What determines how a culture treats it's illness?

Question

Medical Anthropology

Answer 1

Far-Out! You assume that some of us are that far ahead. It's nice that you throw that out there. I suspect that you have evidenced much of what you imply-perhaps in a dream? Dreams incur questions as well as distinct insights. What is relevant is that you've taken your problication public. Your sub-conscience has realized it's self in a proper way.  So- why do you question yourself? Answer is that you need honest guidance to quell your guilt! Be honest in all your inquires-that is the first step towards peace.

Answer 2

Your question is a little vague, so the first answer would be "a lot of things".

To clear things out, first I would say it is not really determined but rather conditioned or influenced by a number of social and cultural factors. Then it would have to do with the type of culture you might be thinking of. Also you would have to think if cultures really treat their illnesses or rather they treat their sick.

That being said, in indigenous cultures one condition that must be considered is the natural environment. Only that which is available can be used. Then there is the knowledge that has been gained from plants and other therapeutic resources. On the other hand, the ideas that explain why someone is sick might not have to do with a foreing agent but rather with guilt, remorse or cosmic events. This will also influence the resources that will be needed to regain good health, in some situations a herbal tea, in others a chamanic procedure or a sacrifice.