Universal Aspects of Symbolic Healing: A Theoretical Synthesis

1986/03/01 by James Dow · 388 citations
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Cognitive science #Computer science #Ecstasy #Epistemology #Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs #Philosophy #Psychiatry #Psychology #Psychotherapist #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices #The Symbolic

paper · pdf · doi:10.1525/aa.1986.88.1.02a00040

published in American Anthropologist 88(1), 56-69 (Wiley)

openalex publication_date 1986/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/01

Abstract

In this article I propose that symbolic healing has a universal structure in which the healer helps the patient particularize a general cultural mythic world and manipulate healing symbols in it. Problems currently existing in the explanation of symbolic healing are examined. The relationship between Western psychotherapy and magical healing is explained, the Junction qfshamanic ecstasy is discussed, and symbolic healing is explained in terms of a theory of living systems.

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