Indigenous Therapies

Indigenous psychology is an intellectual movement practiced across the world. It is based on several factors, including a reaction against several practices done according to western psychology. Non-western people worldwide also practice indigenous psychology to develop indigenous solutions to their everyday problems. In addition to that, indigenous psychology is also gaining popularity because non-western societies recognise its practices and construct in the psychological field. Indigenous therapies and psychological construct is gaining popularity because of the increasing urges of the non-western societies to provide attention to their ways. In this blog, we will be discussing the different indigenous therapies and their impact on human minds.

What is indigenous psychology?

In simple words, indigenous psychology and therapies are an alternative way to study the human mind and behaviour. This alternative study movement suggests that human beings should study human behaviour and mind in a way that is not considering any external factors. The term indigenous refers to the naturally occurring local places. It often has no presence of western culture and non-local contexts. Thus, indigenous psychology refers to locally occurring therapies and practices designed for the indigenous societies in the world with the absence of a non-local context.

Why is there a need to practice indigenous therapies?

Since western psychology focuses mainly on the human mind and not on the heart and spirit of the individuals, indigenous therapies have gained popularity in the field of psychology. 

Types of indigenous therapies

According to several studies conducted on indigenous psychology and communities practicing the same, yoga and meditation have been considered two of the best indigenous therapies. 

Meditation

In simple terms, meditation refers to cultivating and harbouring positive emotions in an individual’s life through daily practicing sessions. Several studies have been conducted around meditation and its impact on the human body in the last decade. There have been many occasions where meditation has been compared to a sport, i.e., one enhances their meditative skills with practice. fMRI and EEG have shown conclusive positive results, and research has proved that meditation has a significant effect on the human body, especially the brain.

Meditation has old historical connections and is mentioned in several religious and cultural textbooks, especially where the monastery is a dominant lifestyle. However, meditation is considered an essential element of several western mindfulness programs in today’s time, rather than a part of the monastery lifestyle. 

Using meditation as a western therapy

Indigenous therapies like meditation and yoga are now used and practiced worldwide. Meditation has entered the field of healthcare to reduce stress and relieve oneself from pain. In several cases of terminal and chronic pain, meditation is used as a method of pain reduction in several hospitals across the globe. Often, doctors and medical practitioners recommend several meditation sessions to keep the complications associated with stress and immunity at bay. 

Mindfulness

Several therapies have been developed around the indigenous concept of mindfulness, also known as pali sat and Sanskrit smriti. By definition, mindfulness brings an individual’s complete attention to the present environment momentarily in a nonjudgemental way. The first element required to achieve mindfulness is self-regulation of attention. Self self-regulation of attention allows individuals to recognise mental events in a given moment. The second essential element to achieve mindfulness is keeping one’s mind open to curiosity, acceptance, and openness. Individuals need to orient their minds to accept the present situation. 

A two-component model of mindfulness

This component model requires an individual to remain completely aware of present thoughts, surroundings, and emotions, which is essential in achieving metacognitive skills for controlling concentration during meditation. On the other hand, the second component requires an individual to accept their mindset and attitude and maintain an open and curious attitude towards experiences.

Yoga

In modern society, yoga is considered a form of physical exercise. But according to traditions and history, this multicomponent discipline involves a variety of postures and physical exercises along with several breath regulation techniques and enhancement of mindfulness techniques. In addition, yoga and most postures practiced under the discipline have a significant psychological essence. According to history, the primary goal of practicing yoga was to bring spiritual awareness and mindfulness to individuals. Indigenous communities practiced the discipline to attain healthy functioning of the body and an ideal state of psychophysiological health. Studies and research have shown that consistent yoga practice acts as a stress reduction therapy and an emotional regulator and improves mood and overall cognitive wellbeing of the mind. 

Yoga therapy and its growing popularity

Currently, yoga is being used as a form of physical exercise and a therapeutic way of treating and maintaining psychological disorders. This practice is also known as yoga therapy. Even though it is considered an indigenous therapy, yoga therapy has gained its popularity only recently. Despite having benefits and history dating back centuries, this practice is recognised globally. Along with the therapeutic and physical health benefits, yoga reduces the severity of diseases and disorders through several indirect ways. Several papers published by psychologists worldwide have mentioned yoga and yoga therapy to treat stress and other psychological disorders.

Conclusion

Indigenous psychology is practical and slowly becoming at par with western psychology. Despite not having the same recognition as western therapies, indigenous therapies, including yoga and meditation, are essential for people across the globe. Yoga therapy is getting more recognition every day as more and more psychologists treat patients with yoga therapy to treat psychological disorders.