Indigenous Medicine Among the Bedouin in the Middle East - by Aref Abu-Rabia (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Modern medicine has penetrated Bedouin tribes in the course of rapid urbanization and education, but when serious illnesses strike, particularly in the case of incurable diseases, even educated people turn to traditional medicine for a remedy. Over the course of 30 years, the author gathered data on traditional Bedouin medicine among pastoral-nomadic, semi-nomadic, and settled tribes. Based on interviews with healers, clients, and other active participants in treatments, this book will contribute to renewed thinking about a synthesis between traditional and modern medicine - to their reciprocal enrichment.

Review Quotes

"Aref Abu-Rabia provides us with rich knowledge that rests on a wide-ranging literature dealing with Islam and the history of the Bedouins of the Middle East, as well as on anthropological studies conducted by other scholars and on findings accumulated during the author's extensive fieldwork over a period of 30 years. His impressive knowledge of the subject is demonstrated by the rich list of sources." - Medical Anthropology Quarterly

"This fascinating book meets multiple needs of integrative medicine practitioners, herbalists, faith healers, and a useful reminder of Bedouin healing practices in the Middle East. It is a must read by anthropologists, medical historians, traditional, and phytomedicine practitioners." - Saudi Medical Journal

About the Author

Aref Abu-Rabia is an Anthropologist at the Department of Middle East Studies at Ben-Gurion University. His research and publications focus on the Middle East, North Africa and Islamic communities in the West.