The Power of Sugesti in Traditional Javanese Healing Treatment
Abstract: This paper aims to
explore the beliefs in society toward traditional healing regardless of the
more accessible, affordable and improved modern health services. This
ethnographic study was conducted in Yogyakarta in 2013-2014. Phenomenological
approach was used to analyze the data using the theory of health seeking
behavior as the guiding principle
of this research. The
main factor influencing
Javanese community’s belief
in traditional healing was the
power of placebo effect. Placebo can arise from both the patient and the
healer. Additionally, other factors such as compatibility between the patients
and the healer, patient’s aversion to doctor’s therapy, and the fact that
traditional treatment is cheaper, easier, and more effective than modern
medicine were the main considerations for patients in choosing traditional
treatment. The benefit of psychotherapy provided through traditional medicine
is in the form of life advices or counseling. In addition, healers’
attentiveness in listening to patients’ complaints was also the main appeal of
the traditional health care service.
Author: Atik Triratnawati,
Arsanti Wulandari, Tiara Marthias
Journal Code: jpsosiologigg140018
