Adana Omágua Kambeba is a Brazilian doctor training to become a shaman, integrating Western medicine with Indigenous healing. Overcoming challenges of prejudice and personal crises during her medical education, she now focuses on providing healthcare to her Kambeba community while undergoing shamanic trials. Adana advocates for the integration of Indigenous knowledge in healthcare, representing a bridge between two worlds.
Adana Omágua Kambeba, a Brazilian doctor, has embarked on a remarkable journey to combine her medical training with her ancestral role as a shaman of the Kambeba people. Growing up in a poor rural environment, she felt a natural inclination towards healing, often speaking with plants and offering counsel to adults. Her grandmother recognized her as a potential healer, reinforcing her belief that she was destined for a career in medicine.
Despite her father’s initial disapproval, believing that medicine was for the wealthy, Adana persevered, motivated by an unwavering faith in her path. She aimed to bridge the gap between Indigenous healing practices and Western medicine, aspiring to mediate the disputes that arise in Indigenous healthcare. Adana became one of the first Indigenous students to attend medical school in Brazil, facing prejudice and challenges in adapting to a new environment.
While pursuing her medical degree at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Adana experienced covert forms of discrimination. Colleagues often questioned her presence and abilities, which fueled her determination to succeed. She opted to honor her personal rhythms and the connection to nature, despite the rigorous demands of the medical curriculum, leading to an emotional crisis during her studies.
Adana’s journey took a significant turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she served on the front lines. She graduated in March 2022, achieving a historic milestone as an Indigenous woman in a predominantly white institution. After her graduation, she shifted her focus to visiting Kambeba communities along the Amazon River to provide essential medical care and run workshops on various health issues, such as suicide prevention.
Simultaneously, Adana is undertaking shamanic trials to become a pajé, a spiritual leader within Indigenous cultures. These trials involve performing rituals that utilize ayahuasca, which is known for its hallucinogenic properties. She is committed to spending time in nature to deepen her connection to both her cultural roots and her medical training.
In addition to her medical responsibilities, Adana is an advocate, speaking at conferences and forums to raise awareness about the need for integrating Western and Indigenous medicine. At a recent conference in Rio de Janeiro, she addressed the colonial practices surrounding psychedelics and emphasized the importance of including Indigenous voices in healthcare discussions. Her dynamic presentation included a musical performance, highlighting her multifaceted talents and commitment to her culture.
Adana’s efforts align with Brazil’s initiative to create an intercultural approach to Indigenous healthcare, although challenges remain in practice. Research indicates that Indigenous healthcare providers occupy lower positions within the system, limiting their ability to innovate in care delivery. The tension between conventional biomedical practices and Indigenous medicinal beliefs can lead to a distrust of medical intervention among Indigenous communities.
Adana recalls instances where Indigenous healing practices successfully treated ailments that Western medicine could not, reinforcing the importance of respecting traditional methods. As a mediator during medical emergencies, she has successfully bridged the gap between doctors and Indigenous families, earning their trust through her dual identity as a healer and a medical professional.
Looking ahead, Adana remains committed to completing her training as a pajé. Should she succeed, she envisions hosting celebrations that unite both her medical and Indigenous communities, fostering respect and understanding across different healing modalities.
Adana Omágua Kambeba represents a unique convergence of Western medicine and Indigenous healing traditions. Her journey reflects the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in accessing higher education and being recognized within the medical system. With her dedication to integrating these diverse knowledge systems, she aims to improve healthcare access for her communities while honoring her cultural heritage. Adana’s dual role as a doctor and aspiring pajé exemplifies the potential for holistic healthcare approaches that encompass both scientific and traditional practices.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
