A folk healer is an unlicensed person who practices the art of healing using traditional practices, herbal remedies, and the power of suggestion. The term "folk" was traditionally associated with medical and healing practices that weren't explicitly approved by the dominant religious institution. If people didn't seek healing from an approved priest or religious figure, they would seek the help of the local folk healer. Folk healers, despite their technical illegitimacy, were often viewed as being more involved with the healing process and made their patients more comfortable than other practitioners.[1] With modern medicine being preferred, some look towards folk healers to get consoled from the sacred use of traditional medicine.[2] "Appalachian folk healing goes by many names, depending on where it’s practiced in the region and who’s doing the practicing: root work, folk medicine, folk magic, kitchen witchery."[3]
- ^ "Folk Healers and Healing | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
- ^ SEVER, M. (2015). Folk Medicine, Folk Healing. Journal of Gazi Academic View, 9(17), 181–192.
- ^ Ward, Beth (2017-11-21). "The Long Tradition of Folk Healing Among Southern Appalachian Women". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2023-03-30.