Pluralistic Therapy Choices for Neurological and Mental Disorders in Ethnic Minority Areas of Lijiang, China

Lijiang’s medical pluralism blends biomedicine, TCM, and folk practices, yet local perceptions increasingly favor a binary divide ("Western" vs. "Traditional") that marginalizes ritual therapies as superstition. Based on the medical pluralism theory, this essay provides an overview of the current status of traditional medicine in Lijiang area based on individuals’ attitudes, analyzes the setbacks against its development, and explores possible solutions to breathe new life into Lijiang traditional medicine. Using the method of field study, researchers collected Lijiang people’s understanding towards ritual therapy and mental illness, and analyzed their therapy choice for mental illness (mental hospital, psychological counselling, or ritual therapy). The results included answers from multiple interviewees on four perspectives: perception of rituals, understanding of mental illness, attitudes toward modern medicine (mostly trust and priority), and support systems and self-help. The results also included a generalized therapy-choosing process for mental illness: modern medicine is prioritized, followed by psychotherapy, with traditional treatment (herbal and ritual practice) being a last choice. Preservation of traditional treatment requires integrating rituals into mental healthcare through scientific validation (e.g., stress-relief mechanisms) and cultural-tourism initiatives (e.g., meditation experiences).