Indigenous mental health care among Gurkha soldiers based in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

This paper looks at the concept of the indigenous healer and draws on experiences of those closely involved with the progress of one soldier who, after feeling unwell, believed he was destined to become a shaman. Initially treated by Western methods, which failed to resolve his situation, he returned to Nepal to consult with the local traditional healers. He spent six weeks in Nepal and was seen by three different types of local shamans. Upon his return to Britain he claimed to be free of symptoms and returned to his normal military duties.