s Traditional Medicine

Health: More than the Absence of Disease

Multidimensional Aspects of Health and Healing

Methodology and Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Approach of the Study

Method and Ethical Conduct of the Research

Findings and Themes of the Research

Community

The Desert Landscape

Spirituality

Accessibility

Cultural and Racial Accessibility through Broad Concepts of Health and Healing

Political and Racial Barriers

Conclusion

References

Chapter 3

Fear of Witchery and the Mental Illness Scapegoat: A discourse of an Intersection between Mental Health and Spirituality in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction

Ethical Considerations

Theoretical Perspectives

Mental Health Discourse

Socio-Cultural Views and the ‘Lay’ Approach to Mental Health Care in Ghana

Dealing with Mental Illness in Ghana

A Cultural Understanding of Witchcraft Discourses in Africa, and Ghana in Particular

Public Response to Alleged Witches in Ghana

Examining Case Studies from Fieldwork and Mass Media Representations

Setting the Context: Fear of Witchery and the Mental Illness Scapegoat

Data Presentation and Analysis: Stories of Transgender Witches

Case 1:

Case 2:

Mental Health Status of the Self-Confessed Witches

Discussion: Questioning the Efficacy and Agency of the Witch

Conclusion

Recommendations for Research, Policy and Practice

References

Chapter 4

A Step Backwards: Unravelling the Exploitation and Commercialisation of Herbal Medicines, Contributing to Endangerment of Species, against Common Herb Usage

Abstract

Introduction

The Global Context of Herbal Endangerment

Examples of Herbal Endangerment by Overharvesting, Encountered in Literature

Why Is Commercial Drug Manufacture Associated with Extinction of Plants?

‘Theoretical Extinction,’ and the Erasure of Cultural Knowledge

Localised Practices of Self-Treatment Using Common Herbal Medicines

Conclusion

References

Part II. Cultural Change in CAM Practice Arenas

Chapter 5

Case Study: An Analysis of the Implementation of a Therapeutic Massage Therapy Program at a Veterans Administration Medical Center Using Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Case Description

Notes on Methodology

Theoretical Analysis Based upon the Main Elements of Rogers’ Theory

Summary of Element (1), The Innovation

Case Analysis in Relation to Element 1

Summary of Element (2), Communication Channels

Case Analysis in Relation to Element 2

Summary of Element (3), Time

Case Analysis in Relation to Element 3

Summary of Element (4), The Social System (Context)

Case Analysis in Relation to Element 4

Comparison with Other Studies

Discussion

Conclusion

References

Part III. Culture Change and Shifting Theoretical and Political Perspectives in CAM

Chapter 6

Constructing a Symmetrical Translating Knowledge Space Between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Scientific Medicine in Australia

Abstract

Language as an Assemblage

Performing the English Language

Performing the Chinese Language

Step-by-step Calligraphic Construction of the Chinese Script Assemblage for the Chinese Word yi 醫 (Medicine) in 18 Strokes

A New Epoch: Constructing a Translating Knowledge Space between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Scientific Medicine in Australia

Science and Traditional Knowledge Systems as Local and Situated

Local Knowledge as a Critique of the Standard Representationalist View in Science

Reconceptualising Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Scientific Medicine in a Translating Knowledge Space

Performing TCM As Local Situated Knowledge Is Like Performing the Chinese Language

The Local Situated Performance of Biomedical Practice Is Similar to the Local and Situated Performance of the English Language

TCM Clinical Encounter as Simultaneously Identical to and Different from That of Western Medicine

Conclusion: Thomas S. Kuhn and the Linguistic Turn in the Philosophy of Science

References

Chapter 7

CAM in the Anthropocene: Posthuman Possibilities

Abstract

Introduction

Chapter Design (with Caveat)

CAM and the Body as Epistemic Culture

CAM and Cultural Change

The Anthropocene

Posthumanism and Transhumanism in the Anthropocene

Posthumanism after Braidotti

Transhumanism after Ranisch and Sorgner

Anthropocene Life: Post- and Trans-Human Holism in Healthcare

CAM Cultural Identity in the Anthropocene

Conclusion

References

Part IV. Changed Approaches to CAM Therapeutic Materials

Chapter 8

Fermented Foods: From Traditional Diets to Clinical Trials

Abstract

Introduction

1. Definition, Uses, Historical Origins, and Cultural Contexts

2. Use by Practitioners, and Clinical Evidence

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Gastrointestinal Disorders

2.3. Infectious Disease and Immunity

2.4. The Cardiovascular System

2.5. Mental Health

Conclusion

References

Index