Post 7: Fallen Fontanelle

There are different sorts of folk beliefs running around; an example would be the belief that sweeping at night would lessen your blessings, or the ever-so popular one about the black cat causing bad luck to whoever comes across them.

In Hispanic folklore, there's this belief that a cure for a baby's fallen fontanelle (or the top soft part of the baby's head) would be sucking on it, or even hanging the child upside-down to return it to its proper place. There are different causes to why this happens, according to this article by Robert T. Trotter.

"The folk diagnosis of caida de moilera is not based solely on the presence or absence of a depressed fontanelle. The infant must also exhibit a set of accompanying symptoms which include
excessive crying, a reduced desire or ability to feed, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and irritability. These symptoms typically persist for several days."

Although this is a culture-bound syndrome, there are still some medical basis as to why this happens, and most often it is a sign dehydration. In one article I've read, it is said that it was a concept that dated way back into the Aztec times, and it is something not found in Europe, or even in other countries in Latin America.  Despite being labelled as a culture-bound syndrome, this is something believed to be a sign of a more serious infliction, most often said to be dehydration.

Despite the lack of attention from modern medical institutions, I believe that this is something to be evaluated and explored more, as it can help unveil some helpful factors for children and infants with this infliction.

Post 6: The Mystery that is Bangungot

As I mentioned in one of my articles, I love eating. I have a fondness for snacking during night, especially if I have some extra school-related work to do, since it helps me stay awake and give me a bit of energy to pursue my tasks. Most of the time, my mother will catch me heating up some leftovers from dinner earlier, and she would always say "Huwag ka kumain ng marami, baka magkabangungot ka." ("Don't eat too much, you might get nightmares.") I've tested it out one time --please don't try to do it though, since there's a popular belief this causes acute pancreatitis, or the inflammation of the pancreas-- and ate a lot before sleeping. I woke up feeling fine, to be honest.

I told my mother about it and asked what the big deal is, she didn't look pleased about what I did and explained that there were a few instances where people slept on a full stomach and never woke up; most of them had no visible signs that they died. I got a bit curious, so I went on and started to look up bangungot on the internet, and it gave me two results.

First was about a local Philippine folk legend called a Batibat, a vengeful creature that sits on its victim's chest or face, and immobilizes and suffocates them. The second one is what we call "Sudden unexpected death syndrome", which is the closest thing as the one my mother told me.

According to this article I found, it seems the phenomenon isn't exclusive to just the Philippines, but to other Asian countries.

 "The unexplained deaths have stunned the estimated 200,000 Thais in Singapore, where they provide mainly low-cost labor as domestic servants and construction workers. Concern is so great that the Thai government dispatched a team of medical investigators from the Public Health Ministry to Singapore last week, but they returned home Tuesday without having solved the mystery."We didn't come up with any conclusion," said Ong-art Klamphaiboon, the public health official who led the delegation."

The phenomenon is so mysterious, that there is only little to no articles that could explain why this happens. Some say it's due to eating, as with my mother; while others say it's due to heart failures, despite the contradiction that no damage is seen on the sufferer, including internally. In the near future, perhaps we'll find out. But for now, there's nothing much to do but to be careful and take extra precautions.

Post 5: Wendigo Psychosis

 Mythology is a rich source for many information regarding the views people in earlier times, and each culture have their own myths about creatures our ancestors have either feared or revered. These beings range from the well-known gods and goddesses, to the feared monsters that are the source of horror, chaos, and destruction. In the Native American mythology, there is a certain monster that is described as powerful, and is highly feared by the Algonquins: this is the Wendigo.

 A Wendigo (there are alternative spellings, though this one is something I prefer) is a fearsome creature that feeds on human flesh; it is malevolent, with great spiritual power, and is associated with Winter, as well as famine and starvation. According to the myth, a Wendigo was once a human who have resorted to cannibalism; once they've consumed flesh, an evil spirit will possess them, and forced the person to have an insatiable taste for human flesh. As with most cultures, cannibalism in the Algonquin culture is considered to be a taboo, even if it is a desperate act to save one's life.

 I, myself, am a fan of horror and gore -- I grew to love it when I was still young and dreaming of being involved in the medical field; I thought it'll help me get used to the blood and all-- It's no question that I've come across several things which involves cannibalism. At a rather young age, I came across one of these, and to say I was horrified wouldn't cut it. I couldn't believe it actually happens in real life; it was one of the worst fears I had back then. But now I think I grew rather indifferent towards after learning how to view things in a more detached manner, as I do to most things people would normally think of as disgusting and horrific. So when I've come across the words "wendigo psychosis", I had the faintest feeling it was what I thought it is.

 Wendigo psychosis is a culture-bound syndrome wherein the person inflicted has --as with the legend-- an insatiable craving for human flesh despite the fact that the person in question is not in a sort of famine. It's not only characterized by the cannibalism; according to an article by Chris Hibbard, there are other factors that makes a certain mental illness be categorized as Wendigo psychosis.

"The initial symptoms (thought to be psychosomatic) of the Windigo Psychosis were depression, distaste for most ordinary foods and a subsequent poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting, followed by periods of semi-stupor. Gradually, the victim becomes obsessed with paranoid ideas of being bewitched and is subject to homicidal and sometimes suicidal thoughts. He feels that he has been possessed by the Windigo spirit or monster and it is controlling him, it is this delusion that gives the psychosis its name."

 One famous case of Wendigo psychosis is Swift Runner, who killed his wife and five children despite living 25 miles away from the nearest resource center. He admitted this without much prodding, and explained that the spirit of a Wendigo beckoned him to do it. He was arrested, and remained rather calm throughout his execution. He even thanked the people who arrested him. Strange, isn't it?

 Nonetheless, Swift Runner was hung on December 20, 1879 for his crimes.

After years of reading and being desensitized to most horrors people would be screaming at, I think the most horrific thing that I've realized is how some people commit acts of brutality with no repentance, nor feeling. It is common today, I know that, but it wasn't because of apathy that makes is terrifying. It's that most people aware of what they're doing, how they know they are maddened by paranoia and other factors, and how it drives them to do unspeakable acts. But they can't do anything about it, to the point that they beg other people to make them stop, or they lost all feelings, if at all.

Chapter 1: Introduction (Draft)

Influence of Diseases in Specific Cultures

A Research Paper Presented to

Mr. Dustin Celestino of the English Resource Center

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Course

RESWRITE-Research Writing

Angela Ashley F. Villaluz

February 2013

Chapter 1

Introduction

      A.    Background of the Study

The term “disease” is broad and rather difficult to place in a specific sort of definition; the very well-known definition is tedious to place in a single sentence. The subject has a variety of terms, categories, sub-categories, etc., that may seem limitless, and differs in each cultures. For the latter, it is called “culture-bound syndrome” or “culture-specific diseases”.

Culture-bound syndrome is defined as a disease recognized only in specific cultures or societies. To be more specific, it is a collection of symptoms and signs which are only defined as a disease only to those of the specific culture. But coming across different articles, the main definition still varies and has no solid form whatsoever. Psychiatrists have called these “exotic psychotic syndrome”, and it was once believed to be prevalent in only in Eastern culture, until Western society has found out of its own prevalent culture-bound syndrome. (http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/21/mental_illness.html)

 As stated by the article by Carrie McLaren and Alexanra Ringe above, a known possible example would be anorexia and bulimia nervosa, of which are influenced by Western society’s fixed definition of beauty, represented by tall skinny women that are seen in television and magazines. Anorexia nervosa is under Eating disorders, with its well-known symptoms and signs are “[the patient] refuses to maintain body weight at or above 85% of normal weight for age and height” and “intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight. (http://socialcosmos.library.uu.nl/index.php/sc/article/viewFile/36/32)

The researcher observes that in each culture, there is a varying degree of how the populace acts towards certain illnesses. An example would be the Kuru, or Laughing Disease which was prevalent long ago in Papua, New Guinea. Though many experts have tried to uncover the truth behind the disease, the people of the Fore tribe concludes that the disease is caused by contagious magic, and have been careful to dispose of anything personal (i.e, nails, hair, excretions, etc.)
(http://anthro.palomar.edu/medical/med_4.htm)

Culture-bound syndrome is said to be common among Eastern society. Most, if not all, are merely ways to explain a few mysteries regarding an unexplained phenomenon prevalent in their society. In the Philippines, there is a unique sort of folk illness called pasma, an illness attributed to the interaction of heat and coldness. It has its own signs, symptoms, perceived causes and diagnosis known in Philippines folk medicine. Although it is not entirely recognized by professional medical anthropologists, nor is it discussed in medical institutions.

“Because the culture-bound syndromes are so varied, there can be no single type of diagnostic or therapeutic approach.” – Dr. Ronald Simons, “An Introduction to Culture-Bound Syndromes”

Rather than focus solely on the broad categories of diseases, this paper focuses specifically on diseases which affects various cultures and society.

B.     Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

I. In what way do diseases affect specific societies and cultures?

C.     Significance of the Study

Students who are taking a course in the medical field. This research will help specify the factors which partake in developing specific folk illnesses, its history,  as well as help define its effects on the populace that are a part of the culture.

Future Researchers. This research aims to help those who wish to further explore the topic, as well as give them a thorough report on specific folk illnesses and its remaining influence in today’s modern society.

D.    Scopes and Delimitations

This research aims to explore the aspects that affect society wherein it develops into a culture-bound syndrome or a folk illness.

Due to time constraints, the researcher aims to focus on diseases and its influence. Certain aspects such as its connection to other cultures and how to categorize one sort of disease as a folk illness will not be fully explored, although it shall be brushed upon in specific articles.

Resources of the research will focus on professionals and their studies on the subject, as well as their opinions and viewpoint upon the matter.

E.     Materials and Methods

The research will follow a descriptive method, wherein the researcher’s aim to explore the factors and effects of culture-bound syndromes. It will state several ideas and information as to how one disease is only prevalent in specific areas, and how it influences the populace not only physically, but psychologically.

Information will be gathered from credible sources and articles found in the internet, as well as from books and specific individuals with knowledge on the subject.

F.      Definition of Terms

Medical anthropologists. Those who are involved in the study of human health, disease and healthcare systems.

Folk illness. Another term for culture-specific syndrome.

Post 4: Anorexia and Today’s Modern Standards

Be aware of eating disorders.

Living healthy is a must, and is something that’s highly encouraged. As a person who prefers to eat for pleasure –especially if sweets and desserts--, I think this trait is something to be admired. Add the fact that in every street corner there’s no of shortage of fast food restaurants, it really is something.

But of course, like everything else, there’s always some sort of downside to it. I don’t mean living healthy, I mean the envy and attitude towards it goes into the extreme. Of course, with all the pressures of society on people with excess weight have a symbolic meaning of greediness and gluttonous self-indulgence, many people would think the opposite of it is good. Add the fact with all the glamor of those thin supermodels we see on fashion shows and commercials, then there’s this sort of insecurity that makes people –particularly, women—feel awful about their current image.

 

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where the food restriction goes into unhealthy, and along with it is the fear of gaining weight. It’s more prevalent in Western society, though I’m quite sure there’s also no lack of it here in our country.  It is not, as most people think, a loss of appetite. A person with this specific disorder certainly feels appetite, but has an addiction to fasting to lose weight. Along with it come the metabolic and hormonal disorders, as well as the distorted self-image.

According to an article by Dr. Emily T. Tronscianko, who had first-hand experience with Anorexia herself, details about how society’s warped view of thinness and beauty can affect people into Anorexia with all the disapproval with fat people, the admiration for people very thin people, especially in the fashion industry’s models can affect us.

“I knew that if the world as we knew it ended and I was still anorexic, I'd be crippled by anger at myself, by regret and by the deepest imaginable sadness that I'd insisted on refusing to eat when there was enough. When I then did start to eat more again, a couple of years later, I cried too, because it felt so beautiful and so awful that any food I wanted was there, waiting for me, and that I could choose anything I wanted to make myself better again: an unholy privilege, to say no to food for so many years, and then to have it all there for the taking as soon as I got over that perversion born, at least in part, of over-privilege.”

With the rise of ‘pro-ana’ websites, as well as the harsh view society has, it’s definitely nothing to laugh about. And with all the things I’ve witnessed with people who even long to have anorexia definitely says something about today’s society. The warped image society has on beauty and standards affect our vision of perfection and what’s good and what’s not good. Even if one can say their honest opinion about the negative effects media may glorify, the majority’s opinion will still win out.

Post 3: The Unsettling Laughing Sickness

Zombies are famous icons in the horror genre. I don’t think there’s anyone in the 21^st century who hasn’t heard the word zombie before. From black magic to animal diseases, there were many different causes why this infection started, one of which was something called Kuru.

Kuru is a rare degenerative disease that has affected only, mysteriously enough, the Fore tribe in Papua, New Guinea. According to the article "Kuru: The Laughing Sickness- The Oddest & Rarest Infectious Disease in The World" by Francesca Fiore, the main cause of this disease, which had been thoroughly researched by Australian doctors in 1957, was not because of the environmental toxins nor was it hereditary. Because of the unknown causes, and also because of the tribe’s lack of communication outside, they have thought this disease was because of witchcraft, or a curse placed on their family.

As stated in this article by Dennis O'Neil, it was not until the late 1950’s when American pediatrician Carleton Gajdusek came to try and solve the problem. It was discovered through the microscopic examination of dead Kuru victims, he discovered that the disease organism was carried through the bloodstream and was concentrated in the brain tissue.

When you look at the microscopic view of the brain tissues of Kuru and compare them to classic CJD (most commonly known as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease) and Scrapie, it was clear enough for them to conclude that Kuru is caused by prions. And because of this, it has spread some light on what was the cause of this incurable disease; it was the Fore tribe’s unusual funeral ceremony: the consumption of dead relatives. Or most commonly called as cannibalism.

“They weren't,  for the most part, what we have come to think of as cannibals in Western culture. They didn't contract the disease from so-called headhunting. They became afflicted with Kuru from their bizarre funeral customs.”

To bring out stronger evidence, those afflicted with the disease are mostly women and children, who ate the less desirable parts of the body which includes the brain. Another factor, as the article states, is the women’s exposure to the deceased’s blood and tissues from food preparation, bringing a higher risk when they’re exposed on cuts and open sores.

Today, cannibalism in New Guinea is outlawed, but there are still those out there who are affected due to the disease’s long incubation period, some of which lasted up to 30 years. And because of this, it is now believed that the disease is completely extinct.

Although it is not the only culture-specific disease out there, Kuru is a very notable disease and has been a source of inspiration in some notable works.

Post 2: Different Cultural Views on Alcohol Consumption

To cope with the stress the people suffer from –whether it is from work, exams, or other known factor- it is only natural for people to indulge in something to enjoy and indulge in to relax and let loose. One of these, of course, is drinking. Alcohol has played a large part in many, if not all, human cultures since Neolithic times, approximately about 4000 B.C. But it’s something left unsaid that drinking can be bad when taken to extreme levels.

Alcoholism is one of the many problems our society faces, and also one of the primary factors in minor crimes. Many of these vary between ethnicity  countries and cultural upbringing; not only that, but it is also affected by certain factors, such as one’s environment or situation. Some cultures have Alcoholism as a problematic yet prevalent part of everyday life; there are also some who have had little to none of this problem, even viewing it as “rare” and “indecent”.

While searching for disorders, ailments and diseases which are viewed differently between countries, I've come across an article by Dr. Stanton Peele called “Alcohol and Society: How Culture Influences the Way People Drink”, an article which explores the different factors that affects one’s drinking habits. Although it was long, it was informational and helpful in determining in what way our culture affects our habits, specifically in this article, alcohol consumption.

“The destructive personal and social consequences of alcohol abuse are not entirely or even largely due to the prevalence of drinking or the amount of alcohol consumed.”

One of the things that caught my eye in the article is how one culture, specifically Italians and Chinese people, have introduced alcohol to young people as a part of everyday life and in doing so, have them develop self-control and a moderate drinking practice. There is no specific law where an underage child should be protected from alcohol in countries such as France and China; while in countries such as Italy and Spain, children are given small quantities of wine as a routine part of a meal and celebration. In Jewish culture, children are taught that wine is something sacred, and can only be consumed as an act of communion.

And one of the things I noticed about the factors of cultures with immoderate drinking habits have no concrete social customs about drinking etiquette, which then leads to people relying on their peers and people in their social norms, some if which lead to peer pressure into drinking. Along with that, there is also the factor in one country where drinking is inexcusable, abstinence is approved. Without someone who would lead them into a proper moderate drinking habit, a person may end up drinking into excess, leading to alcohol abuse. Along with that is the strict government rule about drinking. And as most of us know, most of these are not followed; simply because of the thrill one feels when someone breaks the rules.


People should take note that drinking is not a bad thing, depending on their beliefs. Indulging is normal for us, but we should also remember that doing certain things in excess is awful, and that we should remember to take things in moderation and with self-control.