Belief as a Means of Healing Using "Tsebel" in Treating Kidney Stones:The Case of Bata Maryan Church, in Gondar City, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, because of the very limited modern health facilities, private and public, nearly 90% of the population uses traditional medicines such as the holy water as the primary health care service. The main objective of this study was investigating the role of tsebel as a means of healing kidney stones with a particular emphasis on Bata Maryam church, Gondar.

Methods: For this study, in-depth interviews, participant observation, FGD, and key informant interviews were used. To this end, the church, and participants were recruited using purposive sampling. The long healing history and accessibility of target population were the main reasons for using purposive sampling. Finally, the data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique.

Results: The study showed that tsebel played an undeniable role in healing kidney stones. Specifically, tsebel drunk early in the morning for one to three weeks (usually 3-5/day) was found to be the most effective healer of kidney stones. Moreover, interviewees confirmed that tsebel gives spiritual and psychological satisfaction along with its health benefits. But, it should be associated with a strong belief as stated in the New Testament “He who believes and is baptized will be savedâ€.

Conclusion: Despite this fact, the use of traditional medicines is often considered backward, risky for health, and unimportant by modern health practitioners. But, it plays an important role in curing illnesses and diseases, including kidney stones. Thus, equal emphasis should be given to both traditional (here tsebel) and modern health care.