User:Kamryanb/practice

A culture-bound psychological syndrome found in the southern United States and Caribbean societies is known as Rootwork. It can also be found in Latin American societies by the name of Mal Puesto or Brujeria. Patients diagnosed with this disorder usually experience anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, and fear of being poisoned or killed. These people believe they have been "hexed" by a person who practices some type of voodoo or witchcraft. The person will continue to experience the symptoms until the "hex" or "root" has been removed. Usually a "root doctor" is the one to remove the "hex."

Although Rootwork is usually found in the south, migration to the north has caused several reports of the disorder in that region. Because of the lack of root doctors in the north, people who were believed to be hexed would turn to hospitals for care. This caused some confusion and concern because doctors were not aware of the condition they were experiencing. Patients who believed they have been hexed feel embarrassed and guilty. It is difficult for them to admit what has happened. The cultural gap adds to the uneasy feelings.

Rootwork originally came to the United States by Africans and the Caribbean people. Usually practiced by African-Americans, the white rural population have also been known to be involved. The main idea is that severe illness or death will come to a person through being hexed. The hex is generally placed through powders that have been placed in food or drinks. Also, one may even “dress” their hand so only a touch will hex another.

Treating root work is more often than not, done by a root doctor. The root doctor may take the patient in and listen to their complaints. The hex will be lifted by using various powders and/or liquids. The doctor will also offer the patient advice for the future. THIS PARAGRAPH CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH, OR THE LAST SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH SHOULD BE MOVED DOWN HERE. THEY BOTH DISCUSS THE DOCTOR AND REMOVING THE HEX.

IT IS STATED TWICE WHERE ROOTWORK CAME FROM AND FOUND. I DON'T THINK IT IS, BUT IT ALMOST SEEMS AS IF THE INFORMATION CONTRADICTS ITSELF ON ORIGIN AND CURRENT PLACE. MAKE THAT INFORMATION FLOW AND CONNECT A LITTLE BETTER.