Glossary

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Talisman

An object believed to hold magical properties, often used in folk medicine and Indigenous traditions to ward off disease or promote healing. Talismans are often inscribed with symbols or infused with herbs or prayers.

Thikim

Thikim is a spiritual healing practice involving the use of animal spirits and sacred objects. Inuit shamans enter altered states to negotiate with the spirits of animals or the elements, seeking to cure diseases or ensure a successful hunt.

Thokcha Ritual

Buryat shamans in Mongolia practice Thokcha, a ritual involving sacred objects made of meteorite iron, believed to hold powerful energies. These objects are placed on specific body parts during healing ceremonies to draw out negative forces.

Tincture

A liquid herbal extract made by soaking herbs in alcohol or vinegar. Tinctures are commonly used in traditional and folk medicine for various ailments.

Tingol

Among the Ifugao people, Tingol refers to a ritualistic healing practice performed by a mun’ngilin (healer) who communicates with the ancestral spirits to drive away illness-causing entities. Offerings and chants accompany the ritual.

Totemism

A belief system in some Indigenous cultures where animals, plants, or other objects are regarded as spirit beings or ancestors, often playing a role in healing and protective rituals.

Traditional Medicine (TM)

Refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures. It encompasses healing practices passed down through generations and includes herbal medicine, spiritual therapies, manual techniques, and exercises.