Traditional Community Resources for Mental Health in India

The paper focuses on the use of what we (in western countries) call “complementary medicine” or traditional medicine. The research study has been carried out by the Authors in a healing temple in South India, namely the temple of Muthuswamy in the village of Velayuthampalayampudur, Dindugal District. The temple was built over 60 years ago around the tomb of Muthuswamy, a man who lived in the village a century ago. According to the local legend, a mere touch of his hands could cure many ailments, especially mental illness. After Muthuswami’s death the villagers built the temple and over time it began to attract mentally ill patients. The Authors point out that the healing power identified with temple healing may reside in the site itself, rather than in any religious or charismatic leader or any medications provided at the site. It is customary in India for people troubled with emotional distress or more serious mental conditions to go to Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other sites embedded with a religious aura. This attitude can result both from a traditional set of beliefs and the shortage of statutory mental health services. The “patients” are usually brought to the temple by their families and a close relative stays with them to take care of their daily needs during their permanence in the temple. They are encouraged to take part in the daily routines of the site, including cleaning the compound, watering the plants, and so forth.