Key Differences Between Indigenous and Western Concepts of Health and Well-Being

Key Differences between Indigenous and Western Concepts of Health and Well-being
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Introduction
Health and well-being are important concepts in indigenous and western societies, but the definitions and approaches can differ significantly. On the other hand, in western societies, health and well-being are often defined in more narrow terms, focusing primarily on physical health and medical interventions (Fortier & Hon-Sing Wong, 2018). In indigenous communities, social workers may work alongside traditional healers and community members to address health issues while advocating for culturally appropriate services and support. In western societies, social workers may work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and community organizations, to support individuals and families facing health-related challenges (Zuhu, n.d). In the context of health and well-being, the AASW plays a key role in advocating for the social determinants of health to be addressed, such as poverty, housing, and access to education. It also guides social workers on the importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being and the need to work collaboratively with other professionals and community members to achieve positive outcomes.
Discussion
Indigenous and western societies have different conceptualizations of health and well-being. The indigenous understanding of health and well-being is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of a person’s life. On the other hand, western societies typically focus on physical health and medical interventions to address health problems. Indigenous societies view health and well-being as a state of balance between individuals and their environment. This balance includes a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects (Zuhu, n.d). Indigenous health practices emphasize the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and the importance of maintaining a balance between them. For example, traditional healing practices such as sweat lodges, herbal remedies, and talking circles often address physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
On the other hand, physical health is one of the critical determinants of western societies. This approach tends to focus on treating the symptoms of an illness rather than addressing the underlying causes. Indigenous societies prioritize community well-being over individual well-being (Terare & Rawsthorne, 2019). The collective is seen as more important than the individual. This approach recognizes that individuals are interconnected with their communities and that community support is essential for maintaining health and well-being. Indigenous and western societies have different conceptualizations of health and well-being. Local cultures view health and well-being as a holistic concept encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of a person’s life. Yarning, or storytelling, is a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander way of sharing knowledge, culture, and experiences through conversation. While yarning is a useful tool in culturally responsive healthcare, its efficacy in treating patients with communication issues is not well-established.
Another study published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health found that yarning effectively engages Local Australian patients in discussions about their health and healthcare needs. The study suggests that yarning can be a useful tool for healthcare professionals to understand their patients’ perspectives and experiences (Lin et al., 2016). However, some research has shown that incorporating yarning into speech therapy interventions may be beneficial for improving communication outcomes in Indigenous populations. For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that a culturally responsive speech therapy program, incorporating yarning and other cultural practices, effectively improved language outcomes in Indigenous Australian children with language di...