Praktik Pengobatan Tradisional Supranatural di Kecamatan Medan Belawan

Abstract

This paper contains a description of knowledge about supernatural traditional medicine using village medicines in Medan Belawan District. This paper is based on ethnographic research with observation and in-depth interview methods. The results of the study show that supernatural traditional medicine using village medicines is based on knowledge and beliefs passed down from generation to generation from the ancestors of the supernatural healer R, and equipped with grace or permission from the Almighty. It is believed that without His permission, the supernatural healer R would not be able to practice her medical knowledge even though her parents had passed it on. People outside the lineage are not allowed (forbidden) to learn this medicine because, according to the belief of the healer, that 'medicine' can cause pain if they (people outside the lineage) are not physically and mentally strong. In addition, it is feared that it will be used for crimes such as asking for large rewards from patients and their families without regard to the patient's health condition. Then talking about this medical practice, patients know it by word of mouth or commonly called oral culture.