American Indian traditional health: Trends in clinic use of cultural based health practices

Few studies have examined specific traditional health practices (THP) used in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health programs. THP is the practice of medicine people and the AI/AN community through the use of cultural values, practices and knowledge. The purpose of this AI/AN THP research is to raise consideration of culture-based intervention as a legitimate option and examine how cultural health beliefs and practices are being used to reduce the health disparity of AI/AN communities. The discussion focuses on AI/AN THP as a viable health intervention that complements existing medical based health care. The use of THP has initiated an interactive role of cultural connection for the AI/AN health agency, the medicine people and the local community. Factors that affect the development of a THP program are identified. A brief discussion of community issues and a description of THP activities are listed for participants.