ABSTRACT
Traditional healing practices in the Caribbean have been a part of the geopolitical landscape since colonialism. The inhumanity of slavery and the disregard for the physical and mental well-being of Africans have impelled enslaved peoples to seek the remedial aid of spiritual and traditional medicines. Obeah, Vodou, Santeria and Shango are still readily practiced in the Caribbean and the diaspora, and were orally transmitted through generations. However, many of these healing/spiritual practices are syncretized with Christianity due to hegemonic colonial associations with danger and malevolence. Caribbean healers oftentimes practice in secrecy and face systemic barriers in delivering their services due to the dominance of Western Eurocentric modalities of health and healing. The underutilization and premature termination of Western mental health services by Caribbean peoples calls for a critical understanding of Caribbean healing practices and the admittance and integration of culturally appropriate health/mental health treatment approaches. The socio-political considerations of these healing practices will expose the colonial trauma, oppressive and survival underpinnings rooted in these healing approaches and the historical, cultural and spiritual tenets of Caribbean peoples make them appropriate healing approaches for many spiritually and culturally diverse people in the Caribbean and diaspora.
