Learning from the Ground: CAM, Culture, and Community Health

 During our stay in Alfonso, we engaged with different individuals, health workers, and communities. It was a meaningful experience that allowed me to better understand varying perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). I also came to understand why many choose to use CAM. It’s all connected, people’s beliefs, their community dynamics, and their access to healthcare.

One key realization was that health beliefs and behaviors are largely influenced by culture and tradition, often passed down from generation to generation. In Alfonso, many people rely on herbal medicine, especially in remote barangays where transportation is limited. Others resort to alternative practices because of financial limitations or time constraints due to work.

A memorable experience during our survey was interviewing a respondent who regularly consults an albularyo (faith healer). He didn’t deny the importance of doctors, but he emphasized that using an albularyo was part of his family’s tradition since his mother had been one too. This showed me that health practices are deeply rooted in generational knowledge. Practices like faith healing may seem unfamiliar to us, but to others, they are a part of life. I’ve learned that to be effective in public health, I need to be open to these perspectives and understand their motivations in order to help them.

What challenged me most during the survey were the communication barriers. I had to adjust how I asked questions and avoid medical jargon. One respondent had hearing difficulties, so I used hand gestures to ensure clarity. One particularly difficult interview was with a respondent who was smoking during our discussion. Although I dislike secondhand smoke, I didn’t ask him to stop. Out of respect, I endured it, yet I learned that while empathy is important, so is protecting my own well-being. If faced with the same situation again, I would politely excuse myself or reschedule because respecting others should not come at the expense of my own health.

This experience also expanded my view of healthcare to include traditional and alternative forms. In Alfonso, herbal medicine is widely used due to its accessibility, affordability, and community support. Many prefer these remedies for common illnesses because they are less expensive and do not require tests or consultations. Rather than dismissing these practices, we should work toward integrating them with biomedical approaches. Education plays a key role in this. By informing communities about the benefits and limitations of these practices, we can promote a safer, more comprehensive healthcare system.