What are some traditional African American beliefs regarding causes of disease and illness?
Transcript: Geri-Ann Galanti: Traditional African American medicine distinguishes between “natural” and “unnatural” causes of disease. Examples of natural causes of disease are improper diet and exposure to cold or wind; examples of perceived unnatural causes are God’s punishment and voodoo. Treatment should fit the cause. For example, patients (usually from the South or in rural areas) may interpret gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) as a sign of voodoo poisoning, which must be treated by a voodoo practitioner (root doctor). Diseases which are perceived as punishment for sin are most appropriately treated within the church, and through prayer. What are African American beliefs about blood and how can they be confused with blood pressure? Transcript: Geri-Ann Galanti: Traditional African American beliefs found in the South include notions about “high” and “low” blood. High blood would indicate too much blood; low blood, not enough. Eating too
