The Concept of Healing in the Zulu Worldview Within the Context of Traditional Religion

Abstract

This study is qualitative in nature and aims to analyze the Zulu perspectives on traditional healing system as part of the oral health practice, within the context of African traditional religion. This type of healing is very scientific within the context of African understanding, as it is very systematic, logically, and very relevant even today. It is also capable in healing different types of diseases including mystical illnesses which are African orientated. The healing practice entails the discipline of botany, zoology and anthropology. This kind of practice has been part of the African people for a very long time to restore life and to bring healthy balance between the human beings and the environment. It has been developed outside the sphere of influence of biomedicine of which it refers to the traditional scientific form of knowledge. Therefore, the healing concept in the Zulu perspective is orally done through consultation with the ancestral spirits which involve spirit mediums/traditional healers who are working interchangeable.