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PLACEBO OR REALITY? A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE PSYCHOLOGY UNDERPINNING INDIGENOUS HEALING AMONG THE MAUNGWE PEOPLE IN MAKONI DISTRICT IN ZIMBABWE

This article examines the psychology underpinning indigenous healing among the Maungwe People in Makoni District. It interrogates what indigenous healing is, the psychology used by indigenous healers in the management of diseases, health models used in indigenous healing, and how psychology relates to culture. Lastly, the study looks at the efficacy or myth of indigenous medicine. The population of the indigenous healers in Makoni was twenty-nine ZINATHA registered indigenous healers and herbalists. A sample of ten indigenous healers was used. A purposive sampling method and multi-sited ethnography were used. In-depth interviews and observations were the data generation methods used. Results showed that indigenous healers use various ways that have psychological implications for the patient, such as the use of animal skin or black, white, or red clothes thrown over their shoulders when they are carrying out their healing activities. Other indigenous healers put a special head-gear called “ngundu” on their heads. The “ngundu,” which has black feathers stuck around it, is worn when getting into “matare,” a process done by indigenous healers to ascertain why the patient is suffering from a certain disease. The use of divining equipment called ‘Hakata’ also has a psychological effect. The results also show that indigenous medicine is effective, as it has been used for centuries to treat various diseases. It was recommended that trainee indigenous medicinal practitioners should also master the psychological rituals which are used in the indigenous healing process.