Knowledge and practices of specialists in the Andean medical system in intercultural contexts of 21st-century Peru

López J.R.; Bitulas L.A.S.; Orellana F.R.; Vila P.A.A. · Desde el Sur (2025) · DOI: 10.21142/des-1702-2025-0033

Resumen

In a context of health and climate challenges up to 2025, specialists in the Andean medical system have combined ancestral knowledge with contemporary approaches. This study analysed the relevance of their responses to Andean diseases in Quinua. The qualitative, non-experimental, and exploratory methodology included observation and semi-structured interviews, collecting 120 responses to 20 questions from six participants. Discourses and meanings related to health in the community were interpreted. The findings highlighted the significance of Andean specialists, who complement Western medicine with ancestral practices and the use of natural resources for diagnosis, treatment, and healing. Furthermore, the community integrates traditional knowledge with conventional medical practices, valuing a holistic and humanised approach to healthcare. Finally, all members actively participate in traditional medicine, reinforcing the collective nature of medical knowledge and practice in Quinua.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga