The followers of an Umbanda Terreiro in the interior of Bahia and its relationship with the disease-cure process

Abstract

The summary health system has led a considerable part of the population to seek alternatives to restore their well-being. This article analyzes the reasons that lead many individuals to resort to a cure or solution to various problems, be they of a physical / spiritual nature in religious spaces, especially in Terreiro de Umbanda, in the city of Jitaúna - BA. We aim to understand how the notions of health and disease are constructed from a religious view of the world and what are the influences of this conception in the relationship of the adepts with medicine or with the search for supernatural powers in religious spaces. It is an ethnographic research, of a qualitative nature. When participating in religious activities in a terreiro space, we observed and conducted semi-structured interviews with three supporters, including Pai de Santo. We realize that Pai de Santo provides meaning, guides and helps people to resolve and overcome their daily afflictions. We will describe the locus of research observed, discussing the arrival of the patient, consultation, prescription and treatment. It is common for people to go to Terreiros de Umbanda, in the face of emotional imbalances, psychological instabilities, health problems, alcoholism and family members because they cannot find answers in other areas of knowledge.

Keywords: disease, cure, umbanda.