Perspectivas actuales sobre las prácticas de la medicina ancestral andina. Cuenca, Ecuador.

Abstract

Background. The Andean culture, rich in ancestral knowledge, is practiced in the Cuenca Canton, where its inhabitants commonly use ancestral medicine, deeply rooted in their beliefs and traditions. Aim. Describe the current perspectives on the practices of Andean ancestral medicine in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methodology. This is a qualitative, phenomenological study. Three focus groups were conducted, whose participants were selected by convenience sampling. The information obtained was collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations, previously carried out. The set was transcribed and then encoded using the Atlas.ti software. Hermeneutical and signification units were analyzed to generate categories and subcategories. Results. Two categories were identified: Andean Ancestral Medicine and Integration of ancestral medicine in the Health System. Subcategories of the first one are use, effectiveness, limitations, advantages, and, for the second one: similarities, differences, possible forms of integration. Conclusions. The users prefer ancestral medicine above Western medicine due to its easy access and low costs. In addition, they culturally identify themselves with it when looking for a solution to their spiritual sufferings. Integration of traditional medicine into the Official Health System is feasible but it requires that users and doctors have knowledge on ancestral healing processes and medicinal plants. Also, the creation of a standardizing, regulatory entity that validates their effectiveness and establishes its limitations, is needed.