Notes on the article by Joseph A. Adepoju “A Study of Health Beliefs and Practices of the Yoruba”

The study presented in the article describes in full the dualistic approach to treating illness. We see how the spiritual and physical treatments become complementary to each other within the Yoruba community. This approach is common not only for the immigrant community but also to the Yoruba living in Nigeria – there are always two sides seen in an illness – a physical and a spiritual, and both must be treated with equal importance.

The holistic approach to healing in the Yoruba community is described in the quote below:

“The practice of magic and medicine is comprehensive and holistic in nature and encompasses the healing of the body, mind and soul. Hence, the Yoruba philosophically looks at both the physical and the spiritual aspect of an illness and therefore healing as a phenomenon comprises of the well-being of the body, soul and the spirit which requires multiple approaches before the ill person is declared healthy again.” (p. 38)

Another point presented in the study had risen some questions: 

“The complexity of Yoruba traditional religion also stipulates that God’s contact with man is through the oripà (deities) who function as intermediaries between Him and man and who are also not available in the Yoruba immigrant communities across the United States.” (p 38) 

Does this mean that once Yoruba move away from their homeland they are also moving away from their deities? This is the first time I come across such idea.