ABSTRACT
Healing techniques have always reflected the human struggle for physical survival and psychological well-being in order to preserve a wholesome existence in the face of the mysteries of nature. Because illness is related to the interaction between the individual and both the physical and social environment, it is not surprising that there are commonalties across time and space regarding etiology and treatment. Possession by the spirits as an explanation of physical and mental illness has been with us throughout the history of human beings (Alexander & Selesnick, 1966). The evil eye as an etiological factor is found across cultures, including a number of European countries, India, and the Middle East (Dundes, 1981). Similarly, many universal factors are involved in the therapeutic process, such as the healer’s shared worldview with his or her patients, labeling of the disease and the attribution of the cause, the expectations of the patient, and the importance of suggestion (Prince, 1980). Thus, the Arab-Islamic native healing systems share many characteristics with those of other cultures.
