page_title: Health of Filipino Americans
section_title: Traditional healers
hierarchical_section_title: Health of Filipino Americans / Influence of socio-cultural factors / Alternative Prevention and Healing Practices / Traditional healers
caption_attribution_description: English: Chapel of the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño, San Simon, Pampanga) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando Barangay Santo Niño 14°59'8"N 120°45'45"E San Simon, Pampanga (Note: Judge Florentino Floro, the owner, to repeat, Donor Florentino Floro of all these photos hereby donate gratuitously, freely and unconditionally all these photos to and for Wikimedia Commons, exclusively, for public use of the public domain, and again without any condition whatsoever).
context_page_description: The Filipino American identity comprises principles from both the Philippines and the United States. Although the meaning of identity differs from one individual to another, the fundamental factors are the same. History, genetics, socio-economic status, culture, and education are all indirect factors that influences the identity of an ethnic group; thus, they are also reflective of a group's health beliefs and practices.
  The ethnic differences between the Philippines and the United States are influential on the health practices and behaviors of Filipino Americans; however, these differences can also be regarded as being on opposite ends of a spectrum. While it is apparent that the United States exhibits a greater Western approach to health care than Eastern medicine, the health care practices in the Philippines reflect both traditional medicine as well as Western medicine. Due to the historical ties between the United States and the Philippines and societal progression, the healthcare practices of the Philippines also have an allopathic influence.
context_section_description: Faith healers are able to enter a partially conscious state in which they are possessed by religious identities. During this trance, faith healers obtain different characteristics and mannerisms, such as healing abilities. Common holy figures that are highly worshiped in the Philippines, such as Santo Niño and the Virgin Mary, are channeled through faith healers. Consequently, devout believers experience a sense of guidance and aid.
  Other than trance states, there are sects of traditional healers that encourage others to focus on proper nutrition for the care of the body. Faith healers often focus on dietary needs and recommend herbal remedies. In addition, some faith healers advise those who are ill to seek health clinics for further help. When patients are not recovering they are highly encouraged to take doctor-prescribed medications and, if needed, hospitalization.
caption: Santo Niño
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