[The shaman: witness of an old culture--is it revivable?].
The shaman concentrates a multitude of functions in the presecularized culture. In it disease is, as any experience of reality, hierophania, manifestation of transcendence. The shaman is a specialist in producing and managing altered states of consciousness. The constitutive criteria of shamanism are discussed. In the social network the shaman is a central and marginal "gestalt" at the same time, ambivalent for his community. In the postshamanic culture derivatives of shamanism and non-inspirational healers (naturalists) are active. Corresponding to the mystic concept of illness the various healing techniques of the shaman are intended to reestablish a harmonized cooperation with transintelligible powers. The therapeutic efficacy appears unsatisfactory inasfar severe somatic or psychic disorders are concerned. Empirical medicine still lacks a culturadequate holistic concept of illness offering a basis for sufficient treatment of psychosocially determined disorders.
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Scharfetter
D003243:Consciousness; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008602:Mental Healing; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support
Der Schamane: Zeuge einer alten Kultur--wieder belebbar?