Izdravanje

Izdravanje is a traditional folk therapy originating from the Balkan region, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. Translating to "wiping away" in English, izdravanje involves a physical and emotional cleansing process aimed at restoring balance and well-being. Practitioners typically lay down on a large wooden board, known as a tumbilak, which can be 5-6 meters long and 1 meter wide.

A therapy session consists of a gentle rocking motion, often accompanied by music, singing, and storytelling. Practitioners let go of their emotions, anxieties, and physical tension as they are gently swayed back and forth, much like a cradle. The tumbilak acts as a structural support, allowing the body to release its burdens while obtaining a sense of security and freedom.

Izdravanje is often associated with the Dervishes of the Balkans and the Ottoman Empire. Similar practices can be observed in various other cultures around the world, signifying a universal quest for emotional and physical release. Used in modern times for relaxation, stress relief, and spiritual rejuvenation, izdravanje has gained global recognition as an unusual folk remedy worth noting.