Two Essays on Non-Western Approaches to Healing

August 2023

by

Authors: Nonhlanhla Makuyana (they/them) & Amiteshwar Singh (he/him)

Project Supervisor: Araceli Camargo

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In past work, we have highlighted how the western medical industrial complex inflicts harm to peoples who are marginalised by white supremacy, specifically those who intersect with disability, racialisation, economic poverty, and Transnesss. These peoples and communities are at higher risk for medical malpractice; being misdiagnosed, ignored, confronted with violent language, and forced into non-consensual medical procedures.  

This can result in resorting to alternative care, which can be healing, but it can also prevent accessing vital healing opportunities. To be "seen" by the western medical complex is more often than not to be harmed. 

These two essays reflect on non-western healing epistemologies,  both as an opportunity for healing and as a  response to the harms of the western medical industrial complex. 

How have "our" healing practices, which are erased from the dominant western medical narratives, been healing us from the brink of extinction?

by Nonhlanhla Makuyana (they/them)

What does Healing look like from a non-western perspective? Healing definitions and questions to contemplate.

by Amiteshwar Singh (he/him)

Authors

Nonhlanhla Makuyana (they/them) | Author

Educator, creative, and new economics organiser.

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Amiteshwar Singh (he/him) | Author

Medical student and health justice advoate

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Araceli Camargo | Project Supervisor

Neuroscientist & Health Activist

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