Okay, American congress. If you don't pass the health care reform bill, we are all going to have to be treated by shamans. At least shamans don't take our money, but they will accept live chickens as payment for their services.
Seriously though, in Merced, California Hmong shamans are afforded full run of Mercy Medical Center where one in four patients is Hmong, from northern Laos.
Whereas shamans are just learning about things called 'germs,' they know a whole lot about other stuff like warding off evil spirits.
This trend to blend cultures is picking up steam where immigrants still cling to ancient customs. In Los Angeles patients are sometimes referred to traditional Hispanic healers, curanderos. Birthing doulas for Somali women are provided in Minneapolis.
My ancient custom has been to be treated by doctors and hospitals who don't demand the deed to my home as compensation. Hopefully, mine will catch on as well.
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