Concepts of illness and curing in a central Nepal village

The research on which this description of illness and its treatments was carried out in the village of Dhungagaun, which is located about 50 miles north-west of Kathmandu in Nuwakot District, in the Bagmati Zone. Predominently a Brahman-Chhetri village, over half of its 2,000 inhabitants are of the high (sacred thread-wearing) castes. Apart form Brahmans and Chhetris, other high caste groups here include Jaisi and Thakuri, as well as middle-ranking Matwali groups (Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang) and untouchable castes (Damai and Kami). Of greatest importance to this study of traditional treatment of illness is the opening of Dhungagaun to medical development. Aside from government health centres in Nuwakot District, villagers have access to a small hospital in Trisuli, built by the Indian Cooperation Mission. Today, villagers are clearly aware that new alternatives to their traditional treatments exist. This report begins with a discussion of local conceptions of illness causation and the principles behind curing. The use of herbs, mantras, and amulets is covered, as well as the techniques for appeasement of supernatural forces. Another section deals with the local medical specialists in Dhungagaun and observed patterns in the consultation of a specialist. A discussion of the cultural and psychological aspects of illness is also offered. Finally, the author has attempted a brief analysis of the interaction between traditional curing practices and modern medical alternatives. Medical development in rural Nepal presents a great challenge and the author suggests that an understanding of traditional practices regarding illness can facilitate the attempt to introduce a new conception of illness and its treatment, helpful to those engaged in Nepal's medical development efforts.