Date of Award

11-30-2017

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Teresa Delfin

Second Advisor

Alvin Alejandrino

Abstract

I have divided this paper into three related sections, and each subsequent section of this paper builds on the conclusions of the previous sections. Section I seeks to define a “model of health” for people living in the Peruvian Highlands. Section I draws heavily on one month of fieldwork that I conducted. Section II catalogues and describes the use of culturally significant herbs in the Peruvian Highlands. Section III explores the physiological function of the therapeutic agents in coca, muna, ayahuasca, and sangre de grado, drawing on a review of scientific literature to summarize what is known about each. By looking at the meaning of health and the use of herbs in the Peruvian Highlands, I will outline the anthropological research steps necessary for the formative evaluation of a public health initiative, while simultaneously challenging American notions of “medicine.” I conclude with a discussion about the nature of health promotion in cross cultural contexts, challenging American notions of health and medicine and exploring the importance of these differences in global health work.

Comments

WSP Major: Health, Medicine, and International Policy

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