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Abstract

There is an observable growing interest in the process of healing. While most are
familiar with what occurs when healing takes place, the questions of how it takes
place, and by what means, remain difficult ones. Through increased understanding of
the process it may be possible to increase its occurrence and effectiveness, and
broaden its scope. Antecedents of contemporary healing activity are documented in
the early history of the Christian church. However, the orthodoxy which arose in the
church led to the suppression of much of the information relating to this, and also to
the spread of orthodoxy and hierarchy as models for government and the professions.
Within the contemporary health system, the medical model is the dominant one,
although there is an increasingly important social model emerging alongside. There
are signs also of increasing overlap between conventional medicine and
complementary medicine, despite their differences in emphasis. Emerging also is a
growing field of practice which bases itself on an energy model with diagnosis and
treatment reflecting information and concepts which stem from theoretical and practical
advances made this century, largely in the field of physics and biophysics. Adapting
medical practice to the changed conceptualisation which this has produced, is a
challenging prospect. The energy model has been employed widely by "New Age"
practitioners and there remains scope for further research to systematise the basis for
much of this practice. Non-Western cultures have always provided the Shamanistic
model of healing. It offers the possibility of wider incorporation of dance, art and
symbolism into practices which could enhance both individuals and communities in
Western cultures. Some discussion is devoted to the issue of how contemporary
healers see themselves and their work. Questionnaire responses and literature sources
are used to examine aspects such as training and techniques, and the extent to which
healing work aims at achieving a situation of self-responsibility in patients or clients.
The scientific backdrop against which developments in the practice of healing are
occurring is also examined. Philosophical and conceptual shifts in the 1980's suggest
there is what might be called a post-rationalist approach to problems emerging
alongside continuing rationalist theory and technological change. A post-rationalist
approach could involve working more within the existing social and natural systems to
understand them better and to improve quality of life, and to bring healing to people
and situations. A shift from hierarchical to holographic perspectives may assist this
process.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Beattie, Heather Anne
Keywords:	Alternative medicine, Holistic medicine, Healing, Pastoral medicine, Medicine
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 1993 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
Additional Information:	Thesis (M.Env.St.)--University of Tasmania, 1997. Includes bibliographical references
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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