Kuinin

Kuinin is a term that originated in the Philippines, specifically within the context of indigenous cultural practices. It broadly refers to a form of spiritual or ritualistic healing, often involving the appeasement of spirits or the extraction of perceived foreign objects from the body. The specific practices and beliefs associated with kuinin can vary significantly among different indigenous communities.

Practitioners of kuinin are typically individuals recognized within their community for their spiritual connection and healing abilities. These practitioners may use a variety of methods, which can include chanting, the use of herbs and natural remedies, and sometimes symbolic gestures or rituals. The goal is often to restore balance, both physically and spiritually, to the ailing individual.

The understanding of illness within these cultural contexts often differs from Western medical perspectives. Kuinin may address ailments believed to be caused by spiritual disturbances, curses, or the anger of nature spirits. As such, it is deeply intertwined with the worldview and cosmology of the communities that practice it. While modern medicine is widely available in the Philippines, traditional healing practices like kuinin continue to be practiced by some, often in conjunction with or as an alternative to conventional treatments. The term itself is less commonly used in mainstream discourse today, but the underlying practices persist in various forms.