Illness and cure in Tonga: traditional and modern medical practice

Bloomfield, Siosiane Fanua

Book

Illness and cure in Tonga: traditional and modern medical practice

Vava'u Press • Nuku'Alofa, Tonga • Published In 2002 • Pages:

By: Bloomfield, Siosiane Fanua.

Abstract
This is a study of maternal/child health and family planning in Tonga. These two topics are closely related in their concern with the well-being of women and their children. It is important to look at the relationship between indigenous beliefs and practices, and introduced Western ones. Notions of birth control and mother and child care were present in indigenous Tongan society in the form of elaborate care of mother and child before and after birth; and the great emphasis placed on the virginity of women before marriage. Such beliefs and practices often differ considerably from those that have been introduced more recently. Thus, children traditionally are considered MONū (blessings) and any idea of reducing the number of children a woman bears after marriage is contrary to this belief. But traditional and modern beliefs and practices need not always be seen as contradictory and one of the goals of this study is to explore the extent to thich they do and can complement one another (p. 1). The text presents a short discussion of Tongan etiologies relating to health, sickness and curing, the curers themselves, and several case studies of individuals in Nukunuku village and on Tafahi Island.

Tests and schedules administered in the field

Magical and mental therapy